Upgrade Report [Reinvent Your PC: Performance Boosters - 07/12/2005]
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Posted by Ablang on July 13, 2005, 9:13 pm
Please log in for more thread options July 12th, 2005 Reinvent Your PC: Performance Boosters by PC World contributor Jim Aspinwall You can improve performance significantly by enhancing two basic components--the CPU and memory. Whether you built your computer or bought it, it can probably use more RAM. And some motherboards respond to a new CPU like a NASCAR engine does to a shot of nitro fuel. But adding high-performance components will generate extra heat, and more heat can shorten your PC's life expectancy; by adding a case fan or two, you can help prevent crashes and extend the system's life. Ratchet Up the RAM As upgrades go, adding RAM almost always gives you the most bang for your buck. Even today, some new PCs ship with only 256MB of memory, the minimum recommended amount for Windows XP. With memory still quite affordable (a typical 512MB memory module for a desktop PC will set you back only $60 to $90), no Windows XP system should run with less than 512MB. Too little memory forces Windows to swap programs and data between RAM and the hard drive, slowing down performance. Adding as much RAM as you can afford will cut down Windows' demands on the hard drive, making everything run faster and more smoothly. Most experts recommend at least 512MB of RAM for XP; some people upgrade to 1GB, 1.5GB, or even 2GB of RAM to put issues of insufficient memory and sluggish file swapping to rest. If you use the PC mainly for office applications, the Web, and e-mail, then consider upgrading to 512MB of RAM. If you run a lot of applications at the same time, frequently use large databases or spreadsheets, or edit large audio or video files, then a gigabyte of memory will make your computing life much easier. Some RAM modules, designed for high-speed computing, have additional features that may be useful for serious performance seekers. Crucial's Ballistix Tracer RAM modules (about $125 for 512MB) use rows of LEDs on each unit to indicate how much of it is in use at any one time. For current pricing and availability, go to the PC World Product Finder: http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/521668/15377828/973131/0/ Corsair's XMS Xpert memory modules (prices start at about $185 for 1GB) feature a bright LED display on top of the module that gives you an instant readout of system temperature and diagnostics. For pricing and more info, go to our Product Finder: http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/521668/15377828/973132/0/ When shopping for RAM, check your system manual to determine the type and speed of memory that your PC uses. You can add single DDR modules to a DDR system, but DDR2 memory must be added in matched pairs. And while you can safely use RAM that runs faster, it won't speed up your PC--though you sometimes can save money buying slightly faster RAM than your system is rated to use. The free version of SiSoft's diagnostic utility Sandra 2005 can tell you what kind of memory you have installed (use the Mainboard Information module, and look for the information category labeled Memory Modules). You can download a copy from us: http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/521668/15377828/972875/0/ Taking your system manual or one of your RAM modules to the store can help the tech or salesperson select the right type and amount of RAM for your PC. For detailed steps on how to upgrade your RAM, read the October 2000 "Upgrade Guide"; although the article is old, its instructions are still correct: http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/521668/15377828/973133/0/ One other rule applies generally to upgrades but particularly to RAM: Stick to the reputable manufacturers and avoid the bargain-basement generics. Poor-quality memory can cause your PC to crash and freeze. Those substandard modules are usually cheaper and sold with a very brief warranty period--perhaps just days--for good reason: You're likely to bring them back to the store after a few weeks. Reputable memory companies include Corsair, Crucial, Micron, and WinTec. Test Center Tip Always ground yourself to a metal part of the PC (it doesn't have to be plugged in) before touching any component inside the case. Memory Upgrades: Newer, Faster RAM Can Be Cheaper, Too When you shop for memory, you might be able to save some money by buying RAM that's slightly faster than, but backward-compatible with, the RAM your system now uses. When you shop for RAM upgrades, you usually need to figure out what memory your computer already has and buy the same kind. But RAM is almost always backward-compatible (though you need to get the right type, typically referred to as DDR or DDR2), and sometimes slightly faster RAM is cheaper than slower, older versions of RAM. As the factories that make memory switch to making faster models and older RAM becomes more scarce, prices for older modules tend to rise. We compared the average price (on June 1) for two 256MB DDR2 memory modules (DDR2 modules must be upgraded in matched pairs) rated for a range of motherboard bus speeds. Our results at right show that, if you needed PC2-3200 RAM, you would have gotten a better price for the faster, more plentiful PC2-4200 RAM, which works just as well. Go to our Product Finder to compare RAM pricing: http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/521668/15377828/973134/0/ This week's newsletter was taken from "Reinvent Your PC" in PC World's August issue. For even more tips, read the original article: http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/521668/15377828/973135/0/ Browse PC World's Upgrade Center for more how-tos, plus product reviews: http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/521668/15377828/973136/0/ === "I don't feel the need to be famous. It's all bullshit anyway....Having people around me just because I'm famous makes me feel really bad about myself. So I give 10% to my agent to do the fame thing, and I go focus on whatever I love." -- Jessica Alba | ||||||||||
