Upgrading memory

[peter]

I've got a Packard Bell PC that is a couple of years old and I want to
upgrade the memory as it's running a little slow now (and memory is
pretty cheap). How can I be sure that the memory I buy is suitable for
my PC/motherboard?

Many thanks
Peter

 

[Calab]

I've got a Packard Bell PC that is a couple of years old and I want to
upgrade the memory as it's running a little slow now (and memory is
pretty cheap). How can I be sure that the memory I buy is suitable for
my PC/motherboard?

Take a stick with you to the PC store.

BTW... PC's don't get slower over time. It's probably loaded with junk that
doesn't need to be running. Have you thought about a format/reinstall, or
even just removing old software that isn't in use?

 

[Grinder]

I've got a Packard Bell PC that is a couple of years old and I want to
upgrade the memory as it's running a little slow now (and memory is
pretty cheap). How can I be sure that the memory I buy is suitable for
my PC/motherboard?

There are a number of sites that allow you to put in a make and model
number, and it will offer memory options.

Personally, I would probably pop the lid off to not only see what
motherboard is in there, but also to identify your current memory
configuration. From there, I would find what memory is acceptable from
the motherboard's user manual.

There are various bits of software (Everest Home Edition, Sandra Lite)
that can *probably* tell you what your hardware is without having to
open up the chassis.

 

[peter]

Take a stick with you to the PC store.

BTW... PC's don't get slower over time. It's probably loaded with junk that
doesn't need to be running. Have you thought about a format/reinstall, or
even just removing old software that isn't in use?

yes I regularly run commericially avaiable software to clear out junk,
It's just that now I'm running more "demanding" programs that need
more memory. The PC only has 512mb of ram so it needs an upgrade.

 

[Paul]

I've got a Packard Bell PC that is a couple of years old and I want to
upgrade the memory as it's running a little slow now (and memory is
pretty cheap). How can I be sure that the memory I buy is suitable for
my PC/motherboard?

Many thanks
Peter

Crucial.com and Kingston.com have search engines. Enter make and model
via the menus. And they'll give you some information.

CPUZ can report some current basic information for your hardware. There
may be a menu, where you can select each DIMM slot in turn, and get info
for the device in the slot.

http://www.cpuid.com/cpuz.php

Crucial has a "system scanner", that is supposed to dig up some info as well.

http://www.crucial.com/systemscanner/index.aspx

But if you want more assistance with the upgrade, you could try
telling us the model number of the machine, for more info.

Paul