How to Buy Computer Memory

How do you know when to buy more memoryAdding Computer PeripheralsIf you add a printer
for your computer? Or how much memory you'llor scanner to your system, you should also
need? If you can afford it, you should always buyconsider buying more memory. Printers consume
as much memory as you can, since it boostssystem memory particularly when printing huge
system performance.But not all of us need 1 GBfiles. Scanners consume memory when handling
of RAM - most home users need only about 512large image files.When Your Hard Disk Starts
MB of RAM. Besides, computer memory is very'Chugging'In general, you can tell whether you
expensive - a 512 MB piece of RAM costs aboutshould be buying more memory by listening to
$50. This article will help you analyze when youyour hard drive. Yes, by listening to your hard
need to buy memory and much memory isdrive. If it makes a long drawn 'chugging' noise
required in various scenarios.When to Buy Morewhenever you copy or edit large files, you can be
MemoryThinking back on my experience withsure you need a memory upgrade.You see, when
building computers, there are usually five scenariosyour system is low on memory, it borrows space
under which you'd buy memory for yourfrom your hard disk to make 'virtual memory'.
computer:This process is called 'paging' and it's very, very
When upgrading your operating systemslow and irritating . Get that memory upgrade and
When installing new applicationsavoid this problem at all costs!How Much Memory
When installing multimedia cardsDo You Need?Depending on the type of software
When adding computer peripheralsapplications you are using, the amount of memory
When your hard disk starts 'chugging'you need will differ. As a bare minimum,
Let's look at these in turn.When Upgrading Yourcomputers these days need at least 256 MB of
Operating SystemEach time I upgrade myRAM.Refer to the list below to see how much
operating system, I find that I need to buy morememory you will need based on the type of
memory. Your operating system is a hugesoftware you use.
memory hogger. Windows XP , for example,Administrative: Word processing, email,
requires at least 512 MB RAM to run smoothly (atspreadsheets, surfing the web, general gaming,
least on my PC). Windows 2000 needs at leastnot many applications open at once. Get 256 MB
256 MB RAM. Always check the operating systemto 512 MB of memory.Executive/Professional:
manufacturer's documentation carefully - theyWord processing, email, spreadsheets,
always tend to understate memorypresentations, videos, photos, surfing the web,
requirements.When installing new applications:general gaming, several applications open at once.
Business software like Microsoft Office, videoGet 512 MB to 1 GB of memory.Graphics Design
editing applications like Adobe Premiere Pro andSoftware Development: 3D CAD software,
games like Half-Life 2 really need a LOT ofenterprise programming suites, simulation or
memory. Some will refuse to run if they find yourmodeling software. Get 1 GB or more of
memory lacking. Other applications will run but willmemory.
crawl like a snail. Newer software these daysConclusionThis article has explored the various
assume you have a huge amount of memory.scenarios when a memory upgrade is necessary.
Again, check the manufacturer's documentationOnce you determine you need a memory
carefully for memory requirements.When Installingupgrade, decide how much memory you want.
Multimedia CardsTwo types of cards come intoRemember that your motherboard has a limited
mind - video cards and sound cards. Video cardsnumber of slots for memory, so check that
have a built-in memory but they also consumewhatever memory you buy can fit into those
main system RAM. Don't be fooled by that fancyslots. Good luck and happy shopping!Gary
video card that says it'll deliver fantastic 3DHendricks runs a hobby site on building computers.
graphics performance. Video cards depend a lotVisit his
on your main system RAM. Without sufficientwebsite at for tips and
memory, the video cards will still perform poorlytricks on assembling a PC, as well as buying good
even if they are the latest and greatest versionscomputer components.
(the ATI Radeon 9800 Pro comes to mind).When