Potential RAM upgrade

[notuslethe]

Upgrade time for my custom computer. I have a case; I'm still fine with my 500GB harddrive. The potential problem I see is with my RAM, which might in turn not be happy with my motherboard (ICK).

Here are my specs:

Gigabyte motherboard (GA-P35-DS3L)
Intel Code Duo E4500, 2.20 GHz, 2MB L2 Cache, 800 MHz FSB
Dual 1GB Crucial RAM, 800MHz
NVIDIA 8600GT graphics card

I use the comp for light gaming and Adobe CS4 and I've noticed a bit of lag.  It's not pissing me off just yet, but I wonder if I should upgrade RAM now while I have the money, or wait until Windows 7 comes out and I actually need it.

Also - is it worth it to buy a blu-ray reader?

[hot dog]

I've noticed a bit of lag.

Is that all?

Uninstall programs you are not using...Use the Disk Clean Up utility, Run a thorough anti-virus scan (use more than one program, like Malwarebytes, AVG and Spybot), and then run a defrag...    If you use Spybot just to run a manual scan DO NOT install the tea timer, when setting it up.

Of course, it always good to add some ram, if you can afford it

[soybean]

When do you notice the lag?

[notuslethe]

I mostly notice lag when I'm running CS4, which can be annoying.

I defrag and run programs like CCleaner about once a week as routine maintenance, but it doesn't make a noticeable difference.

One thing I'm worried about, though, is that I'm running Windows XP, and when I upgrade, is my 2GB of RAM going to handle Vista/Windows 7 well?

[Karnac]

I'd buy ram now....who knows the markup with back to school pricing.....ram is great value now.

[BC_Programmer]

you say 1GB in your original post and you've just said 2GB.... which is it? 

[notuslethe]

Thanks Karnac - I think I might just buy it because I have the money right now.


Sorry I was a bit confusing. What I meant is that I have 2GB total RAM

[Karnac]

Thanks Karnac - I think I might just buy it because I have the money right now.

Just make sure you run the scan at crucial.com to verify what your motherboard will handle.

[lectrocrew]

Gigabyte motherboard (GA-P35-DS3L)

Dual 1GB Crucial RAM, 800MHz

I would think adding two more modules of the same memory you have now would be an option. Of course this would completely fill the 4 slots your MB has, but 4Gb will run "light gaming and Adobe CS4" with no problem and any more than 4GB would require 64 bit operating system anyway.

[laptopfan76]

Both personal and laptop computers will benefit from added RAM. I personally would recommend if you have the funds that it's worth buying some extra RAM. At the moment RAM is relatively inexpensive and will improve the speed at which your computer operates, especially if you are running programs such as CS4.
Matthew
HP