• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Ram recommendations for a Dell 2350 1.7 GHz Celeron 400 MHz

M

MageXX9

Senior member
The computer came with 128 MB and after updating everything on Windows XP it's really sluggish. It has 2 slots, and I think it's DDR 3200. I'm thinking two 512 MB pieces. Any advice? It doesn't have to be the fastest either, just something that works very reliable.
 
It's my employers box. All she does on it is Quick Books, Word, Excel, Email, and Web browser. And none at the same time. It just takes forever to load stuff, even after a fresh format/reinstall.
 
If you aren't gaming, 1 - 512 MB stick should be fine.

You can even try running it with the 128 MB. You might have a dual-channel motherboard but if not gaming the slight penalty from single-channel mode will not matter.
 
Nah, it has one 128 MB stick in it now, and it's very sluggish. Takes forever to do stuff, and loads programs.
 
If she only does MS Office apps and one at a time, she'll only need 256 MB of RAM total--maybe 384MB, but no more. Get another 128MB stick and call it good. If you want to splurge, get a 256MB stick.
 
Originally posted by: MageXX9
So you think 512 will do the trick?
Click to expand...

Originally posted by: fightcancer
If she only does MS Office apps and one at a time, she'll only need 256 MB of RAM total--maybe 384MB, but no more. Get another 128MB stick and call it good. If you want to splurge, get a 256MB stick.
Click to expand...

 
why stop there? why not get a new mobo w/new CPU and 2 GB RAM?
Click to expand...

The dell case can't support a new motherboard. hah



wait...now that I think about it. Mebbe it can.

hrmm *twiddles thumbs*
 
On another note. Does everyone agree with me that the 128 MB ram is the bottleneck. I formatted the drive, reinstalled XP, got *all* updates, installed Norton Internet Security Pro w/ Anti-spyware, installed Office, got all updates, installed Quick books, and got more updates. And it's sluggish. When you close a window you can actually see the window go away and the screen repaint.


I think it's the ram, I don't know of anything else it could be.

Specs:
-Celeron 1.7 GHz 400 MHz bus
-128 MB ram
-40 gig hard drive
 
Yes. XP runs much faster with even 256 MB. But there are diminishing returns: 128 -> 256 = huge jump, 256 -> 512 small jump, 512+ pretty much only helps gamers and photoshoppers.

Office runs just fine with a 1 GHz CPU, given enough RAM.
 
Originally posted by: MageXX9
why stop there? why not get a new mobo w/new CPU and 2 GB RAM?
Click to expand...

The dell case can't support a new motherboard. hah



wait...now that I think about it. Mebbe it can.

hrmm *twiddles thumbs*
Click to expand...

Exactly... Who ever said anything about leaving it inside the Dell? Muahahahah 🙂
 
Originally posted by: MageXX9
On another note. Does everyone agree with me that the 128 MB ram is the bottleneck. I formatted the drive, reinstalled XP, got *all* updates, installed Norton Internet Security Pro w/ Anti-spyware, installed Office, got all updates, installed Quick books, and got more updates. And it's sluggish. When you close a window you can actually see the window go away and the screen repaint.


I think it's the ram, I don't know of anything else it could be.

Specs:
-Celeron 1.7 GHz 400 MHz bus
-128 MB ram
-40 gig hard drive
Click to expand...



there's not likely anything wrong with the 128mb stick that's in there now. If It's DDR (even PC2100...), it's more then fast enough for a 1.7ghz cereron.

Just leave the 128mb stick in there and add another stick. One stick of 256mb would probably be the best balance of price and performance gain.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top