recommended RAM for XP

[PoolMaster]

I have a HP with an Athlon XP2000+ running Win XP Home Edition and 256 MB DDR ram .How much ram would you recommend for this setup. The reason I am asking this is it seems like this computer is slower (as far as opening and shutting down programs) than my older Athlon 550Mhz system with Win 98. I was just wondering if it would benefit from another 256Mb of ram maybe? Thanks for any input you might have.

 

[MasterHoss]

No, an additional 256MB of RAM will not help your problem. Moreover, it really shouldn't be that much slower than running a machine with Win98.

 

[Bovinicus]

I disagree, an additional 256MB of memory will definitely help XP run faster. It made a difference in Windows 2000 for me. The increase in performance is not as drastic as the jump from 128MB to 256MB, but it is significant none-the-less. Also, as software starts to take up more memory, it will make more of a difference. Maybe another 128MB would be better for you if you are trying to save some money. 384MB is an effective way to boost performance while saving some money.

 

[John]

256MB should be fine for the "average" system. Turn off the eye candy (except visual styles and drop shadows) in the system prop/advanced/performance area.

 

[amdskip]

Check out your settings on your computer if HP made it, they load em up with tons of junk. Get the ram too, it will help.

 

[Duvie]

I agree....HP and other oem built pcs equal bloatware and tons of it...may be draining the old resources....

I think 256mb ddr is good for most users....It really depends on the apps.

If you do any of these it may help you to get 128-256 more...

1)multitask multiple programs and I don't mean multiple windows of IE....I am talking like playing mp3s while downloading from internet, while surfing, while burning program is on and burning cds...

2) Use autocadd or other CADD and 3d animation programs

3) Use photoshop or do tons of scanning and editing of photos

Most non power users wont do a lot of these things or do them at same time...

 

[Amused]

I wont run XP with less than 512MB of RAM. I've tried building budget machines for folks with only 256MBs and the difference between 256 and 512 is dramatic to me.

 

[WobbleWobble]

Right click on your Task Bar and click Task Manager.
Then go to the Performance tab.

Look at the Memory Usage. If it's less than 256MB when you're doing your normal activities, you're fine with your 256MB of RAM and more RAM wouldn't help.
If it's more than that, then more RAM would help.