More memory - how useful?

#1 (**permalink**) 12-03-2006, 11:12 AM

Our XP pc has 1gb of ram installed.
Just bought another 1gb.
Before installing it though what's a good way of testing the pc before
and after installation to see the effect of the additional ram?
....some benchmark software I expect...if so any advice on simple, free
program?
Thanks, John

#2 (**permalink**) 12-03-2006, 06:00 PM

"John Jones" <JohnJones@NOSPAMthanks.com> wrote in message
news:ekubef$n2p$1@news8.svr.pol.co.uk...
> Our XP pc has 1gb of ram installed.
> Just bought another 1gb.
> Before installing it though what's a good way of testing the pc before
> and after installation to see the effect of the additional ram?
> ...some benchmark software I expect...if so any advice on simple, free
> program?
> Thanks, John
>

I am not fully aware of what program would be a good indicator. Most
benchmarking utilities I have used are CPU intensive, not memory intensive.

Also determining the speed boost from more RAM is going to depend on
what applications you are using primarily. Honestly only memory intensive
programs are going to see a real benefit (I.E. Photoshop...). There are
cases too where more RAM may even degrade system performance. This
typically only occurs in extremely cheap motherboards, older systems and
sometimes in pre-built machines. 1GB is really the sweet spot for most
uses.

-Chris

#3 (**permalink**) 12-03-2006, 06:06 PM

John Jones <JohnJones@NOSPAMthanks.com> wrote

> Our XP pc has 1gb of ram installed.
> Just bought another 1gb.
> Before installing it though what's a good way of testing the pc before
> and after installation to see the effect of the additional ram?

> ...some benchmark software I expect...
> if so any advice on simple, free program?

Not even possible. Whether you see any benefit
past 1G really depends on how you use the PC.

#4 (**permalink**) 12-03-2006, 07:23 PM

Ok, thanks for the replies. J
---------------

"Rod Speed" <rod.speed.aaa@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:4tgi0eF13oca6U1@mid.individual.net...
> John Jones <JohnJones@NOSPAMthanks.com> wrote
>
>> Our XP pc has 1gb of ram installed.
>> Just bought another 1gb.
>> Before installing it though what's a good way of testing the pc before
>> and after installation to see the effect of the additional ram?
>
>> ...some benchmark software I expect...
>> if so any advice on simple, free program?
>
> Not even possible. Whether you see any benefit
> past 1G really depends on how you use the PC.
>

#5 (**permalink**) 12-04-2006, 03:15 AM

On Sun, 3 Dec 2006 11:12:15 -0000, "John Jones"
<JohnJones@NOSPAMthanks.com> wrote:

>Our XP pc has 1gb of ram installed.
>Just bought another 1gb.
>Before installing it though what's a good way of testing the pc before
>and after installation to see the effect of the additional ram?
>...some benchmark software I expect...if so any advice on simple, free
>program?
>Thanks, John
>

Windows' Task Manager provides figures for "Commit Charge",
"Peak" values on it's Performance tab.

You merely need to aggressively use the system to recreate
the scenarios you wish to cover with addition of more
memory, by having more than the peak value... enough more
that the remainder serves as a filecache. Use the system
like that, for as long as reasonable possible (a few days
between reboots, if you dont turn it off every night) and
then get that peak figure.

If you only use small apps and files, a small filecache is
sufficient. If very large files, a larger one might be of
benefit but see MS' website for the settings change
necessary to increase the max filecache size if necessary.