RAM slowing down computer

chargers558

New Member
Well, I started off with 4gb of RAM from when I bought this computer 3 years ago. I decided to upgrade it to 8gb of RAM, and bought the exact same brand of RAM because I didn't want there to be anything wrong. When I put only 2gb of RAM just to test it out, my computer was lagging like crazy and uses way too much CPU. Just sitting and doing nothing, it uses %14 of CPU (on only 4gb it would use 0%-1%) I really have no idea why it is doing this. If you guys could help me out I would really appreciate it!

I have a Gateway fx7026 but a radeon 5770 graphics card instead of the crappy NVida 8800 gt graphics card
 

powerpack

banned
Are we trying to learn why this is happening or get your computer running better? If getting it running better then put the new 4GB's in by itself if you want to see how it is working compared to old. But really you want to get the 8GB in and see how that works.

I am at a loss why you even went with 2GB to have discovered this?
 

chargers5583

New Member
I had to make a new account because this one messed up. I also forgot to mention I put 2gb in, then I put the extra 2gb in to get 8gb and see if that fixed the problem. It didn't, and I tried everything I could to make it stop lagging with 6gb and 8gb but it was still lagging. It takes 5 minutes just to load windows whereas if I only have 4gb in, then it loads in about 1 minute. I really don't see why it takes up all my cpu just to handle 6gb or 8gb of RAM

Anyways I am going to put up a video on youtube showing my problem
 

powerpack

banned
Have you used say CPU-z to confirm speed and timings? Also try a bandwidth memory bench with old and new.

More RAM can increase both load time and CPU usage. But not as you describe. Not 5 minutes and not more usage when not doing anything.

How full is HDD? Are you RAID0 or just two HDD's non RAID? The HDD with swap file is the one I am asking how full. Defrag your HDD. Your swap just went from 6GB to 12GB.

Put the 4GB new RAM in alone does your speed come back? If so it is not the new RAM.

I am doing a lot of speculating here.
 

powerpack

banned
You need to check your new RAM. I think you have a problem. In 1st post you said CPU usage %14 now 80%. Yea problem.
 

chargers5583

New Member
You need to check your new RAM. I think you have a problem. In 1st post you said CPU usage %14 now 80%. Yea problem.

That was when I had NOTHING up. I have no idea why this is doing this. I think I am going to take it back and ask for some new ones if I can't get it to work.
 

powerpack

banned
But you can do some diagnostics on your own. As I have said try with the new sticks only. If it acts the same the new RAM is the issue if it works fine we need to move on.

Diagnoses is a step by step process. We can't go any further to find the problem if you don't try some things.

My suggestion is in no way the only or even best way but it is going to follow a method vs random unconnected guesses. It could lead us to find the problem.

Oh and it is all free so other than your time? Not much to lose. Returning and replacing RAM that is fine for more of the same takes time and would not resolve. So give it a try buddy.
 

chargers5583

New Member
Okay, I have used the new RAM by itself and it works just the same as it did as if it was the old ones, non-laggy and works great. I looked at my system info with the extra RAM and without it and it says everything is okay. I generated a system health report and says everything is okay. The only problem I am having is that the RAM slows down my computer way to much which is the opposite of what it is supposed to do in most cases. I have windows vista x64 bit home premium which allows for more than 8gb of RAM. *SAD FACE* The motherboard might be a problem
 

powerpack

banned
Start in safe mode. I think I know exactly what is going on and how to fix I just want to try this first. If you could unplug one of the HDD's you would not have to start in safe mode.
 

powerpack

banned
Getting late so I will cut to the chase. Your problem is your PSU. It is 400w and was already pushed to the limit. Your GPU upgrade to a GPU that ATI/AMD says 450w is the minimum was over the limit. Your extra RAM is the straw that broke the camels back.

If you could disconnect one HDD my hope is this reduces the power draw enough to get the RAM working. If you could and it does it confirms what I suspect. Safe mode was a hope to reduce power draw also but I know less if that is even realistic.

I am at this point almost certain that is your issue as it clearly is not the RAM. Following my tips on trying different things helps me to make intelligent suggestions vs what I am having to do here and now.

Good luck.
 

chargers5583

New Member
Thanks, I am going to try it right now! Hope it works.

EDIT: Didn't help. I unplugged one of them and it still is running high
 
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chargers5583

New Member
Okay, nevermind. It works in safemode perfectly and doesn't overheat. I took out my extra HDD space but it still says I have it in which is still causing me to lag when I run it normally. So you were right about the power supply being insufficient. Is there anyway to make it update? I mean I totally took all the cables out and took it out of the case but it still is being read like it is still there.
 

powerpack

banned
I am so far beyond my expertise at this point. I am just glad we might have an answer to original issue. I am sure others will have no problem helping with the HDD thing. I've never had a desktop and never built a system so I have major holes in my knowledge.

Good luck. I will keep thinking about it and if anything comes to mind I will let you know.
 

chargers5583

New Member
I am so far beyond my expertise at this point. I am just glad we might have an answer to original issue. I am sure others will have no problem helping with the HDD thing. I've never had a desktop and never built a system so I have major holes in my knowledge.

Good luck. I will keep thinking about it and if anything comes to mind I will let you know.

Thanks a lot man!
 

powerpack

banned
Just found out no matter what I do I have to buy a new power supply if I want to install these :( oh well, thanks again!
I assumed the entire time a new PSU was going to be needed. My suggestions were only for diagnostic purposes.

I would feel much more comfortable if someone else with a high level of knowledge would jump in and agree or disagree. Also maybe have a suggestion how to drop the load for diagnostic purposes?

4 DIMM's is a greater load than two. Your borderline capable PSU and a custom GPU upgrade just have me guessing at the reason.

Do you have the 8800 (or access to any even lower end)? If so swap it in and put 3 DIMM's in if problem does not present that is when the diagnostic all but confirms PSU?
 

chargers5583

New Member
I ran into the same problem I had a year ago. The RAM isn't compatible with the 8800gt graphics card in which is strange (but I don't really care anymore) I am 99.99% sure you are right because my graphics card takes 450 Watts to power and I only have 400 Watts which is stressing it enough. The box of my graphics card says that the recommended is 600 Watts so at the end of this month, I'm going down to my local frys (frys.com) and buying myself a new power supply. Thank you very much, you have really helped me a lot! Really appreciate it.
 

powerpack

banned
You make me feel good! I give no guarantee just the best I could do. I did find the PSU is weak off Google not saying the erratic behavior but I put 2 and two together.

Just so you know I have zero professional computer training. I am a high School drop out. So it does feel good to of maybe helped you?

Best of luck!
 
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