Attempting a RAM replacement but im a HUGE NOOB - Plz help :)

[twolves90]

Hello. Lemme start by saying I have an alright knowledge of computers, but little knowledge of terms and such. I've replaced various parts in a few computers but that's about it.

My current computer has 1 stick of 512mb. I have a 6600GT Video Card and when I run up the graphics, my comp is VERY Slow...... I was told upgrading my RAM would help very much. So I decided to go from slow 512 to fast 2 Gigs.

I'm contemplating this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820145575
"CORSAIR XMS 2GB (2 x 1GB) 184-Pin DDR SDRAM Unbuffered DDR 400 (PC 3200) Dual Channel Kit System Memory"

A) Is RAM what I should be replacing?
B) Are there other components in my computer I should upgrade as well?
C) What precautions must I take before replacing my RAM?
D) Once ive physically installed the new RAM, what else is left to do?

Thank you.... sorry im a nubbbbb

 

[The_Other_One]

First off, a major misconception is that RAM will increase your performace, and it WON'T. Your raw performace is the same, thing just might load quicker because your haddrive isn't having to load your files and the swap file at the same time(or as much...)

Now, don't get be wrong, more RAM will help somewhat, but I doubt you'll see near the performace increase that you're expecting. Unless you have bad hardware(RAM or other parts) it's probably either just your hardware being slower than you'd like, or too many programs running the inthe background.

Now,as for your questions.
B) Your choice. Seeing as I don't know your hardware it's hard for me to say what else should be changed...
C) The only real precautions would be to ground yourself before handling the stuff(IE touch the case) and then be sure the RAM's seated totally. Also, you might want to check for compatability issues. Like, check on the motherboard manufacturers site and see what brands/models of RAM they reccomend/have tested.
D) You shouldn't have to change anything. Just be sure all the RAM shows up during post, or in the BIOS...or even just once windows loads.

 

[Arm_Pit]

I certainaly noticed a different between 512mb to 1.5gb, then to 2gb(a lot less of a different from 1.5-2 then .5-1.5 as you migth have guessed) main performance increase was in games...