What is the cause of a slow computer?

[groovyg]

Hi I have a question, basically what is the cause of a slow computer?? Is it RAM by chance?

Thanks in advance

 

[The_Other_One]

Primary cause today is too much crap on the hard drive(either running in the background or spyware) Then would be an old machine(processor) Lack of RAM really hurts performace too.

 

[jp198780]

yeahh, thats all of the reasons why a computer can be slow

 

[blacklabelrum]

Windows.

 

[groovyg]

Can ram be added on ? Or do I have to buy a whole new unit?

 

[jp198780]

no, you can add RAM, you have 2 know what the MAX of RAM the motherboard can support...

whats your computer?

 

[holyjunk]

no, you can add RAM, you have 2 know what the MAX of RAM the motherboard can support...

whats your computer?

That and Probably the most important thing uh.. the ram type. lol
*If you do not know download this link.
http://www.softpedia.com/progDownload/CpuZ-Download-6980.html

 

[jp198780]

ooo yeahh aha, if he tells us the brand/model of the computer, im sure 1 of us can tell him his RAM type..

 

[meanpc]

Download this:
http://www.meanpc.com/content/view/53/39/

It will tell you every component in your computer, and will output to either a txt or html file if you like. Then you can post it, and let us take a look.

 

[ryf]

also, seek time on a single HD PC that hasn't been defragged....


with windows xp I prefer at least 768 megs of ram for reliably fast use in a non gaming or light gaming situation.

 

[jp198780]

no, 384MB/512MB is perfect.

 

[ryf]

>IMO< I have a 384meg rdram p4 1.4 and its a dog. it runs the basics OK, but not crisp like my p3 1.3 with a gig of pc133 ram comparitively. when it only had 512 it still dusted the p4...

if he's paying to upgrade, 512-768 would be the minimum I'd recommend, especially if its already dodgy...

not dogging your opinion at all JP, just stating my experience.

 

[jp198780]

yeahh i know, im just saying that, because my systems with 384 run great..but yes, if he can 512-768 would be great..

 

[meanpc]

JP, what do you use those 5 computers for? Just internet/email/word processing? You got something against RAM and decent sized harddrives? Just curious.

 

[jp198780]

well the Inspiron, Latitude, Solo and GX110 4 internet/e-mail..

and my 240 4 internet/e-mail/mild gaming..

and yes i do, i see no reason in putting a huge HD is a computer if you only use about 5GB's, pretty much about what all my computers have taken up..

and RAM, i think 384 is enough 4 internet, and 512 should be great 4 gaming 4 me..my Solo is just old, and trying 2 get rid of it 2 get a newer/faster 1..