Ask Leo!: Memory en-us 2008 Leo A. Notenboom and Puget Sound Software, LLC Sun, 18 Oct 2009 08:00:00 -08:00 Sun, 18 Oct 2009 08:00:00 -08:00 720 http://ask-leo.com/images/altile144.jpg Ask Leo! http://ask-leo.com 140 140 Tech Questions? Get Answers! Ask Leo! Can you have too much RAM? Is 64bit just a marketing ploy? http://ask-leo.com/can_you_have_too_much_ram_is_64bit_just_a_marketing_ploy.html You recently answered a question about "Why does my computer crash after adding RAM?" That got me thinking about 64 bit systems which are being offered more and more by manufacturers. As I understand it, Vista 64 bit is supposed to accommodate quite a bit more RAM than 32 bit systems (ie: Vista Basic = 8GB, Home Premium = 16GB, Business/Enterprise/Ultimate = 128+GB according to Microsoft.) And I'm guessing that Windows 7 in 64 bit will probably follow suit.

So... if someone buys a new computer (either laptop or desktop) with a 64 bit system, will the comp have a motherboard/BIOS that will accommodate the larger RAM or is this another marketing ploy to get people to spend money for something that won't live up to its potential? From a practical standpoint, can one have too much RAM? In other words, based on existing games, software, programs, etc is there really a need for 16GB or (gulp!) 128GB RAM? If one does maximize RAM would that eliminate the need for a page file? And finally, some packaged versions of Vista came with both a 32 and 64 bit install disk. If someone decides to install the 64 bit system what negative effects, if any, could occur to graphics cards, optical drives, etc?

]]> I certainly don't see any marketing ploys designed in here, but as with anything, a salesman can twist it in several different ways.

What we need to look at are the differences between hardware capabilities, software capabilities, and as you say, understanding just what's really needed.

]]> leo@pugetsoundsoftware (Leo A. Notenboom) Sun, 18 Oct 2009 08:00:00 -08:00 Technology Why does my computer crash after adding RAM? http://ask-leo.com/why_does_my_computer_crash_after_adding_ram.html My nephew has upgraded his computer's RAM from 256MB to 512MB. It operates much faster and the system recognized it fine. But after launching his browser the system freezes up. It does not do this with 256MB. His computer has 2 slots capable of 256MB max for each. We have since purchased an additional new one to match the other but the problem still exists. He added a 128MB chip to the open slot and no problem, it reads 384MB. We performed a full factory restore, same problem. We're both scratching our heads on this one. I've assisted many family members with memory upgrades and never a problem. Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

]]> Adding RAM is one of the most cost effective ways to improve your computer's speed and overall efficiency. Windows loves RAM.

Except, of course, when it doesn't work.

I'll look at some of the issues to consider when adding RAM, and of course what I think has happened in this specific case.

]]> leo@pugetsoundsoftware (Leo A. Notenboom) Sat, 27 Jun 2009 12:08:09 -08:00 Technology Can I mix and match RAM I add to my system? http://ask-leo.com/can_i_mix_and_match_ram_i_add_to_my_system.html

I just purchased 1 gigabyte of RAM for my computer and it works great. What didn't work was trying to use my previous 2 256MB ram sticks in combination with my new 1GB Stick. Is there any way to make this combo work? Perhaps a specific order to install the RAM?

The short answer is: maybe.

On some computers you can, and on others you cannot. On some you can, if as you suggest, you do it "the right way". So how do you tell?

]]> leo@pugetsoundsoftware (Leo A. Notenboom) Fri, 09 Jun 2006 11:58:40 -08:00 Technology