Memory upgrade?

[Grandpappy]

My system has 2 x 2 slots of 256m. memory with 2 slots spare. If I install another 2 x 256m of memory what will: a) how difficult
b) how expensive
c) will I notice the difference ???
I'm running a Dell Dimension 5150 Home Edition SP2 with a 160G hard drive a 19" monitor and a 'spare' external hard drive of 250G.
I do a lot of graphics/photo's etc.
Any advice from out there?
Many many thanks,in advance
Grandpappy

[khana]

Its really easy to upgrade memory, simply a case of opening your pc and then slotting the memory sticks in (you ma y need to be firm with them, until you hear them click in to place). You will notice a big difference on your pc, especially as it reduces the constant churning of your hard drive with the windows swap file.

Price wise its going to be about �20-30 I would imagine and you can check sites like crucial.com to make sure you get the right type for your PC.

Good luck.

[vehelpfulguy]

The hardest part is making sure you have matching memory.

Make sure it is exactly the same as your existing memory and is suitable for your motherboard.

May be better to get a single 1 gigabyte strip and remove the existing 2 x 256Mb.

Mixed memory from different companies can cause problems.

Make sure your motherboard can accept a 1Gb strip.

btw, increasing memory is the one simple single thing you can do to improve PC performace.

(why not get TWO 1Gb strps and then you will be OK for the next few years, if you install Vista for example)

[Ethel]

Scan your computer here:

http://www.crucial.com/uk/

It will tell you the very best memory to buy and guarantees compatibility.

It really is a very easy job - took me less than 10 minutes, and I had never opened my pc before!

That company provides an excellent service - my memory arrived next day, but even if you decide not to buy from them, you will know exactly what to look for.

[fo3nix]

I'd go with crucial too. Or at least have their system tell you exactly what you need, and buy similar stuff elsewhere. But crucial memory is very good.

For photo stuff (photoshop etc.), more RAM is everything. You will notice a difference when applying filters etc.

[Grandpappy]

Well! I've bought the 2 x1gig. memory things and am waiting for the postman!
If you hear a scream, don't worry, it's me going into orbit!!

Thank you all for your help and advice and have a happy christmas.
Cheers.
Grandpappy