How Much Computer Memory Does Windows Need?
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I guess I need more memory, since I keep forgetting my own name! Sadly, I can’t just buy and install some in my brain. The question that Lynn sent in to PCPitStop is centered around the amount of memory her computer has. She purchased a computer with 128MB of memory, which is running Vista. The store clerks keep telling her she needs more RAM, but she is wondering if they are just trying to get her to spend more money.
I’m not sure how she even bought a computer with only 128MB of RAM installed. I honestly don’t think that’s totally correct, but I have been known to be wrong before. She mentions that the computer isn’t heavily used – it’s mainly a web browsing/email machine. Even so, I’m fairly sure that Vista won’t even run on that amount of memory.
No matter – whatever amount you have is fine, as long as the machine is running ok. If it’s working to your satisfaction – don’t change a thing. If you feel it is draggy, slow to respond or do things… then by all means, look into upping the amount of memory you have.
Vista will run optimally with 2GB of memory. Keep in mind that memory isn’t where you store files and folders… that’s the hard drive. The memory is where things happen, such as opening a program. When you click a program, the pc takes it and throws it into the memory. Poof! It then opens.
If you’re happy with the way everything runs, then leave it alone. Don’t tempt fate. I never recommend that! At some point in the future when things feel sluggish, you may want to check out Windows 7. It runs a heck of a lot faster than Vista. For the money… it’s a better operating system.
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6 Comments
Weldon Dodd
July 9th, 2009
at 6:14pm
My first thought is that Lynn must have a 128MB video card in her computer. My second thought is that you are right on with the recommendation of 2GB+ of RAM.
Bradleybradwell
July 9th, 2009
at 7:38pm
I’m running windows 7 right now on only 1 gb of ram. It’s working absolutely fine for me, or at least better than windows vista did.
Nitin Nigam
July 9th, 2009
at 10:19pm
well, i am running windows 7 so my computer needs just about 1gb ram to run it properly,although i have 4 gb ram,but windows 7 runs smoothly
Phillip Metzger
July 11th, 2009
at 3:49pm
I agree with everything you said, Chris. Except with 2gigs of memory expect the computer to take 5 to 10 minutes to boot and login.
With 4gigs of memory boot times will be much faster and your computer experience will be worth while.
David K
July 31st, 2009
at 6:10am
Well, i think that its either her video card or 1 gig of ram…
if not then she is on windows 2000 or sumthing
and i used to run vista with 2 gigs of ram and it booted in 40 seconds,,,
xp boots in 18 seconds
of course i have DDR3 laptop with a SSD
but my point is blame the HDD!
buying more money would be a waste (xp pro performance edition.)
Justin Sheaves
November 1st, 2009
at 10:10am
ummm definetly more ram…Vista is mostly eye candy and it requires 1gb minimum…i would suggest getting 2gb of ram considering its not that expensive…That way you can do stuff without lag…more ram will help everything…my computer is running windows 7 fine and it has 2gb of ram…