ram optimizer software recommendation

[rikit]

I am trying to find out if there is a software program out there to help optimize the performance and usage of my pc ram? I do not know what I would need to look for so that is why I am asking. I want to utilize my ram to it's full potential if possiable. I am not great at tweaking, so a software I can run that is petty simple to use would be great. Thanks

[redwudz]

XP does that well enough on it's own. You are not likely to make any improvements, but easily could make things worse. If you indeed have 512MB RAM, I would upgrade to 1GB for XP. More won't make much of any difference. And check your motherboard specifications. If it can use dual channel memory, that will give you a slight performance increase. Also see what RAM your MB can use. PC2100 is a relatively slow memory compared with what's out there at present.

If you are looking for improved speed or performance, RAM is not the best place to look. Operations like encoding are almost completely dependent on CPU speed, and memory has a much smaller bearing on encoding performance.

There is also overclocking. You may be able to squeeze a bit more performance out of your CPU, at a risk of instability and higher CPU temps. But it's a good option if you are careful. Faster memory timings can also make a very small improvement if you are adventurous. You can look to sites like http://www.overclockers.com/ or http://www.overclockersclub.com/ or similar. If your MB is a bit old, you may have to search the archive files. But I have seen large performance improvements, even with a older setup, with some careful tweaking. But not with memory management programs.

I would also update XP to SP2 if you haven't already. It has several improvements, especially security, that may help your system.

But the best solution for improved performance is a new motherboard, CPU, DDR2 memory, basically a new system.

[Krispy Kritter]

I agree with redwudz. Tweaking/optimizing isn't necessary. You will see a noticable speed increase upgrading to 1GB of RAM.

And you should really consider keeping XP up to date, which includes SP2.

[Soopafresh]

I've tested out many of those RAM optimizing apps. They don't work. Besides, they severely slow down your system while they are optimizing. Just add more RAM.

[Midzuki]

rikit wrote:

I want to utilize my ram to it's full potential if possible

Not possible under Win32/64.
By definition, all non-DOS Windowzes are "memory-hungry".

[classfour]

With 4 RAM slots: I'd add more memory - even if it meant pulling 2 sticks of 128MB and throwing in two 1GB sticks. (or 2 512mb sticks)

http://www.amdboard.com/asusa7m266d.html

Likely the benefits would be far greater than any memory boost program, at a minimal of added cost. I've used www.oempcworld.com in the past with good results, and good memory.

[GKar]

You can try this freeware Cacheman 5.5:

http://www.download.com/Cacheman/3000-2248_4-10018600.html

It tweaks a few caches, memory allocation priorities and a few other things. After tweaking you can restore to original settings. I've used it for years with no problems. It has a good help file, presets and a manual wizard.

[rikit]

Thank you. I have xp and sp2. I have 1gb ram and I just ordered another 1gig stick. I now have 2 gigs. I just wanted to make sure my system is using my ram to its full potential.