Question Adding RAM to Gateway DX4860 (Speccy inside)

[aimmyarrowshigh]

I'm hoping to speed up general processes since the computer's (obviously!) getting a bit old.

-RAM
--Memory slots
---Total memory slots 4
---Used memory slots 3
---Free memory slots 1
--Memory
---Type DDR3
---Size 6144 MBytes
---Channels # Dual
---CAS# Latency (CL) 9 clocks
---RAS# to CAS# Delay (tRCD) 9 clocks
---RAS# Precharge (tRP) 9 clocks
---Cycle Time (tRAS) 24 clocks
---Command Rate (CR) 2T
--Physical Memory
---Memory Usage 57 %
---Total Physical 5.91 GB
---Available Physical 2.51 GB
---Total Virtual 12 GB
---Available Virtual 6.30 GB
--SPD
---Number Of SPD Modules 3

Would this be an appropriate memory upgrade for my machine?: https://www.amazon.com/4GB-Memory-Gateway-DX4860-UB33P-DDR3-10600/dp/B00978WOVO

Thanks!

 

[justin.m.beauvais]

Well, I'm not sure RAM is going to make the system go any faster. Am I correct in assuming that it is a 2nd gen (2000 series) i3 or i5 CPU? Because if that is the case, those age getting pretty long in the tooth. The CPU needs an upgrade to extract more performance. If it is an i3 you can look for an i5 2320 or an i7 2600 and they should just drop into the CPU socket. If you already have an i5, there isn't really a worthy upgrade. You'd be better off getting a new PC at that point.

Alternatively, you could switch to a solid state drive. That would make things feel a lot faster. It will make the PC much more responsive and programs will load up quite a bit faster.

 

[aimmyarrowshigh]

Well, I'm not sure RAM is going to make the system go any faster. Am I correct in assuming that it is a 2nd gen (2000 series) i3 or i5 CPU? Because if that is the case, those age getting pretty long in the tooth. The CPU needs an upgrade to extract more performance. If it is an i3 you can look for an i5 2320 or an i7 2600 and they should just drop into the CPU socket. If you already have an i5, there isn't really a worthy upgrade. You'd be better off getting a new PC at that point.

Alternatively, you could switch to a solid state drive. That would make things feel a lot faster. It will make the PC much more responsive and programs will load up quite a bit faster.

It is an Intel Core i3 2120 @ 3.30GHz, so thank you for the advice! Would it make sense or have any additional value to upgrade both the CPU and add additional RAM, or is that redundant? I know pretty much nothing about computer hardware.

 

[justin.m.beauvais]

It is an Intel Core i3 2120 @ 3.30GHz, so thank you for the advice! Would it make sense or have any additional value to upgrade both the CPU and add additional RAM, or is that redundant? I know pretty much nothing about computer hardware.

Well, a CPU upgrade alone will help most. Adding another 2GB of RAM would bring you up to 8 GB which is the mainstream standard right now, so 6 GB isn't that bad. If I were you I'd look into a CPU upgrade and adding a small SSD, and putting Windows and you most used programs on it. Amazon has a used i5 2320 for $50 after shipping and a Kingston 240GB SSD for $30-ish.

Now, these upgrades are going to be more involved than popping in a stick of RAM, but there are plenty of guides online, and you can always come back and ask for help or advice.

 

[aimmyarrowshigh]

Well, a CPU upgrade alone will help most. Adding another 2GB of RAM would bring you up to 8 GB which is the mainstream standard right now, so 6 GB isn't that bad. If I were you I'd look into a CPU upgrade and adding a small SSD, and putting Windows and you most used programs on it. Amazon has a used i5 2320 for $50 after shipping and a Kingston 240GB SSD for $30-ish.

Now, these upgrades are going to be more involved than popping in a stick of RAM, but there are plenty of guides online, and you can always come back and ask for help or advice.

Thank you!