Computer Runs Slower after adding more RAM

Kunal Mishra

Reputable
Sep 10, 2014
9
0
4,510
I've recently added 4GB of extra RAM to my laptop, making it a total of 8 GB. Ive noticed that the computer has been running rather slowly, with tasks such as startup and shutdown taking a long time. The start up itself tkes 5-6 minutes. Is there any way to overcome this problem? My specs are here:

  • OS Name Microsoft Windows 7 Home Basic
    Version 6.1.7601 Service Pack 1 Build 7601
    System Manufacturer LENOVO
    System Model IdeaPad Z580
    System Type x64-based PC
    Processor Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-3210M CPU @ 2.50GHz, 2501 Mhz, 2 Core(s), 4 Logical Processors
    Installed Physical Memory (RAM) 8.00 GB
    Total Physical Memory 7.87 GB
    Available Physical Memory 4.80 GB
    Total Virtual Memory 15.7 GB
    Available Virtual Memory 12.1 GB
    Page File Space 7.87 GB
Any help would be appreciated! Thanks in advance!
 
Solution
Remove the RAM and see if the system goes back to the old speed.

It's likely just a coincidence that the slowdown happened after the RAM setup unless it happened exactly at the same time you upgraded and will go away if you remove the extra RAM.

Do a virus and spyware scan on the system. Malwarebytes is a program to use for that along with an anti-virus program.
Remove the RAM and see if the system goes back to the old speed.

It's likely just a coincidence that the slowdown happened after the RAM setup unless it happened exactly at the same time you upgraded and will go away if you remove the extra RAM.

Do a virus and spyware scan on the system. Malwarebytes is a program to use for that along with an anti-virus program.
 
Solution
Are you using 64 or 32 bit version of Windows Home?

This..

Total Physical Memory 7.87 GB
Available Physical Memory 4.80 GB

Indicates that Windows cannot read the RAM correctly. If it's DDR3 RAM, you need to use a matching kit to what is currently installed.
 

Kunal Mishra

Reputable
Sep 10, 2014
9
0
4,510


I'm using a 64 Bit version, and both the RAM types are DDR3
 




What is the make/model or serial number on the RAM? Is it the same IBM RAM that came with it?

DDR3 doesn't mix well. It's better to order IBM's RAM from them instead of buying third party RAM, unless you replace all the RAM at once.
 

Kunal Mishra

Reputable
Sep 10, 2014
9
0
4,510

I bought the DDR3 RAM from Kingston
 


It's probably because you have two completely different RAM kits installed.

Remove the old RAM and just try the new and see if it works.
 

Kunal Mishra

Reputable
Sep 10, 2014
9
0
4,510
For those who asked, here are my RAM specifications
Type DDR3
Size 8192 MBytes
Channels # Dual
DRAM Frequency 798.3 MHz
CAS# Latency (CL) 11 clocks
RAS# to CAS# Delay (tRCD) 11 clocks
RAS# Precharge (tRP) 11 clocks
Cycle Time (tRAS) 28 clocks
Command Rate (CR) 1T
Memory Usage 34 %
Total Physical 7.87 GB
Available Physical 5.16 GB
Total Virtual 16 GB
Available Virtual 12 GB
 


Remove your old ram and just boot of the new sticks and see if it shows all RAM is usable

Those are just the current settings, it's not the specifications for the RAM you bought, you'll need the serial number off one of the sticks to find it online.