My computer software is malfunctioning once a day, for the last 4 days

[sidhardtha]

It is different software's that malfunction. I think it needs more memory or reformating or the processor is weak.

It is a Dell Dimension C521. Here's the specs. AMD Athlon 64 X2 dual-core. 2.1 Ghz. 2 GB of Dual-Channel DDR2 SDRAM (533MHz).

Memory DIMM slots: 4 available. 280 Watt DC Power Supply.

I think the graphics card is an 'Integrated NVIDIA GeForce 6150 LE graphic GPU.' Vista ultimate 32-bit.

I think my computer is 3.5 years old. I multi-task. I leave my computer on for about 16 hours. I am not a gamer.

I don't do much graphics or multi-media encoding. Should I add more memory?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Ubrales]

All PSUs gradually deteriorate as a result of ageing capacitors. 280 Watts is not much to begin with, and adding a graphics card may not be the ideal thing to do.

About adding RAM - 533 MHz RAM is hard to find, and you may have to go with 667 MHz RAM (I have done this, and it worked ok). Slight improvement in performance. Install the 667 RAM in slots 1 & 2, the 533 in slots 3 & 4. RAM does not use much power, but graphics cards do.

 

[sidhardtha]

Thank you.

Do you think my operating system needs reformatting? I don't recall having this problem before.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Ubrales]

No need to re-install the Operating System at this point - the type of problem you describe sounds like an inadequate Power Supply. Low wattage to begin with, and ageing effects on top of that.

 

[sidhardtha]

Thank you.

What should I do? Replace the PSU? How can I check it?

 

[Ubrales]

To check the PSU, try the paper clip test - http://www.corsair.com/cinema/movie.aspx?id=1358543

 

[sidhardtha]

Thank you.

 

[sidhardtha]

i reinstalled windows. that seems to have solved the problem.

thank you for replying.