ready to upgrade video, RAM
I got a computer today and ran lots of programs with no problems. Very fast, very cool...until I played Nascar Racing 2003. With high resolution, the game ran at 20 fps then crashed. With low resolution, it ran at 30 fps, got to play for few minutes, then crash!
Is this happening because of my low RAM (256MB minus what video card is using) or cheap video card? Does a cheap sound card have any play in this problem?
I would like to get new RAM (Crucial 512MB DDR PC-2700) and ATI Radeon 9600SE video card.
Will this cure my gaming/crashing problem? What is the bare minimum to play games fast, high details, and NO crashes?
If I do get both, do I add the new RAM card next to old one? Do I toss out old card, or do I replace old with new and place old card in secondary slot? Hope this makes sense.
For RAM, is it better to go with 2 256MB cards or 1 512MB?
I don't plan on going to 1024MB.
Also, I use to be able to check what % my RAM was at by right clicking "My Computer," but with Windows XP I can't find that option. Any thoughts?
Sorry if this is another repetitive newbie post...i really appreciate your support! Thanks
I got a computer today and ran lots of programs with no problems. Very fast, very cool...until I played Nascar Racing 2003. With high resolution, the game ran at 20 fps then crashed. With low resolution, it ran at 30 fps, got to play for few minutes, then crash!
Is this happening because of my low RAM (256MB minus what video card is using) or cheap video card? Does a cheap sound card have any play in this problem?
I would like to get new RAM (Crucial 512MB DDR PC-2700) and ATI Radeon 9600SE video card.
Will this cure my gaming/crashing problem? What is the bare minimum to play games fast, high details, and NO crashes?
If I do get both, do I add the new RAM card next to old one? Do I toss out old card, or do I replace old with new and place old card in secondary slot? Hope this makes sense.
For RAM, is it better to go with 2 256MB cards or 1 512MB?
I don't plan on going to 1024MB.
Also, I use to be able to check what % my RAM was at by right clicking "My Computer," but with Windows XP I can't find that option. Any thoughts?
Sorry if this is another repetitive newbie post...i really appreciate your support! Thanks