Looking to upgrade RAM for Inspiron 1520?

I have NO idea what I'd need, or what's better.

I run Windows XP, use my laptop for basic internetting, storing photos, some games (Big Fish games, usually under 32mb a piece, Sims 2 (all expansions), etc?), and just need .. something.

My computer is running horribly slow lately, and I don't really know why. My stepdad is good with computers but is in the military and gone most of the time, so I am basically left alone to do this on my own.

I can't afford to bring it anywhere, but I can probably afford the parts, and am willing to do it on my own with proper instructions. I know where the RAM slots are in my computer, and am guessing Google could be a reliable source for some instruction.

I just need to know what's recommended. I'm not good with the hardware end and have no idea what the tons of letters and numbers squished together mean. I want relatively reasonable prices, the less the better. I can respond with exact specs, my RAM is currently 1.00 GB

 

First of all, being slow could be for a lot of reasons. Possibly you have to clean your unnecessary programs from your OS that runs all the time (like antivirus software, some of them require quite a lot of system resources).

Was it faster before?

As for the memory upgrade, you probably need 667 modules, you could check your current one with CPU-Z for example under Memory tab.

It will also tell you if you have one or two modules installed for 1 GB. In case its two, all you have to do is, pick up a 2x1 GB Kingston 667 SODIMM kit, and install it yourself.

You can find instructions in the Dell 1520 Service Manual:
1520 - Memory
1520 - Service Manual

I hope I could help!

 

Given the usage and the fact you're running XP, 1GB should be more than enough. I'd agree before you spend any money, you might want to look at what's running on your notebook to see if anything is mucking things up.

 

Try to give it a good format. i find that xp needs a format from time to time.

 

Off: It's not completely true in my opinion. More precisely: XP's that are not used properly needs to be reinstalled quite often. Don't get my wrong, it's not about flexing, but I tend to only reinstall Windows when either I'm repartitioning, or when I'm about to change HDD. It usually means 1-2 years. If I manage to keep it clean, anyone can do it easily. I agree that XP can be crushed much more easily with (useless) software, and is usually harder to clean.

 

You ought to make sure that memory is the culprit first. The easiest way to check is to bring up Task Manger (Ctrl+Shift+Escape) when you start up your computer, and just leave it up. Then when you're done (or when everything is running slow), go to Task Manager, and look at the Performance tab. Look at the Peak value in Commit Charge. If it's higher than 1,048,576, then you are using more memory than you have, and adding more memory would help. Especially if it is much higher than this, that's where your slowdown is.

If it does look like that's the problem, then you'll want to buy 200-pin, 667 MHz DDR2 memory. The 200 pins is essential as otherwise it won't fit, and the DDR2 is essential as otherwise it won't run (and probably won't fit either). The 667 MHz speed is ideal. The Inspiron 1520 can handle 800 MHz DDR2 as well, but doesn't benefit from it. Slower memory (such as 533 MHz DDR2) will also work, but will decrease performance, and doesn't cost any less. Brand name isn't very important - all memory is pretty much alike. Size is important of course - 2 GB should probably be enough (although if your peak memory usage in Task Manager is above 2,000,000 KB, you should go for 3 GB - this may also indicate other problems as it doesn't sound like what you are running should use that much memory). So pretty much the least expensive 2 GB, 667 MHz DDR2 memory, so long as it isn't way cheaper than anything else.