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Question

Slow Old Computer, Dual core, 1 GB RAM

Sep 21, 2017 6:48PM PDT

Hi,
I have an old computer which is running very slow. Normally, it works fine but sometimes it become too slow to handle. Whenever I open 9-10 tabs in firefox or runs multiple softwares (average-to-medium-heavy designing applications), it goes unbearably slow. Firefox goes 'not responding', all applications goes 'not responding'. In fact, when I use firefox (with 3-4 tabs open) along with Microsoft Word and leave the computer running idle for 30 minutes and comes back and wake it up, even then both applications (or any other application, if running) goes 'not responding' one-by-one or together. It also happens if I watch any kind of video for more than 5 minutes.

It is Dual-core processor @ 2.7 GHz with only 1 GB of DDR2 800 MHz RAM running on Windows 7 Ultimate (64-bit). Motherboard is Intel 965 Express Chipset Family. Usually, RAM usage goes to 90-95%+ and CPU usage remains at 10-20% and goes at a maximum of 60-70% while opening of a software, etc. Computer never hangs up and complete all the tasks it received, but just very slowly.

Now, I know that a minimum of 2 GB RAM is required on Windows 7, but now as the processor is also old, so I am confused here whether upgrading RAM will have any effect on its speed of handling processes or not. I do not play any games, so heavy duty processor is already not required to me. Still, I would think to change it, if required or suggested here.

Hence, could anyone please help me understand whether to further enhance RAM or just change the whole CPU to speed up my system.

I have tried to mention all the details I know. If there is any more questions, please feel free to ask.

An early advise is highly appreciated.

P.S.: Sorry for using this kind of username, as I was not getting through that even after choosing a lot of usernames including my real name. Although, you can call me Newbie.

Discussion is locked

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Answer
No. There is no such requirement for RAM on W7 or W10.
Sep 21, 2017 6:55PM PDT

Example! My son returned a 2006 Dell E1505 dual core (CoreDuo) with only 512MB RAM.

The HDD was failing so I slipped in a new SSD (just 120GB) and installed W10. It boots in under 45 seconds and gets on the web (in 45 seconds.) Encouraged by this I order a 1GB upgrade (from 512MB) and the result is a laptop that boots and gets on the web in 35 seconds.

So my advice is to replace the old slow HDD first.

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Answer
Old machine
Sep 21, 2017 8:21PM PDT

Grab a copy of ccleaner free.
http://filehippo.com/download_ccleaner/
Run a scan with default settings.

Make your startup group super skinny.

If you have a broad band connection firefox>tools>options>network>set the cache to 50MB.

Now you have to decide how much money you want to spend on this old machine.
The easiest upgrade is ram.
http://www.crucial.com/usa/en
Run the scanner and see what it has to say.

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Answer
Try Linux instead
Sep 21, 2017 11:01PM PDT

Less RAM requirement.

Mint, Ubuntu, Zorin, others.