The importance of RAM

we all have been frustrated by SL at one time or another. Crashes, lag, freezups, lag, lost inventory, lag....... Some issues are on the LL side for sure, but our equipment does make a difference. Last night I upgraded my RAM form 512 adding 2 Gigs. The performance improvement was astonishing! from shorter log on and log off, to better TP and less lag, even during peak times with packet loss. Just a layman's opinion, but if your setup is at the minimum specs only, any upgrade beyond will help. Also shut down all uneeded programs, including Windows Explorer, when running, SL.

I'd have thought that with only 512 RAM nothing would have run very well on your computer....

And to think that my first computer I was so proud to have a whole 48K memory instead of the pathetic 16K that the ZX81 had.......

I got decent performance with the 512......except in crowded areas, or stores with a lot of vendors rezzing. Next I update my video card.....

Ding! Ding! Ding!

Alot (obviously not all, but alot) of the problems people on the forums and blog continually complain about are actually issues on home PCs - either hardware (RAM, vid card, processor), software (spyware, overzealous antivirus/antispyware), or connection (packet loss home <-> ISP).

I just updated all... I bought a new computer, tonight it will be delivered and by a good friend of mine installed.

Basic specs:
Duo Core processor
2 Gb intern memory
Ati Readon X1300 Pro 256Mb
320 Gb SATA hard disk
A good 19inch TFT screen

I will try first how this graphic card will do. If needed I can buy a better one, but I don't want to spend even more money when it is not really needed.

Also I can expand the memory simple to 4gb (there 4 banks for memory and just 2 are used now).

I will stick with Windows XP for now, because I know that at least 3 programs I use a lot have problems with Vista.

Morwen.

The minimum (reality) ram to run windows XP is 512mb.... add to that a programme such as SL and you soon start using large chunks of hard disc cache.. memory to HD swapping is never going to compete with holding not only the game programme, but also the core elements of the OS which the game relies on, added to that the textures etc that have to be loaded into ram so the CC can process/render them.

I find running windows XP in 'classic' look, and using 'performance' settings over 'looks' helps a lot. Turning off 'services' in Windows that are loaded automatically helps a great deal.. after all unless you are a net work administrator, or need to have msn chat in 'ready mode', you can create a leaner meaner platform for the game to run on.