Upgrading RAM - Currently 384 MB of RAM

Question

I want to upgrade my RAM on this computer to around a gig so I can play Counter Strike without lag or hesitation. Right now, I'll be running around and as I spot someone and start to shoot, my PC will start to lag and I will keep running for about 2 seconds after I take my finger off the 'w' key and I will shoot an extra 4-5 bullets after releasing the mouse. I have 2 Questions:

1. Is it the RAM that I need to upgrade?
2. Can my computer handle the amount of RAM I want?

I have a Dell Dimension 8200, here are some of my stats.
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Main Circuit Board:
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Board: Dell Computer Corp.
Bus Clock: 100 megahertz
BIOS: Dell Computer Corporation A09 09/13/2002

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Memory Modules:
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384 Megabytes Installed Memory

Slot 'RIMM1' has 128 MB
Slot 'RIMM2' has 128 MB
Slot 'RIMM3' has 64 MB
Slot 'RIMM4' has 64 MB

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Processor:
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1.70 gigahertz Intel Pentium 4
8 kilobyte primary memory cache
256 kilobyte secondary memory cache
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HDD:
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19.98 Gigabytes Usable Hard Drive Capacity
1.55 Gigabytes Hard Drive Free Space

But I am upgrading to a 120 Gig HDD some time this week.

Any help/suggestions?

Denny Denham · Answer

fr0st m0nkey,

Your system will accept up to 2GB of RAM (see this. Increasing RAM might correct the lag problem you are experiencing but it may also be caused by the graphics card you have installed in the system. You can probably get more informed assistance on that aspect of the problem if you post a description of the problem (including the fact that you have a Dimension 8200 with 384MB and also listing the graphics adapter that is installed) in the Special Interest - Gaming conference.

Conrad Stockton · Answer

'I want to upgrade my RAM on this computer to around a gig so I can play Counter Strike without lag or hesitation.'   frost monkey,   To play modern games smoothly you need a new computer.   Sure you can spend money upgrading to 1GB of RAM and it will help a little but you will still be hobbled by the 1.7G Pentium 4 and 400mhz fsb. CPUs are much more important nowadays than they used to be.   If you stick with your current computer you will have to turn game detail waaaayyy down and then it will probably still bog down at times.   You should also make sure you are getting a good internet connection. CounterStrike (don't know what version you have) probably has ingame console commands for showing stats like Ping and Packet Loss.     Later, Conrad   Message Edited by Conrad on 12-28-2004 06:09 PM

fr0st m0nkey · Answer

Thanks guys. As for the new Computer: I don't know the odds of that happening;considering my parents don't want me on the computer as much as I am. I'll work on them. ;)

Windows General

Upgrading RAM - Currently 384 MB of RAM

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