Well lately when I'm editing with multiple application open my computer tends to go unbearable slow. Sometimes crashing. Not only with 'glithy' Video Editing Program but other programs as well. Hell even Notepad froze once when I was working on my AMV and had Adobe After Effects open.
So I'm wondering are my computer specs okay? Or do I need to upgrade certain parts?
Processor:
x86 Family 15 Model 3 Stepping 4 GenuineIntel ~2933 Mhz
(which is pretty much: Intel Pentium 4, 3.00 Ghz with HT Technology)
RAM:
512MB DDR SDRAM at 400MHz
OS:
Microsoft® Windows® XP Media Center 2005 Edition
Hard Drive:
I only have 1 Hard Drive.
250 GB
Video/Graphic Card:
ATI Radeon X600 Series.
I dunno if the last part is important. If there is some other information you want just ask. Many times I've got the warning that windows is increasing Virtual Memory cause it's too low. I checked my RAM and 60% of it is constantly being used with only 2-4 application open.
So should I upgrade the RAM?
Get a better processor?
I've heard some people talking about partitioning the Hard Drive. What is the point of this? How does it work? And will it be helpful for my problem?
PC problems
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gangstaj8
- Joined: Sat Dec 06, 2003 1:12 pm
- Location: Oregon
- Contact:
First off, I can't help you much with your question on partitioning. All I know is that it makes a "virtual" drive on the real one, resulting in the computer displaying that you have two seperate drives. In my experience, I don't see a point to it, although I'm sure older systems required partitions for larger drives.
Secondly, I'm no expert, but more RAM will help. Although, it seems your system is ample for what your doing with it. Have you tried defragging your drive and running some anti-adware programs, such as Spybot: Search and Destroy, and Lavasoft's Adaware? It's always a good idea if you haven't done it in awhile, adware can really slow down a computer's performance. Check for viruses too. Also, how is Windows handling Virtual Memory?
Secondly, I'm no expert, but more RAM will help. Although, it seems your system is ample for what your doing with it. Have you tried defragging your drive and running some anti-adware programs, such as Spybot: Search and Destroy, and Lavasoft's Adaware? It's always a good idea if you haven't done it in awhile, adware can really slow down a computer's performance. Check for viruses too. Also, how is Windows handling Virtual Memory?
The Golden Rule of AMV's: "Render unto others as you would have them Render unto you."
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Eek-1
- Joined: Sat Jun 22, 2002 10:06 am
- Status: 0xc00000e9
- Location: Cyberjaya
1. How much is your Virtual Memory?
- Right-click on [My Computer] and select [Properties]
- Click on he [Advanced] tab
- Under Performance frame, click on [Settings]
- Click on [Advanced] tab
- Under Virtual Memory frame, click on [Change]
- If Custom size is selected previously, make sure that the value of Initial size (MB) is at least 768. System managed size is also OK. But never select No paging file.
- If you've changed the Virtual Memory settings, do a reboot and then see if the problem still persist.
2. Try to find the culprit application:
- Press [Ctrl]+[Alt]+[Delete]
- Click on [Process] tab
- Look for the program that uses the most CPU and also the most Mem Usage. Note it, and then report back here.
- Right-click on [My Computer] and select [Properties]
- Click on he [Advanced] tab
- Under Performance frame, click on [Settings]
- Click on [Advanced] tab
- Under Virtual Memory frame, click on [Change]
- If Custom size is selected previously, make sure that the value of Initial size (MB) is at least 768. System managed size is also OK. But never select No paging file.
- If you've changed the Virtual Memory settings, do a reboot and then see if the problem still persist.
2. Try to find the culprit application:
- Press [Ctrl]+[Alt]+[Delete]
- Click on [Process] tab
- Look for the program that uses the most CPU and also the most Mem Usage. Note it, and then report back here.
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§Daisuke
- Joined: Wed Jan 05, 2005 3:37 pm
Wow I can't believe I totally forgot to do a virus scan before i came here. I had did indeed have a virus and have deleted it. Can't believe I didn't realize (since my virus scan gives off an alarm when it detects a virus).
Also Eek-1 i changed the virtual memory. It doesn't seem to be crashing anymore. Well my photoshop works just fine.
Also Eek-1 i changed the virtual memory. It doesn't seem to be crashing anymore. Well my photoshop works just fine.
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madbunny
- Joined: Tue Jun 17, 2003 3:12 pm
Just remember the basics:
More stuff on your computer eats up more of your computer. Do some house cleaning.
The tip about finding the CPU hog listed above is a good one, but also remember that when your virtual mem starts vanishing it's usually sign of not enough hard drive space.
You may want to do a backup first.
TIP-
Clean out any old games or files that you don't need and defrag. Get your disk as clean as you can.
Get rid of any background applications, such as weatherbug, or ESPN sports ticker.
While you are at it, get rid of stuff you don't use anyway, like installation folders for AOL, Earthlink, and so on. You can probably stand to lose all 50 gig of your porn collection too.
Remove unnecesary items from the startup sequence. For example, you probably don't need a special program to change the screen resolution, or run winamp, and real player 100% of the time do you?
-------------------------
Partitioning hard drives can be useful, since it gives you a set place to put things, and makes it easier to maintain. You'll need a special program if you want to partition your existing hard drive without losing data. If you just want to reformat, then you get the option to partition it then.
Your computer looks fine in terms of speed actually. XP is a real hog for RAM, so adding some more might help your day to day operations, you could theoretically ad... way more than logic dictates, but another 512 is all you're likely to need in the near future.
More stuff on your computer eats up more of your computer. Do some house cleaning.
The tip about finding the CPU hog listed above is a good one, but also remember that when your virtual mem starts vanishing it's usually sign of not enough hard drive space.
You may want to do a backup first.
TIP-
Clean out any old games or files that you don't need and defrag. Get your disk as clean as you can.
Get rid of any background applications, such as weatherbug, or ESPN sports ticker.
While you are at it, get rid of stuff you don't use anyway, like installation folders for AOL, Earthlink, and so on. You can probably stand to lose all 50 gig of your porn collection too.
Remove unnecesary items from the startup sequence. For example, you probably don't need a special program to change the screen resolution, or run winamp, and real player 100% of the time do you?
-------------------------
Partitioning hard drives can be useful, since it gives you a set place to put things, and makes it easier to maintain. You'll need a special program if you want to partition your existing hard drive without losing data. If you just want to reformat, then you get the option to partition it then.
Your computer looks fine in terms of speed actually. XP is a real hog for RAM, so adding some more might help your day to day operations, you could theoretically ad... way more than logic dictates, but another 512 is all you're likely to need in the near future.
Build a man a fire, and he will be warm for a night. Set a man on fire, and he will be warm for the rest of his life.