Computer and Hardware Chat

[Bryan]

It would help us to know what the make & model of your PC is.. if it's not a PC2700 computer and you put the RAM in chances are likely the PC won't even be able to boot since you used the incorrect type of RAM. IMO, it's better to never replace your RAM unless you know what you're doing or if you consult someone (especially someone you know really well) who knows what they're doing.

I scanned it at crucial.com and pc2700 and pc3200 are both compatible.

[Zach]

But what is your PC's model?

[Bryan]

But what is your PC's model?

Pavilion a735w.

[Bryan]

Got the RAM installed and pleased with the results so far .

[Bryan]

What's the difference between the ID3 tag versions?

[Donovan]

My computer lately has been giving me a tough time. When I'm using even basic graphical applications such as powerpoint, my computer constantly locks up and any time I attempt to view shockwave/flash based content it's very "skippy" if you know what I mean. Here are my system specs at the bottom and I'm wondering if anyone may know the problem with my system.

Brand: Dell
Model: Precision T1500
Processor: Intel Core i3 540 (Clarkdale) 3.07Ghz
Graphics: AMD FirePro 3D V4800 (1GB)
RAM: 6GB 1333Mhz
HDD: 250GB 7200RPM
PSU: 350W

I've never had this problem before and I keep all my drivers up to date. I usually can solve these problems, but this one I've had no luck. If anyone can help, I'd appreciate it.

[phw115wvwx]

Donovan, it sounds like your graphics card is struggling or not having adequate memory to do the job.  Hopefully, some other members chime in here with other thoughts.

[TWCCraig]

My computer lately has been giving me a tough time. When I'm using even basic graphical applications such as powerpoint, my computer constantly locks up and any time I attempt to view shockwave/flash based content it's very "skippy" if you know what I mean. Here are my system specs at the bottom and I'm wondering if anyone may know the problem with my system.

Brand: Dell
Model: Precision T1500
Processor: Intel Core i3 540 (Clarkdale) 3.07Ghz
Graphics: AMD FirePro 3D V4800 (1GB)
RAM: 6GB 1333Mhz
HDD: 250GB 7200RPM
PSU: 350W

I've never had this problem before and I keep all my drivers up to date. I usually can solve these problems, but this one I've had no luck. If anyone can help, I'd appreciate it.

I'm pretty good at keeping my computers running smooth so I'll help you out. The problem might not be your graphics card so I'll have you do a variety of things. Try some of the following things:

• Run a Disk Cleanup - It will remove some of the unimportant files from your computer
• Run Disk Defragmenter - It will simply consolidate files on your computer to keep your HDD running smooth, may take a while
• Remove Tracking Cookies - Removing these won't make a huge impact but it's nice to have a clean running computer
• Lower Graphics Settings - Right click on your desktop and click on your graphics card's settings. Try lowering the settings a bit

Hopefully those things help. It's the main reason why my computer is running like brand new. If it doesn't work, it could be simply too much data on your HDD, the less free space, typically the slower the computer. I personally don't think the problems your having have to do with your graphics card. 1GB of video memory is very decent.

[Zach]

Couple things Donovan..

• You could have a virus, spyware, and or malware on your PC (even though your scanners don't detect any)
• As Patrick stated, your graphics card could be at fault.. either physically failing or the driver file in the OS has become corrupt

Have your task manager open and make sure that none of your service processes (such as svchost.exe) exceed 100,000 MB in memory and or ~50%+ in CPU and find out what the culprit is. Make sure their priority is set to normal as well.

[Donovan]

My CPU usage rarely exceeds 40-50% Even on the most complex tasks. This processor however has an internal graphics card. I'm wondering if it's using that instead of my dedicated or if it's switching between the two at times. Is there a way to detect this?

[Zach]

You need to go into your device manager then and disable the integrated graphics.. in fact Im surprised your computer is running with both graphical devices enabled

[Donovan]

I went into the Device Settings and only found the dedicated graphics card detected. So, that rules out what I assumed was the problem.

[TWCCraig]

A Bios setup would never allow 2 graphics cards running at once unless the two are compatible with each other, it's something like ATI Crossfire. An Integrated graphics card would only work if there is no graphics card at all otherwise it would result in a lot of system crashes.. It's simply a backup.

Donovan, have you tried any of my suggestions?

[Donovan]

Hi GTAIVman. Yes, I'm very savy with computers as well, so I've done what you've suggested and do that regularly. Thanks for the tips though. When I posted that it may be switching between integrated and dedicated, I wasn't thinking clearly. I use the output of my dedicated graphics card, but for some reason it didn't occur to me that it would have to be working for that to happen. I'm wondering if the card is just beginning to fail.

[TWCCraig]

That could be, though I've never really heard of graphics card "failing". Have you over-used your card recently? How long have you have your computer?

EDIT: Nevermind: I have heard of graphics cards failing. That usually happens when the graphics card begins to overheat from excessive use.