Computer problem, running out of RAM

YourFatAuntSusan

Windows XP SP3, 1gb DDR2 RAM in single channel, ATI x2600HD and a P4 HT 3.0ghz.

I downloaded and installed an application that shows the remaining amount of RAM and if I'm playing any games, it slowly trickles down to zero over the course of a couple of hours. The system will lock up for 1-2 minutes will the RAM refreshes and then everything will go back to normal and I'll be back up to 600-700mb RAM free which will then start to trickle back down.

I first noticed it with WoW but I thought maybe it was just addons but now I'm having the same problem with Left 4 Dead.

I've defragged, have an updated virus scan (AVG) and checked for spyware.

Any ideas H&A?

DeShadowC

Honestly get another gig of ram at least if you're planning on playing games. It doesn't completely solve your issue but it is part of your issue.

flatlinegraphics

something is causing a memory leak. start->run, type msconfig. go over to the startup tab, and look in there. there may be stuff starting that you really don't need (i'm looking at you quicktime and acrobat).

also, cntl+alt+del and go over to the processes tab, and look at the mem usage column. click on the column header to see who is using the most memory. and then watch it, see what is using the most, and see if it is trying to grab more. once you know the culprit, you can google around and see if anyone has any fixes.

and make sure you have room on your system drive. i've noticed weird things like this when my drive starts getting below 500mb free. empty your trash, dump your temp internet files, etc.

and even tho another gig of ram will probably only run you like $20, it won't solve the underlying problem.

TychoCelchuuu

Update your video card drivers.

FunnyFreak

You should probably get another gig of ram. Anyways, check your processes and see which process is constantly increasing in mem usage.

Buttcleft

Not but that can be said that hasnt been said already.

start > Run > Msconfig, disable all the garbage you don't need running

ctrl-alt-del when your running and watch what proccesses have a growing mem ussage.

Just for the heck of it, throw in a virus and spyware scan to boot.

When you've got the problem fixed, then add the extra gig of ram [which you should get, 2gigs makes life so easy ]

theclam

Games will often take up as much memory as they can get their hands on.

capnrico

You mentioned having an updated AVG, so I'd bet money there's your problem right there. AVG8 is a horrible, horrible resource hog. You have a couple options -- either remove it and reinstall it barebones style (I can give a step by step for this), or use another program. Avira is pretty good (though it will throw up a "buy our software" popup ad every once in awhile, however it doesn't capture your screen or anything, you'll just notice it when you exit out of another program).

Ruckus

Another one here for "Boost your RAM". I run a P4 3.0Ghz with a Radeon X1950, 2.5GB of RAM and it runs Fallout 3 pretty damn well for hours (I put in about eight straight on Wednesday).