Computer memory question

[Robert_in_NY]

I have a Compaq Presario C500 laptop with 1 gig of ram. It uses Vista also and I would like to keep Vista. I would like to upgrade to 2 gig of ram if it will help but I have been told with my system it really won't make a noticable difference.

Does anyone have any thoughts on this or should I just not worry about it?

 

[IH3444]

Robert, from what I have read at ExtremeTech - Deep technology for enthusiasts and professionals, and Tom's Hardware - Computer Hardware News, Tests, Ratings and Reviews, 2 gigs of ram are much better, especially for loading pages from the web, as well as for the new Microsoft Vista software. If your machine can support it, I would say get another gig. Problem may arise from incompatible RAM, so you may have to buy 2 gigs to up grade. Vista I believe can support up to 4 gigs. My understanding is that Vista almost needs 2 gigs just to function well, and more is better, such as 3 gigs, or 4 gigs.

 

[Robert_in_NY]

Robert, from what I have read at ExtremeTech - Deep technology for enthusiasts and professionals, and Tom's Hardware - Computer Hardware News, Tests, Ratings and Reviews, 2 gigs of ram are much better, especially for loading pages from the web, as well as for the new Microsoft Vista software. If your machine can support it, I would say get another gig. Problem may arise from incompatible RAM, so you may have to buy 2 gigs to up grade. Vista I believe can support up to 4 gigs. My understanding is that Vista almost needs 2 gigs just to function well, and more is better, such as 3 gigs, or 4 gigs.

Thanks, my computer can only take up to 2 gigs and right now it has 2- 512's and if my reading is correct I need to keep them paired on my system otherwise if I put a 1 gig with the 512 it will only operate at 1 gig still.

HP (who owns Compaq) has 1 gig sticks for $100 each. I can get 1 gig sticks from Circuit City (that I think are the right ones) for $30 each. And Newegg has them for $20 each. I keep thinking you get what you pay for and the Circuit city chips are listed at $130 normal price but are reduced to $30 each now so I had been leaning towards those ones if I upgrade.

 

[Bird]

You can count me among those who know little to nothing about computers, and I'm dreading the day I have to buy a new one and go to Vista. However, since I figure that could happen just any time, I've been looking, shopping, visiting with salesmen, etc. and I, too, have been told to not get less than 2 gig with 3 being even better.

 

[J_J]

Thanks, my computer can only take up to 2 gigs and right now it has 2- 512's and if my reading is correct I need to keep them paired on my system otherwise if I put a 1 gig with the 512 it will only operate at 1 gig still.

HP (who owns Compaq) has 1 gig sticks for $100 each. I can get 1 gig sticks from Circuit City (that I think are the right ones) for $30 each. And Newegg has them for $20 each. I keep thinking you get what you pay for and the Circuit city chips are listed at $130 normal price but are reduced to $30 each now so I had been leaning towards those ones if I upgrade.

You will have to get 2 X 1 gig memory modules for your computer . Two gigs will be better , and if your machine will support more, get those. Make sure that they are compatible for your computer. There are a lot of memory chips out there so be careful what yo buy. Kingston and Crucial are some well known vender's. One of those vender's will read your memory and tell you what you need. Their prices are good also. When you are changing them, ground your self to the frame of the computer, and be very careful about static electricity from plastics, rugs, and wool clothing.

 

[IH3444]

Robert, I have bought RAM from Best Buy, used in an office machine, with no problem. If you could be more specific about what RAM you have, 184 pin, 667hz running speed etc.....I have also bought from Newegg, CompUSA, etc. Never had a problem. You can read about it at the mentioned sites. I was also told by a vendor whom sells memory that there are only a few manufactures in the world for memory, and if you buy a good brand, you'll be fine. Ebay may help also.

Bird, I have had great success with these fellows for high performance custom built workstation machines, that are priced very well. eCollegePC

JJ is giving you great advice.

 

[Robert_in_NY]

Robert, I have bought RAM from Best Buy, used in an office machine, with no problem. If you could be more specific about what RAM you have, 184 pin, 667hz running speed etc.....I have also bought from Newegg, CompUSA, etc. Never had a problem. You can read about it at the mentioned sites. I was also told by a vendor whom sells memory that there are only a few manufactures in the world for memory, and if you buy a good brand, you'll be fine. Ebay may help also.

According to HP this is what they say I need 1GB 533MHz PC2-4200 DDR2 SODIMM

If you need more information about my laptop just ask and I will try my best to answer them. From what my computer tells me I can only use 2 gig max on this system and it came with 1 gig (2 x 512mb)

 

[BigE_]

"Upgrading" from Vista to XP will give you the same performance boost as adding another gig of RAM to the Vista machine. My XP laptop is running on 2 gigs of RAM, and if you check the performance tab in task manager, it never uses more than 1 gig of RAM. Vista will use that and more. If running Vista 64, don't exceed 2GB of RAM -- known bug that doesn't exist in Vista 32.

You'll also get a huge performance boost by disabling all the excess eye candy given to you by Micro$oft.

Hold down the Windows key and press Pause/Break.
Advanced tab --> Performance Settings --> Adjust for best performance.​

Then go back and choose "use visual styles on windows and buttons" & "use common tasks in folders" if you so desire.

Regards,
-Steve

 

[Robert_in_NY]

"Upgrading" from Vista to XP will give you the same performance boost as adding another gig of RAM to the Vista machine. My XP laptop is running on 2 gigs of RAM, and if you check the performance tab in task manager, it never uses more than 1 gig of RAM. Vista will use that and more. If running Vista 64, don't exceed 2GB of RAM -- known bug that doesn't exist in Vista 32.

You'll also get a huge performance boost by disabling all the excess eye candy given to you by Micro$oft.

Hold down the Windows key and press Pause/Break.
Advanced tab --> Performance Settings --> Adjust for best performance.​

Then go back and choose "use visual styles on windows and buttons" & "use common tasks in folders" if you so desire.

Regards,
-Steve

I actually like Vista but don't know why. It just seems more comfortable the XP. I have three systems and this one is Vista, the other is XP and my other one is ME. They all have some nice features but Vista seems more comfortable to me and things work fairly well.

I will do what you wrote and see if it helps. I know HP puts a lot of garbage on this system also which takes up a ton of space and it isn't easy to remove some of it.

Thanks for the advice.

 

[IH3444]

Ahhhh.....laptop! I have also bought from these fellows, www.memory4you.com. The HP laptop memory will be priced higher that for a desktop machine, but the 533Hz speed, and PC24200 should keep the price down to reasonable. I remember buying just a 96 chip for my nephew for helping me out, and it was $200. That was almost 10 years ago. Sounds like yours is priced much better for what you can get now.

 

[DocHeb]

Adjusting for performance will wipe out a lot of the screen and graphics font smoothing and readablility characteristics. I don't think you will notice much difference to make that worth it.

For your memory: NewEgg.com

 

[Robert_in_NY]

I am not sure about performance yet but I shut off a lot of things I didn't use and didn't need but kept the things I liked so I would think some improvement will be seen.

Also, the link you posted was for desktop memory. I have a laptop which should take this one if I figured it right Newegg.com - CORSAIR ValueSelect 1GB 200-Pin DDR2 SO-DIMM DDR2 533 (PC2 4200) Notebook Memory - Retail

 

[shvl73]

My 2yr old Averatec had XP w/ 512Mb total with two 256Mb chips. I was told I could replace just one if I placed it in the "A" slot. I did w/ a 1Gb and it picked it up. my new Toshiba w/ Vista came w/ (1) 512Mb chip. I bought a 2Gb package of (2) 1Gb chips and popped them right in. It picked them up instantly. the 2Gb DDR2 upgrade was $60 @ Best Buy. The 1Gb DDR for the older one was $109.

 

[texbaylea]

If you go to the following URL you can scan your system and know what it has now and what it will accept. If you are not comfortable scanning on-line or are not using IE your can download a small scanning module.

Memory upgrades from Crucial.com - About Crucial:Media Toolbox

I always use Crucial memory when I up grade my computers.

Vernon

 

[Robert_in_NY]

According to the Crucial test that I ran my computers performance is 80% of capacity. If I spend $56 the test states I will be full capacity. I am not sure if that 20% is worth $56 but when my next insurance check comes in I will most likely upgrade if the price is the same or cheaper.

I do a lot of photo editing and such which sucks resources like crazy and I know I would enjoy more performance there.

I want to thank everyone for their help. This computer is actually a nice system but my nature makes me want to tweak it to the max to keep up with my expanded usage. But I know with more resources I will do more to use them so it is a never ending cycle

Take care guys.

 

[CurlyDave]

...HP (who owns Compaq) has 1 gig sticks for $100 each. I can get 1 gig sticks from Circuit City (that I think are the right ones) for $30 each. And Newegg has them for $20 each. I keep thinking you get what you pay for and the Circuit city chips are listed at $130 normal price but are reduced to $30 each now so I had been leaning towards those ones if I upgrade.

I have always bought close to the least expensive RAM I could find, and have never had a problem with it.

If you buy from an actual store, as opposed to over the internet, you can have even more confidence. Keep the receipt and take it back if it doesn't work.

Now, I have always preferred Macs, and this may make a difference, but I doubt it. I can use both platforms, and the PCs I use accept the cheapest memory also.

BTW: If anyone is thinking of a new computer, take a look at a Mac. Even though it might cost a little more up front, it just works, and the frustration it saves me is well worth the cost.

 

[J_J]

According to the Crucial test that I ran my computers performance is 80% of capacity. If I spend $56 the test states I will be full capacity. I am not sure if that 20% is worth $56 but when my next insurance check comes in I will most likely upgrade if the price is the same or cheaper.

I do a lot of photo editing and such which sucks resources like crazy and I know I would enjoy more performance there.

I want to thank everyone for their help. This computer is actually a nice system but my nature makes me want to tweak it to the max to keep up with my expanded usage. But I know with more resources I will do more to use them so it is a never ending cycle

Take care guys.

Robert,

I just upgraded my HP laptop 6000 series to 2 gigs with 2x 1 gig chips, from Kingston at $55 for both ,plus free shipping. The change out is very easy, and you could sell your 512 memory chips to someone in need.

 

[Robert_in_NY]

Robert,

I just upgraded my HP laptop 6000 series to 2 gigs with 2x 1 gig chips, from Kingston at $55 for both ,plus free shipping. The change out is very easy, and you could sell your 512 memory chips to someone in need.

It will cost me around $53 for 2 - 1 gig modules.

What would be a good way to sell my 512 modules? Ebay?

 

[Soundguy]

With windows.. I don't think you can have too much ram. that's like having too much money or too much..er.. well lets just say more is better!

When I bought my wife a little xp system a couple years ago.. I was on the phone with the tech support guy and he didn't reccomend over 1.5 gigs on that system as there wouldn't be much of an increase.

stock it came with 256m.. and I bumpe dit to 512.. that was a huge boost... and cheap too.

I think your jump to 2g will be a real performance increas under vista..

soundguy

Thanks, my computer can only take up to 2 gigs and right now it has 2- 512's and if my reading is correct I need to keep them paired on my system otherwise if I put a 1 gig with the 512 it will only operate at 1 gig still.

HP (who owns Compaq) has 1 gig sticks for $100 each. I can get 1 gig sticks from Circuit City (that I think are the right ones) for $30 each. And Newegg has them for $20 each. I keep thinking you get what you pay for and the Circuit city chips are listed at $130 normal price but are reduced to $30 each now so I had been leaning towards those ones if I upgrade.

 

[RobJ]

HP memory is pricey, check out their memory prices for the printers!! As long as the specs are the same it should be no problem.

As fas as usage, XP (and maybe Vista) will start paging out memory to disk when usage gets to half of what's installed. You can see the usage on your task manager. If you have a gig and the task manager says you are using 400k, then extra memory will not be used. The paging is one reason I recommend a fast spinning hard drive these days. 7200rpm minimun. New ones are up to 10k and faster.

Microsoft may be changing the way they handle menory. On Microsoft Exchange 2007 email systems I manage the new version is designed to gobble up ALL the available ram and use it somehow. It's weird looking at the task manager and seeing no extra ram and saying all is well.

Good Luck,
Rob