Speeding up PC/updating

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

So if I have two empty slots does that mean I can add 2 GB of Ram and how easy is that, do you just slot them in and fix everything back up?

 

[LooPrEvil]

Click on the 'scan my system' button

Cheers LooPrEvil,
Done the scan and the results are in:

Memory Type: DDR PC3200, DDR (non-ECC)
Maximum Memory: 4GB
Currently Installed Memory: 1GB
Total Memory Slots: 4
Available Memory Slots: 2
512MB
DDR PC3200
512MB
EMPTY
EMPTY


Each memory slot can hold DDR PC3200 with a maximum of 1GB per slot.*

So PBoD, you have 1GB of DDR PC3200 memory divided into two slots. You have 2 memory slots unoccupied. You possibly could do with upgrading to 2GB of memory, but you may have to get 2 more 512gb chips to put in slots 3&4, or 2 new 1GB and replace the existing 512 chips (in slots 1&2) with them (in some systems you cannot mix the memory sizes - all chips have to be the same - see my last paragraph, below).

I have heard that Windows can only handle a maximum of 3GB memory, so if this is the case they're would be no point occupying all 4 slots with a 1GB chips.

If I recall correctly, Crucial Memory suggest suitable memory upgrades, and take chip compatability into account?

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

So saying the PC can only handle 3GB and all chips have to be the same memory size.
Does that mean I could remove the two 512 chips and replace them with 1GB and also add an extra 1GB chip in to one of the empty slots, to make it up to a total of 3GB of Ram.
Is this a simple swap over, or do I need reconfigure anything once the PC is rebooted?

 

[LooPrEvil]

So saying the PC can only handle 3GB and all chips have to be the same memory size.
Does that mean I could remove the two 512 chips and replace them with 1GB and also add an extra 1GB chip in to one of the empty slots, to make it up to a total of 3GB of Ram.
Is this a simple swap over, or do I need reconfigure anything once the PC is rebooted?

PBod: You need to check if 3GB is still the max that can be handled, as it depends on which version of Windows you have - I have XP Pro and believe 3GB is its maximum, and the same goes for earlier versions. However I dont know if any limitation exist for say window 7.

You could certainly swap the 512s for 1GBs, but some motherboards need memory to be inserted in pairs (ie slot 1&2 populated, and then slots 3and4 populated). However some newer boards allow odd numbers of memory to be inserted, and different values.

Have you got the manual for your board, or can you get it from the internet, as that will clearly state any restrictions? But the Crucial Memory test you have done, if I recall, informs you of what upgrades you can do and also recommends which memory to buy.

Fitting is simple, you just need to handle the chips carefully, and insert them in the correct orientation. Your system will recognise the new memory when you switch it on. Have a look at youtube and search for installing computer memory. Also your manual will explain how to do it.

 

[dave.m]

Computer memory limits using Windows:

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa366778(VS.85).aspx

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

It's
Microsoft Windows XP Pro, version 2002 pack 3

 

[EFCLee1]

The money you would spend on RAM is a waste of time, its probably being manufactured in very small quantities and very overpriced

Nowadays whats hot is usually the cheapest which is currently DDR3

Yours is probably DDR2

Why not build yourself a new rig, easier than you imagine and a lot cheaper too, you already have monitor keyboard mouse and tower, PSU might be of no use but that depends if its ATX2 or ATX1

Keep us informed!!

Just read up you have DDR1, so seriously consider buying new hardware £100-£150 tops for complete new entry level tower installing Windows 7 (torrented but who cares)

 

[Astra99]

As this is a Compaq, from (bitter) experience I would be inclined to use system-specific RAM. HP/Compaq mobos do not like the generic stuff! I would also suggest installing the RAM sticks in pairs, for interleaving. So, if you have 2 empty slots, buy 2 x 1G RAM, and leave the two 512K in place. From your model number the Kingston part number is KTH-D530/1G (please double-check this yourself, just in case!) and a quick web-search indicates a price of around £44.50 each. Might be worth searching e-bay!

 

[EFCLee1]

Ive never had any trouble mixing RAM on HP and Compaq

Interleaving is that a fancy word for Dual Channel, lets not over confuse this situation if generic RAM works then watever is cheaper

 

[Monsterminty]

generic ram is fine and mixing and maching is also fine. like efc says whatever is cheapest.

 

[Monkeh]

Ive never had any trouble mixing RAM on HP and Compaq

Interleaving is that a fancy word for Dual Channel, lets not over confuse this situation if generic RAM works then watever is cheaper

It's one method of providing dual channel.

Mixing RAM is fine unless you're working with performance stuff with tight timings, which I doubt anyone here is.