Can I put in more RAM?

[dude_lewis1]

I have a RAM question. You know how Crucial usually says Good/Better/Best when you run the system scan? When I do the Crucial.com scan on my system is says Good 256mb (ddr2). I currently have 256mb (ddr2), so I know the limit is 512. Is this a software limit, or hardware? If it is hardware, what do I need to upgrade? My mobo, my processer, or what? As you can see, I really need to upgrade my RAM.

 

[taper]

What do you mean the limit is 512MB? Knowing the specs of your system would help, but I doubt the hardware limit is 512. If I assume you're running Windows XP, the software limit is around 3.5GB, so that's not a problem. RAM is very cheap, so upgrading to 1GB, or even 2 if it's worthwhile for this system is easy. You say it's ddr2, do you know the speed that your motherboard supports? ddr2-400, ddr2-533, etc. Once you have that just buy a stick of the size you want and install it in the slot. You may have to replace a stick, but that's not a big deal.

 

[illram]

RAM is limited by your Motherboard and/or your OS. What kind of computer do you have? Google the make and model number with "RAM" and you should get a number of hits telling you the max memory supported as well as what type of RAM you need. I highly doubt your max memory supported is 512, unless your computer is quite old.

 

[Cutlass]

if you have the manual for the motherboard, or can look it up online, you can learn both how much the motherboard will support and what types of RAM it is able to use. Then it's a simple matter to install as much as you want to buy.

 

[Chazumi]

Open your system up and look at it. You don't need to hunt down the manuals.

Where the 256 is just put in a 1GIG stick, trust me you will be wowed by the upgrade. If there is 2 sockets (I've never seen one with less than 2) Put in 2x 1GIG sticks. Just go buy some Kingston Ram from best buy or wherever. They are easy to install just click them in like Lego's.

256 is pretty pittiful, especially if you play a lot of games, trust me they will run a lot faster.

 

[Cutlass]

Open your system up and look at it. You don't need to hunt down the manuals.

Where the 256 is just put in a 1GIG stick, trust me you will be wowed by the upgrade. If there is 2 sockets (I've never seen one with less than 2) Put in 2x 1GIG sticks. Just go buy some Kingston Ram from best buy or wherever. They are easy to install just click them in like Lego's.

256 is pretty pittiful, especially if you play a lot of games, trust me they will run a lot faster.

there are a lot of different speeds within each memory type though. better to check what is recommended.

 

[dude_lewis1]

Okay, thanks. My computer is actually quite old. HP 500 Series (510n).

 

[dude_lewis1]

Here isthe site where I didmy check

 

[illram]

Here isthe site where I didmy check

That computer is pretty old. It depends on what you use your computer for, but if you are thinking about spending money and time on a new mobo and more RAM, you're better off just buying a new, cheap desktop (Dell Inspirons are around $300).

Or, just get another 256MB RAM stick that will fit. Your copy of XP can handle it.

 

[ainwood]

Or, just get another 256MB RAM stick that will fit. Your copy of XP can handle it.

That might be 1.) difficult to find and 2.) more expensive than a 1 GB (or 512 MB) stick.

 

[dude_lewis1]

Should I upgrade my Mobo? I found a 70$ one that can hold a gig and has a Celeron 220 or a 2 gigger with a AMD Athlon 64 3200+ on Newegg. Will the 64 work with Xp SP1?

 

[Shadylookin]

based on hp's website his mobo actually does have a 512 mb ram limit

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/...7020&cc=us&dlc=en&lc=en&jumpid=reg_R1002_USEN

I suggest a whole new system since I don't think you'll find SDram anywhere but a garage sale. This definitely isn't worth blowing the cash to fix up since it'll probably kick the bucket any time now.

 

[illram]

That might be 1.) difficult to find and 2.) more expensive than a 1 GB (or 512 MB) stick.

His MB's limit is 512.

 

[illram]

Should I upgrade my Mobo? I found a 70$ one that can hold a gig and has a Celeron 220 or a 2 gigger with a AMD Athlon 64 3200+ on Newegg. Will the 64 work with Xp SP1?

I'm not too familiar with the ins and outs of putting new mobos in old systems, but I bet there are potential issues. Make sure do your research. (For one, will it fit in the case?) If you discover it's doable, go ahead.

Otherwise, I'd bite the bullet and get a new comp if better performance is what you're after.

 

[dude_lewis1]

Thanks... I think I'm going to buy a new PSU (fan on mine is shot, relying on the thermal paste right now) and mobo.... might as well spend 30 bucks on a new case too.... and 200 on a cpu..... and basically build myself a new compy.... this one has kicked the bucket twice already. Good thing I keep backups. I could last without that one really awesome savegame of CivIII where I got all the cities except the capitals of each civ. lol

 

[GoodGame]

Might as well by a new case as well, especially as the chance is good that it will have at least a mediocre PSU pre-installed in it for about $100 total.