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General discussion

Help with updating RAM memory, please?

by Terry W. Feb 3, 2004 2:24AM PST

I read a few days ago in a post here that Windows XP requires a lot of memory just to run, and being that my computer seems too slow at times, I would like to add more memory.

I have an HP 515n, and I went to HP and they said I have two slots for memory, and that I already have one 256 MB 2100 DDR... I asked a friend yesterday about my memory before I checked the HP site, and he said that 2700 is faster than 2100, and that given that my computer was a 2.3 GHz processor (Intel Celeron), that I probably had the 2700, and that that's what I should buy... but after coming home and checking out the HP website, and finding out I have only 2100, my question is, can I *still* buy 2700, because it is faster (according to my friend), and will it work without problems with the 2100, or do I need to buy another 2100?... or do I need to replace the 2100 with two 2700's?... or would it make that much difference? ...or can my computer even *handle* 2700's, since it came with a 2100? (sorry, I am *not* very computer savvy, as my terminology probably shows *smile*)

Thanks!, and have a really great and blessed day, everyone!

Love, Terry.

Discussion is locked

9 Posts
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Re:Help with updating RAM memory, please?
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Feb 3, 2004 2:42AM PST

The 2700 speed stick will run at 2100 so it should be just fine. Much like a Volvo and LeMans cars can both go 55 MPH.

If any doubt lingers in your mind, just let http://www.crucial.com outfit your machine.

In closing, XP will run for most people just super at 256 MB. My mom's machine is some 2.4 GHz Celeron, 256MH machine on XP Home and we won't be changing it. Her last machine was some Pentium 200 MMX with 64 Meg of RAM and Windows 98, so this is a good step up.

Bob

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Thanks, Bob!... another "silly" question...
by Terry W. Feb 3, 2004 3:55AM PST

Can I add 128 MB to the already 256 (since it's cheaper than another 256) to make 384 MB of Ram, or will that clash?... sorry for the stupid questions, but my old computer told me in the manual how to match memory for that computer when I wanted to upgrade the memory... this one doesn't, nor could I find the answer on the HP site...

Thanks!, and have a really great and blessed day!

Love, Terry.

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A rather long discussion was "overbuying memory."
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Feb 3, 2004 5:05AM PST

The payback/rolloff for each OS is at some point and depends on usage.

Past 512M is not paying off for better than 9 out of 10 that do that and I'm unsure you will feel the bang even at 384 vs. 256.

The best tip for beginning upgraders is to match the stick that's in the machine within reason. While I'll write it should work, I can't tell it will without any doubt.

Bob

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Re:Help with updating RAM memory, please?
by namgoh5 Feb 3, 2004 8:27AM PST

It's been my experience that if you have 256 MB 2100 DDR, you buy another 256 MB 2100 DDR. That's what I have in my System, and I'm running XP Pro, and it works great. RAM isn't that expensive, and I doubt you'd notice that big a difference with 2700 DDR.

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Re:Help with updating RAM memory, please?
by Scuffy Feb 8, 2004 1:23PM PST

If you mix memory speeds, your system will run at the slower speed.
256 is enough for XP to run; 512 will speed it up some but it depends on the kinds of program s you run and how much you multi-task.

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Re:Re:Help with updating RAM memory, please?
by geek57 Feb 9, 2004 5:05AM PST

I ran xp pro with 512 and a 1.0ghz processor for some time. Ran pretty well. But, can slow with some intense programs. Look and see what else you can free up. Remove some programs from the startup and shut down some of xp's many "extra unecessary services"

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Re:Help with updating RAM memory, please?
by pfranke Feb 8, 2004 9:29PM PST

You can mix memory speeds - as said earlier, your system will run at the slowest speed. Faster memory is compatible with slower - and will simply run slower. If both are the same cost, pick up the faster...if on the slim chance the 2100 goes bad, you'll have faster ready.
Both will work fine. My toshiba laptop has a 256 stick of each running very well.
Good Luck

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Re:Help with updating RAM memory, please?
by morriemo1 Feb 9, 2004 1:01AM PST

need hlpe bady

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(NT)bady hlpe on the whey.
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Feb 9, 2004 1:05AM PST

.

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