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General discussion

Notebook memory configurations

Jan 7, 2005 8:52AM PST

I had a disturbing experience after purchasing an HP Pavilion notebook and tried to upgrade the memory. The particular model I purchased is configured with 512MB of memory. I was going to upgrade to 1 GB by buying a 512MB card with the assumption that there was a 512MB card already installed. After purchasing the card and opening the notebook to istall it, I find that the 512MB configuration was the result of using two 256MB cards instead of one 512MB card. There's only two slots in this model Pavilion notebook. Needless to say I have to buy two 512MB cards to upgrade (quite an expense and then have two useless 256MB cards). It seems to me that when they configure these notebooks with memory, there's no consideration of whether the consumer will upgrade and what would be the least expense to do that. They seemed to have used what was available at the time. A call to HP got me nowhere. Has anyone else had this same experience and did you get any relief from the manufacturer ?

Discussion is locked

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Hm
Jan 7, 2005 8:58AM PST

Most computer manufacturers include the RAM module configuration as they're selling the computer. Although your experience is unpleasant and frustrating, a little bit of investigative work probably would have turned up the default configuration for the notebook's memory slots.

If the computer is SUPPOSED to have a single 512MB module, then I would contact HP immediately and discuss the problem. You could also return the computer, assuming it's new enough. Maybe you want to RMA it?

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2x256 means 2 RAM sticks - 1x512 is one
Jan 7, 2005 9:27AM PST

Yes, if the configuration indicates 2x256 memory then it is 2 sticks and if it states 1x512 then it is 1 stick for the total 512mb RAM.

Note that I have posted here many times that the cheapest option for many is to order 256mb RAM 1 stick (they don't even split a 256mb RAM stick into 2) and order your own 512mb RAM stick (likely PC2700 200 pin -- I have a Kingston and it works great) later for under $100 after rebates on sale -- mine was 69.99 after rebate at Fry's Electronics (on sale) for Kingston PC2700 512mb notebook RAM.

Actually my notebook was a retail unit that stated it would be 2x256 (as many retail store units do) but I actually got 1x512 so you always should check the 2nd RAM Slot to be sure.

If you leave one 256mb RAM module in you can go to 768mb RAM and not waste both modules.

If you ordered the notebook from hpshopping.com you have a 30 day return policy and they pay return shipping -- so if you really want the 1 stick RAM and they won't do a swap with you simply return it and order another notebook with you 512mb 1 stick (but at times this is not offered at hpshopping as they are trying to clear out 256mb memory as you got).

This 2x256 issue is common to all manufacturers and that is one of the reasons to order custom to insure you can leave 1 slot open for expansion.

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notebook memory configurations
Feb 2, 2005 1:47AM PST

I too want to upgrade a new notebook, but I checked to find out if there was a spare memory slot. There is. It's a Toshiba A70, with 512 megs of ram. I have no idea of what to get other than 512 megs -- are there companies whose products are superior? Is it special memory for notebooks? This notebook is a desktop replacement rather than a truly mobile computer with a Pentium M chip -- it has the Mobile Pentium.
I live in Canada. Help on this would be appreciated.
Toby

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My System can't find the 2nd 256MB card....
Feb 4, 2005 3:38AM PST

I just installed 2x256MB cards to replace my old 2x128MB cards in my VAIO PCG-FX250. The old ones worked perfectly fine, but my machine cant see one of the new card (i.e. instead of 512MB, it just shows 246MB as System Memory)...

I've tried and re-tried several times, even interchanged them... still the same problem...

WHat can I do?

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Make sure speeds match
Feb 4, 2005 12:02PM PST

You should only try to put RAM in whose speeds match. For example, some value DDR RAM doesn't clock down to lower speeds for computers which don't use its full capacity, so the computer doesn't recognize it. Make sure the specs of the two sticks match exactly.