computer memory

[Schmoe]

Well, all the advice worked for the hard drive that I bought and installed, now I need some more memory. Thought I had it about figured out, but so many terms...heat spreader, unbuffered, buffered, pins, SDRAMM, etc. etc.
My system has 128M of RAM. This system can take 512M max, 2 memory slots. I will assume that one slot is being used for the 128M and the other slot is open. This is what I got: HP Pavilion PC133 168pin SDRAM DIMM. Seems like I can only get 128M or 256M sticks. Is this something I'll have to send to the shop to get installed? I remember and older IBM computer, you just simply plug them in and that was it. No programming changes or anything.
Now, should I get just one 256M stick, added with the 128M and get 384M total, or take the plunge and get two 256M sticks? I plan on keeping the computer for a while. It's not exactly new, but with ya'lls advice on the new hard drive and cable ISP, this thing is pretty fast, or fast enough for me and my young daughter. I did have to install Windows XP, the Me was very corrupted and for some reason, it wouldn't get out of FAT16, now have FAT32. It is a tad slower, as some of ya'll pointed out, but I think with some extra memory, it should speed up. Do I need 512M or RAM, or would 384 be pretty good? I checked the system out, and it's currently using about 90% of RAM and any time. I haven't loaded my flight simulators yet. I did try to download a free virus protection software from Cox Communications and computer said I didn't have enough physical memory, got this free AV program from Alwil.com pretty good, I think.
So, if you don't mind, educate me on this and tell me what I need to get, again.

 

[Willy_G]

If you changed out the HD, you can add/swap memory.

It is easy. 1 - locate slots. 2 - unclip chip & remove. 3 - Insert new chip & secure clips. Or any combination of these steps that suit your need. You can Google the web for more instructions/pictures.

Add one 256 dimm, then see how the system is running. If need-be, swap out the 128 later. I'll bet you could find someone that could use the 128 for $20, too!

 

[Matt_S]

I would strongly advise you to go for the full 512 MB if you're going to keep the system for a while. As far as installing it goes, when you get the case off, you should see one or two memory DIMMs somewhere inside. (It's unsafe to simply assume you only have one, mfgrs usually put two smaller modules in, instead of a single larger one, as it's cheaper that way). You might have to remove other parts to get to the memory, depending on the case design, but it's usually pretty accessible. To remove the memory, push outward on the two clips on either side of the DIMM. This will pop it out. To put in the new one, line up the new module properly (it only goes in one way) and simply push it down into the slot. The clips should get pushed back up automatically as the DIMM is fully seated.

Most computers won't require any further intervention, but some may require you to go into the BIOS setup and simply save the changes. You don't have to alter anything, though. Whether or not you have to do this is entirely system dependent.

BTW, memory is memory is memory. Buy based on price. PC133 might be a little expensive, compared to the newer types, but it's still available. Shop around.

 

[skinnyd]

My vote is for the 512 also, its not that much more and it will be well worth the extra money.

 

[darryld13]

In addition to Willy_G and Matt_S' excellent advice, please do be careful and use precautions for controlling static electricity. These guys are particularly sensitive to it. If there are not any specific procedures/cautions described on the memory or if you don't have your owners' manual, just get a wrist strap and attach it to a ground external to the PC while installing.

 

[JHZR2]

'personal use'/ 'home use' computers from OEMs arent usually that great (though I do still havemy apple IIe, and it runs fine

), and in time more and more breaks down.

You seem to have it running fine, but like anything, thats just until the next thing goes, which may be sooner or later.

Id go with the simplest method to get the necessary requiremnts for XP... that means 256 MB. I wouldnt spend much $ on anything for a computer as outdated as that (no offense), but rather save the money so next time youcan take your new HD, and put it into a newer, more up to date system that runs much faster and is more stable.

Having 384 MB may give a small performance boost (it might even be noticable!), but Im not conviced its worth spending the extra money on parts that will not be transferrable to any next computer that you may buy. That said, in shopping, there may only be a $10-20 difference between 128 and 256 from the same manufacturer, etc. If thats the case, go for it. Where the utility/price work for you anbd your computer will determine how much extra youd be willing to spend.

Other than the fact that you'd have a matched pair, I dont think its worth it to go to 2x256.

Check crucial.com, that's micron memory, so its good stuff. Ive always had good luck, finding great prices, high quality components and good service.

JMH

 

[Quattro Pete]

As far as selecting the right memory, I'd suggest going to www.crucial.com and picking your particular PC model from the list. These guys are pretty good, sell quality chips, and their prices are reasonable. I bought a 512MB RAM from them for my Dell notebook.

The general consensus is that for XP to work optimally, you need 512 MB of RAM, but I've seen work with 256 MB no problem as well, although with a much faster processor than yours. Memory is not that expensive these days, so buy as much as you can afford. However, on the other hand, it's quite an old system so maybe it doesn't make much sense to keep dumping money into it, alas, it looks live you've already decided to do that anyway (new HDD).

To find out whether you currently have one 128 MB module or two 64 MB (very possible, too), you can use a utility such as Aida32 ( http://www.majorgeeks.com/download181.html )
or you can just "pop the hood" and have a look for yourself.

Replacing the memory is easy, just make sure you discharge any static electricity before handling the modules.

As far as free anti-virus software, I've been using AVG for 2 years now and like it.

http://www.grisoft.com/doc/289/lng/us/tpl/tpl01


Also, I'm curious why you have FAT32 with Win XP. It's no big deal I guess, but isn't NTFS the preferred file system on XP?

 

[JHZR2]

Some other things:

Some motherboards are more stable with the last RAM slot unused. Theres only one way to find out about this, however. If thats the case, than one 256might be your better choice.

If they cut costs to give you 2x64 mb chips, Id sugest getting a 256, and take out one of the 64 mb ones. Put the 256 in the first slot, the 64in the second... or sell both 64s on ebay to offset the cost (you likely wont know the difference between one 256 and a 256 with a 64).

clean all the dust out while the case is open!!!

Do some online readong on your computer model to see if there is any optimal configuration of your memory chips.

Consider adding a pci slot exhaust fan or equivalent

JMH

 

[Schmoe]

Thanks for all the replys. Can always count on great responses from you guys. This is like a Van Halen song...."I don't feel old." Even though the computer is only about 5 years old, it's old, none the less. Bottom line, I'm setting this thing up so eventually my 2 year old will use it. I'm thinking internet and homework, like Word. Wife and I have internet at work so we really don't use it at home a lot. But, I know at some point, that system will be so outdated that nothing will work on it. It's like trying to run DOS 3.0 now, you just can't. Didn't know XP likes 512RAM. Maybe the route I take. Another thing, call me tight, but I just hate to have to get a new system when there is nothing wrong with what I got now. Paid good money for it, and now it's useless? That eats my lunch. I know they aren't worth anything, unlike a car, but if its possible, I'm going to try. I wish I had a P4 in it instead of a P3, but...another story.

Is this OK?
http://www.memoryx.net/hewpacpavxtm3.html
the 256 stick, or is it cheaper elsewhere like newegg.com that was where I got the hard drive from, they were fast. It's just sensory overload with all the specs they throw at you.

Would this work, it's a lot cheaper and it's 256M.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820211005

[ September 26, 2005, 12:08 PM: Message edited by: Schmoe ]

 

[Schmoe]

On that one site from newegg that I mentioned above, the 256 stick is SDRAM, but it doesn't say DIMM. Will that work.

 

[1 FMF]

Ebay Ebay Ebay! buy from a legitimate ebay store or power seller with 'buy it now'. I just looked and 512Mb PC133 SDRAM is about $30.

what's the model HP computer you have? Specifically, the motherboard.

you may be able to go with 512MB memory chips in each slot for a total of 1gb of memory. Definitely max out the system for memory, pc133 memory is dirt cheap. You want pc133 sdram, 168-pin, non-parity. Don't get EEC.


once that's done, then you can load your flight sim and tell us what you're running for a graphics card and we can tell you to go buy a 256Mb AGP card for $100

 

[Schmoe]

OK...hate to say it, but I've had some bad experiences from buying musical instruments/effects and just not quite ready to try it again. What's the difference in 30 dollar 256M and the 80 dollar ones? Also, what is 8 chip and 16 chip mean???
I know, so many questions....I've seen some of the 256 sticks as low as 25 bucks. The system I have says 512M max, 2 slots (2 banks of 1)
Also, crucial says I need to use a PC100,
http://www.crucial.com/store/MParts...062A5CA7304&WSMD=Pavilion+XT860&WSPN=CT200884

But the computer is a PC133. What gives?

[ September 26, 2005, 03:12 PM: Message edited by: Schmoe ]

 

[1 FMF]

you're getting your vocabulary mixed up.
Your computer is an HP (Hewlett-Packard).
The model is 'Pavilion XT860' according to the search in the crucial link.
The type of memory is PC133, that refers to the speed of the memory.

I noticed from crucial.com for that model computer that it 'guarantees' PC100 memory to be compatible. The inside scoop on this is probably that HP used different motherboards during that time and requirements varied between PC100 and PC133 memory, and the crucial memory guide is just that. Don't take it as 100% correct. The reason they can say guarantee is because you can put slower pc100 memory in a machine that calls for faster pc133 memory; pc133 is backwards compatible to pc100. But not the other way around however. Since you have pc133 memory in your computer now, then it's supposed to use pc133. If it didn't, it would not boot up at all.

The difference between $30 and $80 memory for what seems to be the same could be that one is ECC and the cheaper one isn't. In that case, you want the cheaper non-ECC (also called non-parity) memory. Another difference is clock latency, the CL=2 or CL=3. CL=2 is faster (lower number faster) but not really worth the extra money because it doesn't guarantee the computer to be faster- the computer is only as fast as the weakest (slowest) link and it is not the CL of the memory almost always. Only if you're building a high end computer would you want the best of everything and would go CL=2 memory. In your case, buy CL=3 for less money. Another is brand name and any major memory seller like crucial will say "While you might find what appears to be the exact same memory for a lower price elsewhere, the cheaper memory might not work in your system." This is only a scare tactic to get you to buy memory from them. They sell other brands in addition to major ones like micron - http://www.crucial.com/kb/answer.asp?qid=3404 - in order to keep business up, the same brands you'll find on ebay, staples, compusa.
On ebay, stick with ebay stores and power sellers with 5-star ratings, selling new. You can also use them to gauge pricing, then look for memory at staples, officemax, compusa and only buy when there's rebates.

another thing to confuse you- the maximum amount of memory you can upgrade to depends soley on the motherboard and the bios, not the name or maker of the computer (like HP or Dell). You said your system says 512M max, which is 2 slots with 256M chips. You may be able to get a new bios, which is free downloadable software, install it and then be able to use two 512M memory chips for a max of 1Gb. To do that, find the make/model of motherboard and your bios version and research for an update through HP's support website or motherboard maker. You can also contact memory sellers like crucial and ask them, they may be able to help. Otherwise if all this is too much, just stick with two 256 Mb chips but realize that in the future if you're ever able to upgrade to 1GB that you only have 2 slots so you will have to use two 512Mb chips and the 256Mb ones you bought will go unused.

 

[Schmoe]

OK. Thanks for all that. Everything is running on 128M at this moment. I haven't put any other software packages on it yet, hence, the confusion to try to understand what all I need to do. Looked at newegg website on the memory stuff, read a couple of reviews. Some folks say it worked on their "older" HP, some say otherwise. I kind of think if the motherboard would go to 1G, surely somewhere in there it would say upgradeable to 1G, not 512 max.
.
.
I sure appreciate all ya'lls help. I have been officially spun up to date.

Just one more thing, PROMISE......
Do I need 8 chip or 16 chip? does it matter????

 

[1 FMF]

8 or 16 should be of no concern.
http://www.pcguide.com/ref/ram/packChip-c.html

Biggest thing is the number of pins is correct- so it fits in the memory slot. Next would be memory type- PC133 (or PC100) SDRAM, and the voltage. I think it's 3.3v, verify that if u can unless everything comes up as the same voltage for pc133.

buy some freakin memory already

 

[kenw]

a p3 machine stil has years of life left in it. Take it up to 512MBram or more, get serious about clearing out the temp files frequently and it will be good for a long time to come.

Make sure it's not got a lot of cr!p running in the background (AIM, weatherbug, etc) as these are simple memory hogs.

For a machine that sees lots of web usage, a great plan is to just reformat and reload it (the OS and all apps) once a year. It's faster than trying to locate and delete all the stuff that weasles it's way in.

 

[97tbird]

i second the suggestion of going to crucial.com, the best site for advice. they have their own scanner and tell you exactly what your pc needs, and how much more it can take, and where the free slots are and everything!

i had great success with them, my pc was 128 mb, now it's running happily on 608 mb.
installation was easy (less than 5 min),and crucial's online guide is also great.

 

[Quattro Pete]

quote:

---

Originally posted by Schmoe:
I wish I had a P4 in it instead of a P3, but...another story.

---

Oh, well, in that case, this is a perfectly good PC and will be for some time still.

For some reason when I saw that PC133 in your original post, I thought it was some Pentium I 133MHz machine, and hence I was wondering how it's even possible to run XP on it. My bad.

 

[XS650]

quote:

---

Originally posted by kenw:
a p3 machine stil has years of life left in it. Take it up to 512MBram or more, get serious about clearing out the temp files frequently and it will be good for a long time to come.

Make sure it's not got a lot of cr!p running in the background (AIM, weatherbug, etc) as these are simple memory hogs.

For a machine that sees lots of web usage, a great plan is to just reformat and reload it (the OS and all apps) once a year. It's faster than trying to locate and delete all the stuff that weasles it's way in.

---

My son, who does some serious control systems software develpopment, often compiles his stuff on an old 300 mHz PII laptop and has much the same mantra.

Reload everything including the OS at least once year.

Keep junk that runs in the background cleared off the machine, or at least inactive.

Use an adequate amount of memory, as much as the machine will take on older machines.

Use a fast modern hard drive.

 

[XS650]

quote:

---

Originally posted by 1 FMF:
The reason they can say guarantee is because you can put slower pc100 memory in a machine that calls for faster pc133 memory; pc133 is backwards compatible to pc100. But not the other way around however. Since you have pc133 memory in your computer now, then it's supposed to use pc133. If it didn't, it would not boot up at all.

---

I'm adding memory to a 4 or 5 year old Sony FXA32 laptop so will be dealing with pc100 or pc133 memory.

Would you please clarify your statement above? It leaves me confused about where pc100 and pc133 will work. Mine calls for pc100, but I would like to have an option of using pc133 if that will work.

I just flashed the bios to several levels newer firmware than it came with although Sony says you can't use the newer firmware in my computer. Fortunately the FX/FXA laptop series has a small cult following so there is a lot of info available.

I also found out that an Athlon XP-M 2400+ is a plug in replacement for the 900 mHz Duron in it and it runs cooler because it's a more efficient chip. That goes in right after the 512meg of memory replaces the stock 128meg.