Windows 7 - Would I benifit in going from 3gb to 4gb ram?

the prestige · 08-26-2011

Have old laptop
Computer currently has 3gb ram and 32bit Windows 7 pro
Thinking about about putting 64bit and 4gb ram
Is it worth it? How do I know if my computer can handle 64bit?
Specs:Product Specifications Compaq Presario CQ50-139NR Notebook PC - HP Customer Care (United States - English)
It says max memory is 3gb, but crucial ram says 4gb is the max? Which is right?

Sardonicus · 08-26-2011

If Compaq says that the max is 3Gb, I'd go with what they say since it's their product.
Unless you're using programs that will benefit from a 64 bit OS, you might as well stay with 32 bit.

Bill2 · 08-26-2011

Heres how you can tell whether the processor is 64 bit capable.

Quote:

To run a 64-bit version of Windows, your computer must have a 64-bit-capable processor. To find out if your processor is 64-bit-capable, do the following:

Open Performance Information and Tools by clicking the Start button , clicking Control Panel, clicking System and Maintenance, and then clicking Performance Information and Tools.
Click View and print details.
In the System section, you can see what type of operating system you're currently running under System type. Under 64-bit capable, you can see whether you can run a 64-bit version of Windows. (If your computer is already running a 64-bit version of Windows, you won't see the 64-bit capable listing.)

Whether you actually need 64 bit is a separate question. Theres no performance gain if thats what you're looking for, the main reason people switch to 64 bit is to be able to utilize 4 gigs ram. Right click on the task bar, click Start Task manager, click Performance tab, then look at the green memory bar chart. That shows how much memory the system is consuming right now. If it is well below your installed RAM and assuming that you're not suddenly going to install aseveral memory hogging programs, you should continue with 32 bit and 3 gigs RAM IMO.

the prestige · 08-27-2011

Quote: Originally Posted by Bill2

Heres how you can tell whether the processor is 64 bit capable.

Quote:

To run a 64-bit version of Windows, your computer must have a 64-bit-capable processor. To find out if your processor is 64-bit-capable, do the following:

Open Performance Information and Tools by clicking the Start button , clicking Control Panel, clicking System and Maintenance, and then clicking Performance Information and Tools.
Click View and print details.
In the System section, you can see what type of operating system you're currently running under System type. Under 64-bit capable, you can see whether you can run a 64-bit version of Windows. (If your computer is already running a 64-bit version of Windows, you won't see the 64-bit capable listing.)

Whether you actually need 64 bit is a separate question. Theres no performance gain if thats what you're looking for, the main reason people switch to 64 bit is to be able to utilize 4 gigs ram. Right click on the task bar, click Start Task manager, click Performance tab, then look at the green memory bar chart. That shows how much memory the system is consuming right now. If it is well below your installed RAM and assuming that you're not suddenly going to install aseveral memory hogging programs, you should continue with 32 bit and 3 gigs RAM IMO.

I hit about 70% ish with certain programs.

Bill2 · 08-27-2011

70ish isnt too bad, if the machine gets sluggish try trimming some of those apps. With a notebook one doesnt have much leeway, I would also go ny the manufacturer's specs regarding max memory.

Windows 7 - Would I benifit in going from 3gb to 4gb ram?

Would I benifit in going from 3gb to 4gb ram? problems?