Going From 3GB RAM to 8GB RAM HELP!

New Video Card Help!

First of all, I would like to know how much of a difference Going from 3GB to 8GB of RAM Will Make. Right now I have 2 1GB sticks and 2 512MB sticks, and im thinking of going to 4 2GB sticks. I would also like details on converting from a 32-bit windows to a 64-bit windows for free so i can fully use all 8GB of RAM. I have already looked over 64-bit compatibility and everything I have will convert except 1 game I just bought. Also I should put this in a different thread but I would like to upgrade my 128MB Video Card to a 512MB Video card and would like to know what would be the cheapest and best choice as far as video cards go. Also keep in mind the video card will have to be compatible with a 64-bit operating system. I already looked over to see if my computer was 64-bit capable and it is. I would like to make all of these changes myself, but have little knowledge in installing RAM or Video cards. Also how will I install 64-bit version of vista when I have 32-bit version?

First off, you will need a 64-bit version of Windows to use the 8GB's of memory, and you will NOT be able to "upgrade" your installation from 32-bit to 64-bit. The only way to transition from 32-bit to 64-bit is to do a clean install after formatting your OS hard drive.

Also, depending on the version of Windows you have, you may have to purchase a 64-bit edition. Did you buy your PC with Windows installed already? If so you may have to purchase a retail or OEM 64-bit copy of Windows, I suggest waiting for Windows 7 if you must make a purchase.

As for the difference, 3-8GB's will make a noticeable difference in load times and such. If you disable your paging file you will notice an even larger speed boost. I went from 3GB to 8GB, and I don't think I'll ever use anything less again!

As for your graphics card upgrade question, after looking at your System Specs I believe the following is your computer?
http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/ca/e...3158-12133158-12133158-81574412-81574610.html

If so, you should have an available PCI-Express x16 expansion slot available, meaning you may purchase and install any PCI-E graphics card that you wish. Installing RAM and video cards is fairly easy, you just slide them into their correct slots on the motherboard and then secure them using tabs and/or screws.

How do I disable my paging file and what does that even mean?

Yes the link that you included in your post is my computer.

Thank you for telling me PCI-E video card, and the difference between RAM.

Still I need to know how to install my RAM and video cards a little bit better than that, and how do I go about Uninstalling and installing windows Vista to get to a 64-bit?

Also what is the best deal for a 512MB video card and 4 2GB RAM cards.

I have found a way to get 64-bit version for free by calling microsoft and giving them my key they will give me the 64-bit version key and then i can order a copy of the 64-bit dvd via online and they will send it to me though the mail.

Im thinking of getting a Galaxy NVIDIA GeForce 9400GT for a video card, and 2 2pack 2GB PC2 6400 DDR2 DIMM Memory Kits. Will all of this work on my computer and, are there any cheaper 2pack 2GB memory kits. Plus is that video card any good?

slow down there....you've asked 30 different questions without taking a breath. I will answer your first one. right click computer and select properties. choose advanced system settings. untick the top box, highlight the drive with the os on it and check no paging file then click set.

Hi there
2 Basic errors

1) There's no reason why a system with 8 GB RAM should boot quicker than 3 GB. The OS and its services will load completely into around 500 - 600 MB at boot. The extra RAM is used by applications etc etc.

If you pour 5 Litres of gas from a 5 litre can into say a bathtub or a large hole in the ground will the time taken to pour the gas be quicker when you pour it into the bathtub or the large hole in the ground. (I wouldn't attempt this experiment BTW) but the time taken will be the same.

2) Paging SHOULD NOT be turned off. sometimes the OS uses it even if you were to install 2 TB of RAM in your system. Having a paging file in a system with a decent amount of RAM does NOT slow it down.

Cheers
jimbo.

Also, a note of caution.

Many users are reporting motherboard/power issues with 4x 2GB RAM sticks. The easy solution is to boost the northbridge voltage by 0.1 or 0.2 volts. I have not looked at your mobo specs, but I suspect that the BIOS setting is not available.

I'll be busy for a bit. My bathtub is on fire.

bubbabvi said:

Im thinking of getting a Galaxy NVIDIA GeForce 9400GT for a video card, and 2 2pack 2GB PC2 6400 DDR2 DIMM Memory Kits. Will all of this work on my computer and, are there any cheaper 2pack 2GB memory kits. Plus is that video card any good?

Click to expand...

You need to find out what memory is currently in your computer.

Download this program,

SIW - System Information for Windows

Start it up, on the left side under 'Hardware' click 'Memory' and tell us what it says there.

Should be something like: PC2-5300 5-5-5-15 240pin DIMM

jimbo45 said:

2) Paging SHOULD NOT be turned off. sometimes the OS uses it even if you were to install 2 TB of RAM in your system. Having a paging file in a system with a decent amount of RAM does NOT slow it down.

Click to expand...

It does actually, all of my memory related benchmarks improved after disabling the paging file.

I got the memory part of it down but I would like to know does my computer have an extra port for a video card? I opened it up for the first time last night and I saw what I thought to be a pci-e port with nothing in it. Also im upgrading to windows 7 professional x64 hope most of my software is compatible

bubbabvi said:

I got the memory part of it down but I would like to know does my computer have an extra port for a video card? I opened it up for the first time last night and I saw what I thought to be a pci-e port with nothing in it. Also im upgrading to windows 7 professional x64 hope most of my software is compatible

Click to expand...

If you opened up your case and you see a PCI express slot open then yes you will be able to add whatever card you like.
One word of caution, HP set ups use a smaller cheaper PSU and you may not have the power to drive the card which will damage your system severely.
HP's normally configure their systems at 300-350 watts.
regards,
Adrian

Good call on the PSU , Adrian. A quick google reveals the primary request for tech support revolves around the PSU component.

Tech brief and spec sheet from Tiger...
http://static.tigerdirect.com/pdf/HP-Pavilion-m8300f-Media-Center-TV-PC-Datasheet.pdf

http://static.tigerdirect.com/pdf/HP-Media-Center-TV-PC-Upg-Servicing.pdf

HP Pavilion m8300f Media Center TV PC - AMD Athlon 64 X2 6000+ 3.0GHz, 3GB DDR-2, 2x320GB SATA II, DL DVD±RW/RAM w/Lighscribe, Flash Media Reader, 10/100 LAN, Windows Vista Home Premium at TigerDirect.com

Not bad for what it is.

32-bit can only utilize 3GB, in some cases 4. If you want the OS to take full advantage of all 8 gigs, you NEED to install 64-bit.

if you go to crucial.com you can run a scan on your machine that will tell you slots available for RAM aswell as maximum amount able to be inserted.

OK well I already know the ram that I need now and I have upgraded to 64-bit already the only thing now is the graphics card. Someone said my pc may not have enough power? It says it runs on 300 watts. would that be enough to run this card?
Galaxy - NVIDIA GeForce 9400 GT 512MB DDR2 PCI Express Graphics Card - BB94GFE8HDFEXX

Also could I run that video card on a 64-bit OS?

that would be the last thing i would need to know.

bubbabvi said:

OK well I already know the ram that I need now and I have upgraded to 64-bit already the only thing now is the graphics card. Someone said my pc may not have enough power? It says it runs on 300 watts. would that be enough to run this card?
Galaxy - NVIDIA GeForce 9400 GT 512MB DDR2 PCI Express Graphics Card - BB94GFE8HDFEXX

Click to expand...

bubbabvi said:

Also could I run that video card on a 64-bit OS?

Click to expand...

bubbabvi said:

that would be the last thing i would need to know.

Click to expand...

Your graphics card choice will depend on what you are planning on using it for, heavy gaming, Video, etc.

Also the limits of your PSU, to help you decide look at this The Truth About Graphics Power Requirements V2 See how many watts you really need.

All cards will work on a 64bit OS, the main limitations are the connection type and power requirements.

In my opinion for that price range and power consumption you can likely find a better one. Check around.

Thank you.