Ram upgrade

[flogit]

Hi.I have a desktop pc with windows 7, 500gb hdd &3gb ram.Would it be worth going to 4gb ram,the question is will 1 gb of memory make a difference?.
thanks.

 

[Nigsy]

My view is, even if you are running 64bit, the difference between 3gb and 4gb would not justify it, unless you are running any specific 64bit software.

 

[DeaconFrost]

If you are running Windows 7 x64, you would be able to use that extra memory, and then the question turns to what you do with the computer...if that extra memory is actually needed.

If you are running Windows 7 x86, then I would say don't bother, because you wouldn't be able to access much of that 1 GB anyway.

 

[StalkeR]

Hello. First you need reason why to upgrade the ram memory. You want to play games or ?
If you plan to upgrade the ram to 4GB or more,you'll need x64 bit version of Windows 7. x32 bit can read up to 3.7GB.
And I'll suggest upgrating ram memory with 2GB or more.

 

[marsmimar]

Most people probably won't notice any appreciable difference in how their machine runs. But with a 64-bit system you'll be able to make use of the entire 4GB instead of being limited to 3-3.25GB like with a 32-bit system. RAM prices have come way down so I'd say go for it. Having more RAM certainly won't hurt. Just make sure you get RAM that's specifically made for your computer. Most RAM dealers will have a free "advisor tool" that gives you the particulars.

RAM Memory Upgrade: Dell, Mac, Apple, HP, Compaq. USB drives, SSD at Crucial.com

 

[flogit]

Thanks all for reply,Yes I have windows 7 64bit & I don't play any games.Mostly photography and home movies.and of course general use searching the web and emailing. Would I benefit with extra 1gb,been to crucial memory and ran the scan and result was that i need the extra ram totaling to a 4gb for the cost of £22.50 for one 2gb ram.
thanks.

 

[stormy13]

But with a 64-bit system you'll be able to make use of the entire 4GB instead of being limited to 3-3.25GB like with a 32-bit system.

Only if Compaq hasn't limited it to 4 GB max, which is what it is according to the specs for that model,

Compaq Presario CQ61-300 Notebook PC series specifications - HP Home & Home Office Products

If they have limited it to 4 GB max without having the memory remap option in the bios (or have it but hidden and enabled by default), then 4 GB with 64 bit Windows will still end the same as 4 GB with 32 bit Windows. If that is the case then it isn't worth it for the extra 256-512 MB.

 

[marsmimar]

But with a 64-bit system you'll be able to make use of the entire 4GB instead of being limited to 3-3.25GB like with a 32-bit system.

Only if Compaq hasn't limited it to 4 GB max, which is what it is according to the specs for that model,

Compaq Presario CQ61-300 Notebook PC series specifications - HP Home & Home Office Products

If they have limited it to 4 GB max without having the memory remap option in the bios (or have it but hidden and enabled by default), then 4 GB with 64 bit Windows will still end the same as 4 GB with 32 bit Windows. If that is the case then it isn't worth it for the extra 256-512 MB.

My bad. OP said he had a desktop and I went from there. I should have said, "...you might be able to make use of the entire 4GB..."

 

[stormy13]

Actually you're right it is a desktop. I went from what is listed in his specs.

Then again the same thing still applies with a desktop as to whether the motherboard/chipset supports 4 GB or more and whether the remap option is available or on by default.

 

[flogit]

Yes it is a desktop,I'm using a laptop to ask this forum.
Well the question is shall I go for the 1gb extra ram to make it up to four or shall I leave well alone with existing 3gb ram??.
Thanks all.

 

[stormy13]

Make and model of motherboard, or make and model of computer would help.

 

[flogit]

Motherboard details:
Biostar N61 PB M2S (Socket AM2)

 

[stormy13]

Being AM2 it should be fine with 4 GB or ram, as all AMD CPU's from the socket 754 and up have supported at least 4 GB or more and also support memory re-mapping (as long as the board manufacturer didn't disable and hide the option).

P.S. Have a link to that motherboard? Can't even find it on Biostar's site, and have a feeling that while it may have been made by Biostar it was made for the OEM market (meaning it was made for Dell, HP, etc).

 

[flogit]

Well thanks all for the help.i think I will go for the extra 1gb ram,I will remove the 1gb and replace with the new 2gb,Most probs i will get it from crucial for the cost of £22.50,I suppose that's a fair price to pay?.
Thanks once again

 

[Miranova23]

Be sure to check whether it is DDR2 or DDR3 that you need!

(I just made the awful mistake of assuming I could reuse my sister's ram when I upgraded the mobo & cpu-- Not thinking that DDR3 ram slots didn't exist back in 2002.)

Otherwise, that price seems perfect.