upgrading

[tunna]

Hi everyone,

 

I was hoping to upgrade the memory on my laptop because it's quite slow when I'm trying to do more than one thing at once. For example, when I watch videos, it keeps cutting in and out if I'm trying to do something else like surf the web. The problem is, I've checked my system info and my laptop only allows for 2GB memory max. It's currently 1GB but I don't think 2GB is enough in the long run. Is there something I can do to allow my laptop to take more RAM?

 

Thanks,

Zoe

[KenB]

Hi Zoe

 

The amount of RAM that you can put in is governed by the motherboard ( mainboard ).

2GB does seem low as most recent 32 bit Operating Systems ( I assume yours is 32 bit ?) will accept 4GB.

 

Use the Crucial Scan.

click here

 

It will analyse your system and tell you what type of RAM you have and how much more you can add.

 

As a double check - post the make and model number of your laptop and I will take a look.

[tunna]

Hi Ken (again) :D

 

Thanks for responding. I checked the available RAM using system info. The RAM a laptop can take is total virtual memory + installed physical memory isn't it?

 

Yes, it's a 32 bit :( it's a very very old laptop and not a very good one to begin with lol it's about 5 yrs old. It's got an additional hard drive on it so I'm not lacking space for my programs. I'm just trying to make it last longer and I like playing with this kinda stuff it seems. I'll be playing with my old HP laptop at some point when I have time :D

 

The model is Toshiba Equium L40-14l. I've checked and it's definitely only able to take 2GB...I feel like I'm trapped in technology stone age here :( is there anything I can do?

 

http://www.crucial.com/systemscanner/viewscanbyid.aspx?id=8C163A5131D926C3

Edited June 29, 2012 by tunna

[BeeCeeBee]

The RAM a laptop can take is total virtual memory + installed physical memory isn't it?

 

No the RAM it can handle refers to actual physical memory. Your virtual memory (page file) should be about 1 1/2 the physical memory. If that is off it may effect your performance. I hope that bit of information will better help you reply to KenB's post.

[KenB]

Hi Zoe

 

Hi BeeCeeBee - our posts nearly coincided :)

 

Yes - 2GB Max.

 

You have 2 x 512MB at the moment so - if you chose to - these could be replaced with 2 x 1GB.

You should see the difference.

(you would need to refer to the scan result for the RAM spec )

 

The RAM a laptop can take is total virtual memory + installed physical memory isn't it?

Virtual Memory is not RAM.

As the name implies - it is created. It uses the Hard Drive to assist the RAM.

You would think that would give you limitless "RAM" - but there are problems using a Paging File ( Virtual Memory ) that is too big.

It has the reverse effect and actually slows the system down because the Hard Drive transfers data at a significantly slower rate than the RAM itself.

 

Is the OS Vista?

This should run well on 2GB

 

We can look at cleaning up the system if you wish ?

Deleting temporary files / disk cleanup / check Page File size etc etc.

If it is 5 years old it could be full of clutter.

[tunna]

I do regular disc clean ups so temp files get deleted. I've pretty much got rid of any programs that isn't needed.

 

Sorry I read somewhere that's how you know your RAM limit...guess not! Yes, I'm running on Vista. I just want to make sure that any upgrade I make is going to last. Luckily, 2gb RAM is quite cheap :D

[KenB]

Sorry I read somewhere that's how you know your RAM limit

I suppose you could look at it this way - but technically Virtual Memory is not RAM.

 

Let us know the results of adding new RAM. :)

There are different specifications - the scan will give you the spec that you need.

[tunna]

Thanks for the advice :)

 

Would you recommend against buying used memory cards?

[KenB]

Would you recommend against buying used memory cards?

I have never bought used RAM - depends how much they are being sold for.

If they are cheap enough it may be worth taking a chance - but I doubt that they will come with any guarantee.

[tunna]

Hmm...ok, how about brands?

 

I really appreciate all the help. Wish I could share a slice of my homemade carrot cake with you :D

[KenB]

Good brands:

 

Crucial / Corsair / G-Skill / Kingston

 

Wish I could share a slice of my homemade carrot cake with you

At least the thought was there :)

[tunna]

Thanks :D

 

I've given your share to my flatmates. They said it's mighty delicious ^-^

[KenB]

You are welcome.

 

I hope they enjoyed it :)

[tunna]

Hey :)

 

Just to let you know I've upgraded my RAM and my computer has accepted the new card ok. I know it's only a crappy old laptop but is there anything else that I could do to improve it? I've already deleted a load of files I don't need and done a disc cleanup and my comp regularly gets defragmented.

[KenB]

Hi

 

What did you get?

1 x 2GB or 2 x 1GB ?

 

Is the machine running any better ?

 

Start > My Computer > Right click on C:\ > Properties

 

What is the size of the Hard Drive ..........and How much Free Space do you have ?

[tunna]

I got a 1 x 2GB. The machine is running slightly better but not that much. I'm watching a video online now and my AVG is running and I'm not experiencing any interruptions.

 

I got 18.1 free space out of 55.6 GB on my C drive and 45.6 GB left out of 54.6 GB on my E drive.

[KenB]

I got 18.1 free space out of 55.6 GB on my C drive

That's fine.

The reason I asked is that Windows needs about 10 - 15 % free space to run efficiently.

 

I wonder if this is linked to AVG ?

AVG does not get recommended by our Security Experts any more.

The free AV that is recommended tends to be Microsoft Security Essentials.

 

I'm not experiencing any interruptions.

Do we need to look further into this or is it OK ?

[tunna]

Ahh ok I'll download that instead.

 

I think it should be ok for now. I just like playing around lol

[KenB]

I'll download that instead.

If you intend to d/l MS Essentials then download it > uninstall AVG > install MS Essentials

You certainly do not want 2 AVs running at the same time - they could conflict and slow your system down.

 

The AVG removal tool can be downloaded from here:

click here

 

I assume you have a 32 bit system ?

If so it is the top one from the list.

[tunna]

Yes it is a crappy 32 bit :D

 

I will remember not to leave both programs running...I've made that mistake before with my first laptop at uni!

 

Thanks again for the advice :) if you ever find a way to send cakes or food in general through a computer I'll be happy to feed you :D

[KenB]

if you ever find a way to send cakes or food in general through a computer I'll be happy to feed you

Now that is a challenge :)

 

Let's know how you get on with Essentials.

[Plastic Nev]

 

if you ever find a way to send cakes or food in general through a computer I'll be happy to feed you :D

 

It would be a challenge indeed Ken, but can we make do with pictures for now?

Here is a nice arctic roll and strawberries.

 

http://i28.servimg.com/u/f28/14/68/69/96/arctic10.jpg

[Starbuck]

Saw the words....arctic roll and strawberries!

Just had to take a look. :cool:

[KenB]

Here is a nice arctic roll and strawberries.

Now look what you have done Nev !!

 

Just had to take a look.

You don't see him until food is mentioned :)

 

Tunna - you have a lot to answer for :)

[Starbuck]

Tunna - you have a lot to answer for

and still .... food!

I love grilled fresh Tuna.