Any other ways of upgrading memory?

[NUFCAC]

Hello,

 

I was wondering if there is any other way of upgrading memory in a Compaq Pressario S4500UK to >1GB.

 

When I bought the PC it had 2x256 Memory modules, this was then upgraded to 2x512 modules. Based on what I have read on the internet the maximum which this PC can hold is 1GB.

 

So firstly, is this the case? and

 

Secondly, is there any other way of increasing RAM or should I just buy a new computer.

 

The motherboard has 3No. places for Memory sockets in the actual Printed Circuit Board but only 2 No. sockets. Can an additional socket be added easily/cheaply?

 

I would appreciate any help which you can provide.

 

Cheers.

[BeeCeeBee]

I was wondering if there is any other way of upgrading memory in a Compaq Pressario S4500UK to >1GB.

You want to upgrade the memory to 1Gb and you presently have 2 X 512Mb? Is that correct?

Am I missing something or is that not 1024Mb or approximately 1Gb?

 

The motherboard specs show 2 slots for memory up to 1gb each. That is its maximum capacity.

Edited March 11, 2009 by BeeCeeBee

[Match]

Hi NUFCAC

 

interesting link here to the Compaq site tells you all about it if you have any questions don't hesitate to get back to us

[Dalo Harkin]

If you are running Vista you can also use readyboost some people think this makes no difference whatsoever, but if you are out of options then its worth a try as it does help.

It basically moves the page file to the flash drive and as its a flash drive and has faster read and write speed, it makes a difference.

[DirtyPolo]

To answer your original question NUFCAC

 

You currently have 1GB of RAM, and you would like to upgrade it?

 

this is taken directly from the Compaq website, located here.

 

Memory:

- Two 184-pin DDR DIMM

- Maximum memory size is up to 2GB, 1GB per slot

(the PC manufacturer's recommended maximum memory may differ)

- Supports PC2700/PC2100

 

This shows that yes, you can upgrade your 2 x 512Mb, to 2 x 1GB sticks if you so wish, just make sure they are either PC2700 or PC2100

 

Hope this helps. :)

[BeeCeeBee]

Going back to the beginning, your compac is not running a very high spec cpu (because it can't) While there is the old adage that there is not such thing as too much RAM, there is also such a thing as enough.

 

You are already running XP- Home with 1Gb of Ram. I don't think you will experience much greater performance if you double that. In any event you were asking about upgrading to 1 Gb and you have already done that.

 

Have you adjusted your page file settings to account for your upgrade?

[NUFCAC]

Thanks everyone,

 

Thats very helpfull, I have been searching web for a while now. Wish I had come straight here.

 

Just to clarify why does it say on some sites the PC can hold a max of 1GB. Does this mean if you exceed this it will damage the computer or will just not work?

 

As stated by BeeCeeBee (Cheers by the way) I have heard that you cant get too much RAM. By the way BeeCeeBee, I wrote that I want to upgrate to greater than (>) 1GB from my Current approx 1BG.

 

I dont mind paying £40 or so on 1GB modules and having them not recognised or showing no further increase in performance, but I also dont want to damage my PC by installing them.

 

Thanks again.

[BeeCeeBee]

Ok first with regard to your use > on the forum. Now I understand it however it is generally used here (at least by me) to mean "go to." For example Right click on "my Computer" > Manage>Device manager.etc.

 

So to me that meant you wanted to go to 1Gb.

 

As for the remainder of your question, the motherboard specs indicate a 2 Gb maximum but also states (in effect) that the spec may be modified by the manufacturer. While I don't know why they would do so, I would check with them to be sure.

[NUFCAC]

BeeCeeBee,

 

Sorry about the confusion with the > symbol, its a habit picked up from work (Non-Computer related as you can probably tell).

 

On the UK version of the Pressario S4500 there are only 2 No. sockets whereas on other versions from differnt countries there are 3 No sockets. could this variation be the reason for the difference?

[BeeCeeBee]

The site I checked showed the 2 slots and a maximum of 2Gb. It was the compac site but when it gave the mobo specs (an Asus if I remember correctly) it carried the disclaimer I mentioned. (Odd I Know)

 

Compac has a verification method on the link below where you can reference your exact model. It should prove helpful in the final determination.

 

Upgrading Memory (RAM)*

 

No problem about the > thing by the way! :)

Edited March 12, 2009 by BeeCeeBee