Need Info On RAM

[hexagram23]

I was wondering is there anyway to check what type of RAM my computer uses. I currently have 3 Gigs, and it's expandable to 8....however (correct me if I'm wrong) 32-bit Vista only recognizes a total of 4 Gigs. So I wanted to get another Gig, but I have no idea what kind it takes....is the only option opening the case and looking inside?

Thanks.

[Shuemue]

Memory upgrades, flash media, and usb storage at Crucial.com

they have a little scanner thingy that'll tell you exactly what you need to know

[Blubbartron]

You need to know what kind of motherboard your computer has in order to determine compatibility. Most motherboard websites keep a list of known compatible memory modules, but as there are so many manufacturers and various types, it's rarely very complete. Your best bet is to find the ram you want, the motherboard you have, and then google it to see if anyone is complaining about getting it to work. No complaints found within 10 pages of results generally means you're good to go. Also, 32-bit XP recognizes under 4 gigs of ram. Vista can recognize up to something like 16, with 64 bit going to like 64 or some ludicrous number.

[hexagram23]

You need to know what kind of motherboard your computer has in order to determine compatibility. Most motherboard websites keep a list of known compatible memory modules, but as there are so many manufacturers and various types, it's rarely very complete. Your best bet is to find the ram you want, the motherboard you have, and then google it to see if anyone is complaining about getting it to work. No complaints found within 10 pages of results generally means you're good to go. Also, 32-bit XP recognizes under 4 gigs of ram. Vista can recognize up to something like 16, with 64 bit going to like 64 or some ludicrous number.

Hmmmm....really? Maybe I'm on crack but I could've swore people on this board were saying Vista 32-bit could only recognize 4 Gigs total. You're saying that's not true?

Ok as far as my motherboard, how would I check that? Thanks for the info.

[hexagram23]

Memory upgrades, flash media, and usb storage at Crucial.com

they have a little scanner thingy that'll tell you exactly what you need to know

Oh ok thanks a lot.

[Blubbartron]

My bad, I got confused on where the stepping is. A bit of googling returned this:

"the official answer from Microsoft:

* 32-bit versions of Windows Vista Home Basic, Home Premium, Business, Enterprise, and Ultimate: 4GB
* 32-bit Windows Vista Starter: 1GB
* 64-bit versions of Windows Vista Home Basic: 8GB
* 64-bit versions of Windows Vista Home Premium: 16GB
* 64-bit versions of Windows Vista Business, Enterprise, and Ultimate: 128GB"

[Reality]

32-bit Operating Systems have a physical memory "limit", of 4GB. However, if you're currently using 3GB of actual ram, installing another 1GB of ram will at most give you about 200-500 more MB under system properties, as there are pieces of hardware in your machine that will utilize system resources, ultimately taking up some of that 4GB pool of expandable space

You'll never see "4GB" under device manager on a 32-bit operating system, unless you're running a minimalistic 2D graphics card with little-to-no onboard memory, as well as few to no expansion cards. You'll need as few devices as possible to prevent using up that pool of expandable space, due to the 32bit operating system

Sorry my explanation of this isn't as technical as someone else could perhaps be, it's hard for me to explain this

[Calina]

32-bit Operating Systems have a physical memory "limit", of 4GB. However, if you're currently using 3GB of actual ram, installing another 1GB of ram will at most give you about 200-500 more MB under system properties, as there are pieces of hardware in your machine that will utilize system resources, ultimately taking up some of that 4GB pool of expandable space

You'll never see "4GB" under device manager on a 32-bit operating system, unless you're running a minimalistic 2D graphics card with little-to-no onboard memory, as well as few to no expansion cards. You'll need as few devices as possible to prevent using up that pool of expandable space, due to the 32bit operating system

Sorry my explanation of this isn't as technical as someone else could perhaps be, it's hard for me to explain this

more technical anser is 32bit OS only has 4gb worth of address space and you components take some of that up the most your ganna see on a 32bit OS is 3-3.5gbs if your lucky

just stick with the 3gbs you have or get faster ram you can buy a 4gb kit of 1066mhz for like 50$ these days will still only see 3-3.5gbs but it will be faster

or upgrade to a 64bit OS but here your ganna have to warry about current devies you have weather they have 64 bit drivers or not but you can go with much much more ram if your dead set on it

id recomend just getting faster ram if you realy wanna upgrade it would be the easiest

[hexagram23]

just stick with the 3gbs you have or get faster ram you can buy a 4gb kit of 1066mhz for like 50$ these days will still only see 3-3.5gbs but it will be faster
t

Thanks for the info guys.

As far as what I quoted, do you mean 1 stick with 4 Gigs on it, or 2 sticks with 2 Gigs each. I seen a few deals with 2 sticks of 2 Gigs, for around $45.

Also how do you know if it's 1055 mhz or whatever? I don't see that info listed along with the other info on any sites that sell RAM.

[Calina]

Thanks for the info guys.

As far as what I quoted, do you mean 1 stick with 4 Gigs on it, or 2 sticks with 2 Gigs each. I seen a few deals with 2 sticks of 2 Gigs, for around $45.

Also how do you know if it's 1055 mhz or whatever? I don't see that info listed along with the other info on any sites that sell RAM.

give me the specs on your PC ill find what you need if you want

if its HP or dell or any of the OEM please list the model number on HP its usaly on the front right under the power button as for the other OEM's iam not sure where it would be

and i ment 2 x2gb sticks

Newegg.com - CORSAIR DOMINATOR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Desktop Memory with fan

Newegg.com - CORSAIR DOMINATOR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Desktop Memory without fan

there the same thing except the first has a fan for the ram witch is ok but not really needed

second dosent have the fan and is a bit cheaper $39.99 after mail in rebate and free shipping

befor you make any dicisions i need to know your PC model so i can make sure it supports the higher speed ram

[Blubbartron]

I actually have that exact same ram in my rig right now. Works really nicely. Sort of weird though; CPU-Z detects it as PC2-6400 instead of 8500. The bios automatically detected it at the specified 1066 speed though. The timings did need to be set manually, however.

[gt_killa]

While on the topic, I am also looking to upgrade my RAM but don't know much about it. Could you also help me find what kind would be best for my system, Calina? I'm looking to upgrade it to 4 GB as well.

I was given this computer from my cousin like a couple years ago.

Windows XP Professional SP2
It has a Asus P4C800 motherboard. Pentium(R) 4 CPU 3.00GHz 3.01 GHz, 1.00 GB of RAM.

Thank you.

[Calina]

While on the topic, I am also looking to upgrade my RAM but don't know much about it. Could you also help me find what kind would be best for my system, Calina? I'm looking to upgrade it to 4 GB as well.

I was given this computer from my cousin like a couple years ago.

Windows XP Professional SP2
It has a Asus P4C800 motherboard. Pentium(R) 4 CPU 3.00GHz 3.01 GHz, 1.00 GB of RAM.

Thank you.

Newegg.com - CORSAIR XMS 2GB (2 x 1GB) 184-Pin DDR SDRAM DDR 400 (PC 3200) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Desktop Memory

thats the best your motherboard can use since it only supports DDR 400 (PC3200)

[hexagram23]

give me the specs on your PC ill find what you need if you want

if its HP or dell or any of the OEM please list the model number on HP its usaly on the front right under the power button as for the other OEM's iam not sure where it would be

and i ment 2 x2gb sticks

Newegg.com - CORSAIR DOMINATOR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Desktop Memory with fan

Newegg.com - CORSAIR DOMINATOR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Desktop Memory without fan

there the same thing except the first has a fan for the ram witch is ok but not really needed

second dosent have the fan and is a bit cheaper $39.99 after mail in rebate and free shipping

befor you make any dicisions i need to know your PC model so i can make sure it supports the higher speed ram

If you scroll down a bit there is my exact computer:

Computer memory upgrades for Gateway FX541S Desktop/PC from Crucial.com

Thanks again.

[Calina]

If you scroll down a bit there is my exact computer:

Computer memory upgrades for Gateway FX541S Desktop/PC from Crucial.com

Thanks again.

ya both of thows kits will work for you

[hexagram23]

ya both of thows kits will work for you

Thanks a lot for the info I really appreciate it.