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Resolved memory question

Discussion in 'PC Hardware' started by voltigeur, 2011/03/31.

  1. 2011/03/31
    voltigeur

    voltigeur Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    I can get two free sticks of one gig ddr2 memory pc2-5300, I have the pc2-6400
    I have the Vista OS with 3 gb total, 2x 1 gig 2x 512 mgb would it be an advantage to up-grade to 4 gigs? In the task manager my free memory shows zero free when I run a program. I did try the search funtion.
     
    voltigeur,
    #1
  2. 2011/03/31
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    As you are running 32 bit Vista even though you may have 4 Gb RAM installed Windows will only use ~3.3 - 3.5 Gb. This is a function of the 32 bit architecture. I doubt you would see any noticeable performance boost with an extra 300 Mb effective RAM.

    You should be looking at Available memory rather that Free, which is simply unallocated.

    Bear in mind that you cannot stick any old RAM into your motherboard - it must be compatible. A good source of compatibility is Crucial.com's Memory advisor or scanner.
     
    PeteC,
    #2
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  4. 2011/03/31
    voltigeur

    voltigeur Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    Thanks Pete, So even if I get the memory sticks for free it is not worth while to install them?
     
    voltigeur,
    #3
  5. 2011/03/31
    wildfire

    wildfire Getting Old

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    If I may interject, no it's not worthwhile (certainly for a beginner). There's too many variables (is the memory compatible, why is it free could it be defective, how competent are you working inside the machine) and the reward as Pete has pointed out is very slim.

    Simply put, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. ;)
     
    wildfire,
    #4
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  6. 2011/03/31
    ephemarial

    ephemarial Well-Known Member

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    Ding-a ling (sound of another chime)

    Wouldn’t try it.

    As you noted computer has PC2-6400 (DDR2 800) memory.
    Replacing just 2 of the 4 sticks with slower PC2-5300 (DDR2 667) would be an interesting experiment that might be better to pass on.
     
    ephemarial,
    #5
  7. 2011/03/31
    voltigeur

    voltigeur Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    Thank guys.:)
     
    voltigeur,
    #6

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