Adding memory to laptop

[ialsohaveadream]

I just got a laptop in need of a memory upgrade. It's DDR ram, 200-pin. Having never installed RAM on a laptop before, I'm hoping you guys can tell me:

1. Is it difficult to install? I imagine it must be harder than adding to a normal PC.

2. Where is the best place to get a cheap stick of 1 GB notebook DDR?

[Jenny]

Nah, it really isn't that difficult. *I* can do it, and if I can do it, so can you. ;)

Best place is Crucial.com (http://www.qksrv.net/click-268435-5032657?sid=997)

[MikeD]

I'd compare whatever price I found, wherever it may be, to NewEgg.

Swapping the RAM is a piece of cake, BTW...even a Floridian can do it. :D

[ialsohaveadream]

I'd compare whatever price I found, wherever it may be, to NewEgg.

Swapping the RAM is a piece of cake, BTW...even a Floridian can do it. :D
You really should've gone with "even a Canes fan can do it". I say that only because I would've done the same if you'd asked. ;)

Yeah, NewEgg is a good idea. And I already checked Crucial. Now at least I have something to gauge a decent price with.

Oh, hey Jenny....got any coupons for Crucial? ;)

[Markel]

You really should've gone with "even a Canes fan can do it".
Well, there's something I've used on iahad before, but I won't again (seeing the political forum is closed for business). ;)

One suggestion - take a peek inside first to see if there is an open slot. If all the slots are already occupied, it might affect what you decide to buy.

[Jenny]

Here's a 10% off all memory modules coupon link: 10% Off Memory Modules (http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-268435-5032686?sid=997) Expires 12/26.

[ialsohaveadream]

Well, there's something I've used on iahad before, but I won't again (seeing the political forum is closed for business). ;)

One suggestion - take a peek inside first to see if there is an open slot. If all the slots are already occupied, it might affect what you decide to buy.
I would take such a comment as good-natured ribbing...but still best not to make it while we're in lockdown. :)

Yeah, there's two slots open, and the max RAM is 1 GB. Best bet is probably to just buy a 512 stick to add to the 256 already in, right?

Question, though...Specs say it's DDR memory. Can I put a stick of DDR2 in? Will it still run, just handicapped? And can I pop the 256 out and put in 1 GB of DDR2 and have it run faster?

Ok, perhaps "questionS" would've been more correct.

[Markel]

To the best of my knowledge, you can't plug DDR2 into a system that uses DDR.

I haven't been there in a while, but crucial used to have some sort of memory configurator on their pages that can help determine what you can use.

[ialsohaveadream]

To the best of my knowledge, you can't plug DDR2 into a system that uses DDR.

I haven't been there in a while, but crucial used to have some sort of memory configurator on their pages that can help determine what you can use.
Yeah, crucial suggests DDR. I was just wondering if I could speed it up more by getting DDR2. I guess it's not that easy.

[brainsmile]

It's really easy to do. It only took me 8 tries and 8 sticks of ram

[MikeD]

Yeah, crucial suggests DDR. I was just wondering if I could speed it up more by getting DDR2. I guess it's not that easy.

Can't mix the two. You'll have to get DDR if that's what you have.

I'd add a 512 stick, or get two 512 sticks and pair them. You'll lose the 256 that you currently have, so that may not be ideal for you. Either way you should notice the difference in speed...

[ialsohaveadream]

Ok, two final questions...

The 256 stick that's in there now is PC2700. I know I can put in a PC3200 with it, and it'll just run at the speed of the slower stick, but would I see a big difference if I dropped the 2700 stick and had two 3200s, all other things equal? Or does that require some kinda trickery with the BIOS and whatnot?

[Markel]

The motherboard may be limited to 2700 speed, in which case 3200 would only run at 2700.

[ialsohaveadream]

Thanks for all the help! You guys rule.

[eSDee]

Don't forget to add water ;)

[bachviet]

Don't forget to add water ;)
Need coolant to cool that hot piece of RAM. :D