Upgrading my Laptop

[steelroe]

I have an older Dell Laptop. Spec as follows
Inspiron 1300
Intel Celeron M Processor 1.5GHz,
250mB RAM
Mobile Intel 915GM/GMS, 910GML Express Chipset Family

Now I know it is no super computer but would increasing the RAM help speed things up a bit. If so how do I find out and source what type of RAM i need.

Any help suggestions aprreciated. Was thinking of buying a Toshiba, but finances prevent that for another while.

[Baldrick]

Hi,

I'm guessing you're running Windows XP (based on the spec. you've given). 256Mb ram is just about enough to run the operating system (without anti-virus, firewall, browser etc.). A ram upgrade is definitely recommended. 512Mb will help, but I'd recommend going for 1Gb for future proofing (and it'll really make XP hum). First... go to http://www.crucial.com/ and input your make and model etc. You'll get comprehensive information on the type of ram you need. Spend a good bit of time reading ALL the info... the max your system can take, whether it needs to be paired etc. Crucial are not cheap so, armed with the info, go to Ebay and enter your specifications for a saving of approx. 50%.

*** Warning *** AVOID high density ram. This will only work in approx. 10% of motherboards. It will either not work at all, or will only work at 50% capacity. Ensure it is LOW density. If in doubt, contact the seller through Ebay's messaging system to ensure communications are recorded.

This is how I buy ram at the best prices... hope it helps.

[Muad_dib77]

I agree with everything Baldric just said...

big speed gains to by had for you there rory...

Personally I get my memory from one of these two places:

http://www.bmcdigital.co.uk/
http://www.komplett.ie/k/k.aspx

Decent prices and you're not risking getting stuck with some crappy mem that you cant use...

[gfalls]

I use www.memoryc.com decent prices, and they take laser or paypal or anything..

[steelroe]

System is currently running XP Service pack 2

Went to crucial and spec is here. It is telling me I can install a max of 2048Mb RAM. So if I buy 2 x 1Gb stips I should be fine.
See here http://www.crucial.com/store/listparts. ... ron%201300

this is the RAM they recommend
Module Size: 1GB
Package: 200-pin SODIMM
Feature: DDR2 PC2-5300

So when looking on ebey I am looking for 1Gb strips of DDR2 PC2-5300, correct

[steelroe]

Any brands of Ram i shouls avoid.
Is this what I am looking for
http://cgi.ebay.com/CRUCIAL-2GB-2x-1GB- ... 35a1b05a67

[mcgon1979]

Hey Rory,

The brands don't matter once its the correct spec for your machine. Transcend are a good brand too. I would check this crowd out too. www.shop4memory.com They are an Irish crowd with free shipping and have had great service from them in the past.
There is a link called "memory configurator" where you can put in your laptop make and model and it shows you the list of guaranteed compatible memory with your machine. Plus if there is any hassle they are right here for exchange unlike shipping back to USA etc. Sure check out the site anyway to see the list of compatible simms for your laptop.

[steelroe]

Ordered 2GB of compatible RAM today. Crucial brand for a reasonsble price delivered.
Cheers for the input guys.

[steelroe]

RAM arrived today. http://cgi.ebay.com/CRUCIAL-2GB-2x-1GB- ... 35a1b05a67
Installed both sticks of 1Gb, but from what i can make out the system is only seeing 1Gb.
Do I need to do something to get it to see the entire amount of memory.

On a side note 3 days delivery from the strates is unreal.

[Muad_dib77]

its possible that theres a setting in your BIOS you need to enable..

[steelroe]

Cheers for the reply Maud. Turns out the second stick was not seated correctly. A few good pushes later and it now works. It is like having a ferrari now compared to a lada before. well worth 40 euro

Cheers
for all the help.

[Muad_dib77]

yeah it's pretty cool isn't it..

if you haven't already you can speed it up further by getting rid of uneeded ms-clutter and doing a good old fashioned defrag as well..

[steelroe]

Defrag not a prob. What MS clutter do you suggest I get rid of. That damn windows defender will be the first to go.

[Muad_dib77]

If you want to keep it simple install ccleaner..
(www.ccleaner.com)

if you're a bit more adventurous you can supplement with tweakxp
(http://www.tweakxp.com/tweakutility/)

...or if you just fancy a few snazzy bits you can keep it all ms and go for the powertoys additions (I use the resizer for doing avatars..quick and easy)
(http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/Down ... rtoys.mspx)

The possibilities are endless... oh by the way defraggler (from here: http://www.piriform.com/defraggler) is defo superiour to the ms defrag..