Memory for |Windows 7

Den · Dec 30, 2010, 19:45:10

I am running Windows 7 32bit with 2gB of memory. I would like to double this to 4gB or reinstall Windows 7 64bit and go for even more memory (don't know if it's worth the hassell).
Question: How can I find how many memory slots I have and what type of memory so that I can match up the new memory. Is there any way this can be done with software or do I have to open up the computer and look?

Rik · Dec 30, 2010, 19:47:00

Go to the Crucial site, Den, and use their online scanner. It will tell you what will fit and, if you order from the scanner, they guarantee it will work or they'll give you your money back. It's not really worth going above 3GB unless you move to 64bit.

Steve · Dec 30, 2010, 19:50:33

Bearing in mind that a dedicated graphics card comes into the calculation as well.

Den · Dec 30, 2010, 20:05:11

I have a decent dedicated graphics card already. How long does the Crucial Scan take, it's been flashing away for over 10mins upto now. I seem to remember trying this before and got fed up waiting for it to complete.

Den · Dec 30, 2010, 20:41:15

Gave up on the Crucial Scan and tried Orcallogic Scan.

It says I have 4 slots with two 1gB.

A HP Pavilion A Series a6220.uk computer using upto 4gB max.
Memory Type: DDR2 PC2-5300 (667Mhz) DIMM

So I assume it woul be best to buy 2, 1gB Dual Channel Memory Kit. Should I be able to buy this localy or should I order it on line and wait for Royal Mail.

Steve · Dec 30, 2010, 20:46:00

Someone else may say something different but you may be better off with 2x2Gb and ditching the 2x1Gb. The reason being not every MB enjoys all 4 slots being filled

Den · Dec 30, 2010, 20:51:49

If I bought two - 2gB I assume they would have to be the Dual Channel memory kit version but how important would the Mhz be or would it be better to buy a higher Mhz?

Steve · Dec 30, 2010, 21:00:59

As I understand, there is no point in buying faster memory than the MB will support, usually it's more expensive and will only run at the BIOS settings i.e 667Mhz. If the faster memory is cheaper it should run at the slower Bios settings without issue but someone else please confirm.

Den · Dec 30, 2010, 21:07:48

I find this odd

Went on to PC World site and found 2gb sticks of the right type, it then said out of stock and recommended

INTEGRAL PC3-10600 DDR3-1333 DIMM RAM Memory Module - 2GB @ £19.73

But that is completely different

Steve · Dec 30, 2010, 21:35:36

Crucial is saying max 1Gb per slot so I've been leading you astray.

http://www.crucial.com/uk/store/listparts.aspx?model=Pavilion%20a6220.uk

Den · Dec 30, 2010, 21:43:37

Thanks for that Steve, I will see if I can buy it locally tomorrow other wise I will order on line and twiddle my thumbs

Steve · Dec 30, 2010, 21:57:52

My experience with crucial is that their free delivery usually turns up in 48 -72 hours, but who knows this winter.

Rik · Dec 31, 2010, 10:07:20

I've found them to be nearer 24 hours, Steve, but that's in 'normal' times.

Steve · Dec 31, 2010, 10:08:57

I think your right Rik, the last lot for me came the next day.

Technical Ben · Dec 31, 2010, 10:20:36

Quote from: Steve on Dec 30, 2010, 19:50:33
Bearing in mind that a dedicated graphics card comes into the calculation as well.

If it is a dedicated graphics card, in windows 7, it does not take memory away from the rest of the system. I only have 2gb with windows 7. As I only need extra ram for games, I saw no reason to get more. My Graphics card is 1GB, so games have the full 2 gb to play with, plus 1 gb for graphics.

PS.
You can also download the PDF manual for your Motherboard. The vendor should have a nice list of what ram is compatible, and what slots/sizes to use. An example is, my PC can have the last slots used for certain types of ram, and the first slots used for other. Although I have moved them away from the hot heatsink instead.

Steve · Dec 31, 2010, 10:37:26

What I meant Ben is, it's not that a graphic cards memory takes away from the overall ram but adds to the overall total when considering whether 32 bit or 64 bit is appropriate.

Technical Ben · Dec 31, 2010, 10:48:29

True. It's not always needed, but the speed boost from having the right ammount of ram is wonderful. Going from 512 to 2 gb on my XP laptop meant I could alt/tab and cycle through running games* and apps in a second. Strangely, windows 7 with 2 gb wont let me do the same. So I pine away for 4gb.

_{*programs are fine, but games tend to be memory hogs}

Den · Dec 31, 2010, 12:33:10

I bought 2x2gb (Kingston) from my local shop and installed a few minutes ago. I was just to impatient to wait for Mr Postman some time next week so it was worth the trip into Wrexham (Microplus) and the chap there was very helpfull.

Rik · Dec 31, 2010, 12:50:57

Enjoy the speed, Den.

Den · Dec 31, 2010, 12:54:23

I am

The difference is amazing.