I'm trying to get some RAM for my mom's computer and I came across this:

Quote :

" You have chosen to upgrade memory for HewlettPackard Pavilion a708n / a708n-b, the HewlettPackard Pavilion a708n / a708n-b takes the PC2700 DDR SDRAM DIMMs memory Type, and comes installed with 512 MB (removable) of memory. You can upgrade your HewlettPackard Pavilion a708n / a708n-b to up to a maximum of 1.0 GB Memory, the system has 2 sockets to install memory, already with 512 MB (removable) standard memory installed. For best system performance use the maximum amount of allowed memory per slot for your system. Choose the following Memory Upgrade for HewlettPackard Pavilion a708n / a708n-b. "

She already has 720 MB RAM in it and I was going to buy a 1 gb stick but since the limit is 1 gb period then my best bet would be to get a 512 stick to replace the (I'm guessing) 256 mb stick.

However, I don't think the 256 increase will be all that much, considering that she does a LOT of photoshop/CorelDRW work. Will the RAM increase be enough to create a notable increase in performace?

Or...should I go with something different...I've seen talk of 'Raptor' that increases comp speed, but it sounds like an external harddrive, and harddrive space isn't an issue since she still has 44.6 GB free. Suggestions?

12/22/2006 2:00:23 PM

Quote :

"She already has 720 MB RAM"

you always want an 'even' amount of ram, ie, 64, 128, 256, 512, 1024, 2048 ....

12/22/2006 2:07:05 PM

I think he means 768. Replace the 256 stick to put yourself at the 1gb limit. The increase in performance will be minimal but helpful. The best upgrade you can get is a new machine. That machine is at an age where it's cheaper to build a new one as opposed to any upgrades.

12/22/2006 3:18:51 PM

Yea, 768, my bad. Edit: The machine does say 760 which is kinda weird but w/e.

Weird thing is that its not that old at all, maybe 3 years tops. Sucks it has to be replaced to make a big difference.

[Edited on December 23, 2006 at 1:04 PM. Reason : %]

12/23/2006 1:04:19 PM

the difference is due to your on-board, integrated shared video RAM

12/23/2006 1:18:15 PM

Quote :

" you always want an 'even' amount of ram, ie, 64, 128, 256, 512, 1024, 2048........"

[Edited on December 23, 2006 at 2:26 PM. Reason : ]

12/23/2006 2:25:53 PM

^Thanks for contributing that.

12/23/2006 6:53:55 PM

If you're looking for a huge performance increase by upgrading with another 256 mb of RAM you're going to be sorely disappointed. If the limit is 1 gig, and you've already got 768 mb I'd aim to upgrade another component (if possible, if not a new computer) versus making a marginal upgrade.

12/24/2006 5:49:52 AM

I wouldn't bother with such a small upgrade. I doubt you would notice a difference.

12/24/2006 10:55:59 AM

12/24/2006 11:58:44 AM