Upgrading Ram on Laptop help

Discussion in 'Hardware' started by shocksl, Jul 15, 2012.

  1. shocksl

    shocksl Byte Poster

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    Hi guys

    I am looking to upgrade an aspire 5050, from 512mg to 2GB ram. Acer Support: Aspire 5050 Series Specifications

    What shall i look for when i search on ebay?

    Thanks for any help.
     
  2. dmarsh
    Honorary Member 500 Likes Award

    dmarsh Petabyte Poster

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    "Up to 2 GB of DDR2 533/667 MHz memory (per slot), upgradeable to 4 GB using two SO-DIMM modules (dual-channel support)"

    So your laptop takes two 2GB DDR2 PC2-5300 (non-ECC) SO-DIMM modules. For best performance they should be matched to allow 'ganged' or dual channel access.

    So I'm guessing you have one 512MB module and need to sell and buy 2x2GB modules. (You might as well upgrade to 4GB which is your system max, not 2GB.)

    You can open up you laptop memory upgrade flap and have a look.

    Computer memory upgrades for Acer Aspire 5050 Laptop/Notebook from Crucial.com
     
    Last edited: Jul 15, 2012
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  3. ade1982

    ade1982 Megabyte Poster

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    Also, look for low-density RAM, as that is guaranteed to work, as opposed to the cheaper high-density RAM.
     
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  4. dmarsh
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    dmarsh Petabyte Poster

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    Yep, that is why use a memory advisor like crucial, it checks chip density for you.

    In this case Crucial are recommending chips with a density of 256Meg x 64.

    Nothing wrong with high density RAM, but older motherboards will tend to be incompatible, so it depends on your motherboard.
     
    Last edited: Jul 15, 2012
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  5. shocksl

    shocksl Byte Poster

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    thanks for the advice guys.... can somebody show me an example on ebay please :)
     
  6. BB88

    BB88 Kilobyte Poster Gold Member

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    I'd stick to the Crucial website, as they make high quality RAM.

    However, an eBay search on 2 GB DDR2 533/667 returns 2 GB DDR2 533 667 | eBay
     
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  7. shocksl

    shocksl Byte Poster

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    do they have to be 533/667 ? or can it be another number?
     
  8. RichyV

    RichyV Megabyte Poster

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    Remember, it's a laptop, so it's SO-DIMMs he's looking for...

    - - - Updated - - -

    Yes, it's a must, I'm afraid...

     
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  9. dmarsh
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    dmarsh Petabyte Poster

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    That is the speed of the memory bus in MHz. It can be higher but you most often will then be wasting your money on faster memory which will then run slower.

    They tried to make purchasing simpler for people by introducing model numbers for speed, so DDR2 667 is PC2-5300.
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DDR2_SDRAM

    Generally its best to buy the exact stuff crucial recommends, solves a lot of hassle and wasted time.

    There are also other memory differences like registered, buffered, ECC that can also cause issues on the wrong mobo or if mixed in banks.

    CL or CAS is the latency of the module, also some chips are simply higher quality silicon. So cheaper is not always better, if you don't know what you are looking at stick with Kingston, Corsair or Crucial that way you likely will get decent stuff that works.

    Crucial UK
    http://www.crucial.com/uk/store/listparts.aspx?model=Aspire 5050&Cat=RAM

    Ebay (Since you asked, I'd go with crucial...)
    http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/4GB-2-x-2...erComponents_MemoryRAM_JN&hash=item5894ac64b8
     
    Last edited: Jul 15, 2012
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  10. shocksl

    shocksl Byte Poster

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  11. dmarsh
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    dmarsh Petabyte Poster

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    Its the slower speed that your mobo supports :-

    PC2-4200 (DDR2-533)

    Its slower, only 1 GB, second hand, a single unmatched DIMM, and it costs £10.

    You have two banks, to get peak perfomance you need matched DIMM's in both banks.

    Up to you if you want waste time ****ing about, but Crucial will sell you kit of 4GB new ram with warranty for £50...
     
    Last edited: Jul 15, 2012
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  12. RichyV

    RichyV Megabyte Poster

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    Last edited: Jul 15, 2012
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  13. shocksl

    shocksl Byte Poster

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  14. dmarsh
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    Noooooooooooooooooo !

    So why don't you ?
     
    Last edited: Jul 20, 2012
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  15. shocksl

    shocksl Byte Poster

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  16. dmarsh
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    Never heard of Hypertech, its a single DIMM of 2GB (but he has two). Its looks compatible, my advice to go with crucial, kingston or corsair still stands...

    2x17 = £34, cheaper but probably lower quality.

    Crucial Memory 2x2GB £43 inclusive vat delivered.

    Save £9 and buy cheap unbranded Hynix stuff, your choice...

    You'll need a 64 bit OS to see the full 4GB of course... expect you're stuck with XP home 32bit ?

    Laptops normally only good for 3 years for power users, the Aspire 5050 is now 5 years old and was a budget laptop even then.

    Maybe just go with 2x1GB from ebay, give it away and get a new Ultrabook ASAP.

    Alternatively if you want go budget, heavy, and poor battery life there are many modern Acer's that are acceptable.
    http://www.acerdirect.co.uk/Acer_Aspire_5552_AMD_Quad_Core_Laptop_LX.R4402.217/version.asp
    http://www.acerdirect.co.uk/Acer_Aspire_5560G_Windows_7_Laptop_LX.RNU02.045/version.asp
     
    Last edited: Jul 21, 2012
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  17. shocksl

    shocksl Byte Poster

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    thanks for the advice!

    well i was thinking of installing windows 7 and getting rid of the xp of the laptop. (32bit)

    Do you reckon it will be worth it?
     
  18. Beerbaron

    Beerbaron Megabyte Poster

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    Personally I wouldn't waste your money on upgrading to Windows 7. Windows 8 will be released soon plus the low spec of the laptop.
     
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  19. dmarsh
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    Microsoft have an upgrade offer on for Windows 8, might want to bite the bullet and upgrade your laptop...

    Windows 8 upgrade offer - Windows 8 special offer

    The acers above had this listed also.

    Basically buy any laptop now and get Windows 8 for £14.99

    Time you include Windows 7/8 and the memory upgrade means you get new budget laptop for like £200 which is pretty cheap.
     
    Last edited: Jul 21, 2012
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  20. shocksl

    shocksl Byte Poster

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    thanks guys,

    I already had win 7 cd so i have installed it now.

    I have bought 4GB RAM. inserted 4gb in and it says only 2.25GB is available. I am running windows 7 ultimate.

    Then i took 1 of the ram sticks out and it says 2GB ram but only 1.75GB usable. both rams are same company.

    Yes its 32 bit/! maybe thats to clame


    wahts the crack with this????
     
    Last edited: Jul 29, 2012

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