Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Re: [Simply Computers] Put in more memory (RAM) on Compaq Presario

 

Thank you both for your responses. I asked and Fry's charges $50 to install the memory. My friend's computer guy will do it for less, so I think I'll try to do it myself as a learning experience and if I get into trouble, will take the pieces to the computer guy.

Thanks again.

--- In simplycomputers2@yahoogroups.com, "Alan" <snavenala@...> wrote:
>
> Yes, Corsair is a very acceptable brand. And Value Select (its cheapest version) is fine. I usually
> use this in fact if I have a choice. You can get problems with any brand. There's often a 10 year
> guarantee on memory modules oddly enough. I've actually gone back to a shop after 5 years with a
> defective module and the receipt and they replaced it.
>
> The Fry's memory sounds like a very good deal. That's extremely cheap for a 2GB module. I wouldn't
> hesitate at that price. It normally costs $25-$30.
>
> You can use different types of DDR2 as shown on the Crucial site and go up to a maximum of 4 GB:
> http://www.crucial.com/store/listparts.aspx?model=Presario%20SR5110NX
>
> To be honest in this case I'd use DDR2 PC2-5300 if possible, which is the original type of memory
> installed in this PC:
> http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/ca/en/ho/WF06b/12132708-12133156-78308260-78308260-78308260-80230923-80452013.html
>
> But if the Fry's memory is PC2-6400 or 8500, I'd just go with that. It's a good deal and these are
> also compatible with this machine.
>
> You asked for instructions. Here's the Upgrading and Servicing guide from the HP site:
> http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c00840496.pdf
> Page 23 shows how to replace the memory modules. And there's a video on the Crucial page in the link
> above (also plenty on YouTube).
>
> I also explained in detail in my previous mail how to do this with your HP Pavilion, as you see here
> below. Everything I wrote is still valid for this computer. Replacing memory modules is basically
> the same in all desktops. Just slight variations in the physical types of modules.
> Here's a handy step-by-step I just noticed on the crucial site:
> http://www.crucial.com/install/dimm.aspx
>
> Basically, remove your old module (or modules) first and install this single 2 GB module in the
> first slot nearest the processor (there's a cooling fan on top of it). It's pretty simple usually
> (unless you have a compact, tightly packed computer).
>
> But as Bryce suggested, you could ask Fry's if they'll install it for free. At least you'll be sure
> then that it's compatible. Although at this price, I have my doubts if that'll be a free service.
>
> You must have been struggling with the combination of 512 MB and Vista. Those updates and service
> packs couldn't have been installing very fast..... This is the absolute minimum for your Vista Home
> Basic. But I find even computers with 1 GB and Vista very frustrating to work with. For me at least
> you need 2 GB to work comfortably with Vista. And 3 or 4 GB is even better. If this was my computer,
> I'd try one 2 GB module first then run back to Fry's for a second one at that price. But that's a
> personal choice.
>
> Hope it all works out.
>
> Alan
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "lsmiscmail" <lsmiscmail@...>
> To: <simplycomputers2@yahoogroups.com>
> Sent: Monday, July 25, 2011 1:06 AM
> Subject: [Simply Computers] Put in more memory (RAM) on Compaq Presario
>
>
> > Hi,
> >
> > I did not put in a new memory 2 years ago on my HP Pavilion computer, because I'd just paid to get
> > a new hard disk in and did not trust myself not to destroy a newly fixed computer. However, I now
> > inherited from a friend a Compaq presario PC that has ~ 512 RAM. I also recently saw a sale at
> > Fry's for 2 MB memory for $9.99 after rebate. So I would like to try now.
> >
> > Is the on sale memory from Fry's any good? It is Corsair, ValueSelect, 2 GB, DDR2. I asked and
> > they said this memory is compatible with my PC. But, it is an acceptable brand or will it break
> > in a very short while?
> >
> > If the brand is acceptable, could you give me instructions? If I have to spend more for the
> > memory, then I don't need instructions.
> >
> > My computer: Compaq Presario, SR5110NX
> > Processor AMD Athlon (tm)64 Processor 3800+ 2.4GHz
> > Memory (RAM): 512 MB
> > System type: 32-bit Operating System
> > Windows: Vista Home Basic, Service Pack 2 (after 1 solid week of updates!)
> >
> > Thanks Very much for your help.
> >
> > LS
> >
> >
> > --- In simplycomputers2@yahoogroups.com, "Alan Evans" <snavenala@> wrote:
> >>
> >> Yes, this is normally something you can easily do yourself and no, it
> >> certainly doesn't involve any soldering ;-) When you open the computer,
> >> you'll see the memory sockets on the motherboard (there are two in your
> >> case). Since you have 256 MB in there at the moment, you may have 1x 256 MB
> >> or 2x 128 MB. I would recommend replacing these with 2x 512 MB or even 2x 1
> >> GB if you want to push the boat out, since your motherboard will support 2
> >> GB in total (1 GB maximum in each slot). But you'll notice a huge difference
> >> just moving up to 1 GB total, so that might be the best solution price-wise.
> >>
> >> Here are all the manuals for your HP a800y available on the HP website:
> >> http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/manualCategory?lc=en&dlc=pt&cc=pt&lang=pt&product=458947&
> >> These will show you how to remove the side panels, replace parts or anything
> >> else like that.
> >>
> >> This shows the type of memory you need:
> >> http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c00063244&lc=en&dlc=pt&cc=pt&lang=pt&product=458947
> >> You'll see the memory sockets on the motherboard in the bottom photo (the
> >> long black ones on the top right). They type you need is DDR (not DDR2) -
> >> you can use either PC2700 or PC3200. It also supports the older PC2100 but
> >> that's slower than the other two types.
> >>
> >> You can check 'exactly' what type you have in there at the moment with a
> >> free program like SIW: http://www.gtopala.com/ I would guess it's PC2700
> >> and personally, that's what I'd buy for this computer.
> >>
> >> A website like Crucial.com also tells you immediately what type of memory
> >> you need and it confirms you need PC2700 or PC3200. It also gives handy info
> >> about the maximum amount of memory you can install, how many slots there are
> >> etc. - great site.
> >> http://www.crucial.com/upgrade/compatible-memory-for/Compaq/Pavilion+a800y/list.html
> >>
> >> You asked about cost - it depends where you live of course. If you're in the
> >> US, you'll see that on Crucial a 512 MB module costs $25 and a 1 GB costs
> >> $43. But prices vary greatly for DDR memory so I would check around locally
> >> first to compare prices. You should be able to buy these easily at any good
> >> computer shop. It's always best to put in two matching modules (so 2x 512
> >> e.g.) rather than adding a 1GB module to your existing 256 MB module (if
> >> that's what you have). This is possible, but you may have PC2100 at the
> >> moment and if so, your new module will work at a slower speed.
> >>
> >> See page 16 of the manual for instructions on replacing memory modules:
> >> http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c00230511.pdf
> >> The modules themselves can only be inserted one way. Push down slightly on
> >> the two white plastic thingies at the ends first to open them before
> >> removing the old modules. Be particularly careful here because if you use
> >> too much force and break one of these white bits, you have a problem. All
> >> four white end bits should be in the open position before inserting the new
> >> modules. One half of the module is slightly longer than the other and
> >> there's a notch in the middle that has to fit exactly when you slide it in,
> >> so check first which is the longer half. Once the modules are seated firmly,
> >> lift up the white plastic end bits so they click into place. This is an
> >> important bit because if you don't get these white bits back correctly in
> >> the notch, even by a millimetre, there's a chance the PC won't start up. Put
> >> the side panel back on and boot the PC. That's it.
> >>
> >> I started off saying this is fairly straightforward to do and it usually is,
> >> but you just have to be careful. If you're lucky, the memory sockets will be
> >> easy to get at. If you're unlucky (and I think an HP Pavilion is usually
> >> chock full), you might have a wee bit of trouble getting to them underneath
> >> the cables and wires. Just push everything gently aside making sure none of
> >> the cables come loose and you'll be fine. Takes no more than a few minutes.
> >>
> >> Alan
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> ----- Original Message -----
> >> From: "lgardenss" <no_reply@yahoogroups.com>
> >> To: <simplycomputers2@yahoogroups.com>
> >> Sent: Saturday, September 05, 2009 6:07 AM
> >> Subject: [Simply Computers] Re: Virtual Memory Low problem
> >>
> >>
> >> > My questions refer to:
> >> >
> >> > "...there is not enough RAM. ....If you feel like pursuing that option,
> >> > please post the Model number (NOT the serial number) of the HP machine so
> >> > we can look it up."
> >> > AND
> >> > "I would advise an upgrade to 1 GB (2x 512 MB) modules...Or to 512 MB at
> >> > minimum. "
> >> >
> >> > The model number of my desktop is HP Pavilion a800y .
> >> >
> >> > Is adding more RAM something I, who knows essentially nothing about
> >> > computers, can do myself? Does it involve any soldering? If so, then
> >> > I'll just live with the system the way it is. The extent of my ability is
> >> > I now know how to open the computer. Recently my cd got stuck. Searched
> >> > and found instructions on how to use a paper clip in the hole to open it.
> >> > Then the hp site said that I had to open the front panel to get to the
> >> > hole. I found the 2 screws in the back, but could not get the side panel
> >> > open so I can push the release lever to open the front. I called various
> >> > electronic repair shops and the third person I called was kind enough to
> >> > tell me to slide the panel rather than to try and pull it out. Once that
> >> > was solved, I manage to get the cd tray unstuck.
> >> >
> >> > Second, how much would the part cost?
> >> >
> >> > Thanks for your help.
> >> >
> >> >
> >> >
> >> > --- In simplycomputers2@yahoogroups.com, "Alan Evans" <snavenala@>
> >> > wrote:
> >> >>
> >> >> You have way too little memory there. It's a strange, out-of-balance
> >> >> combination - a 2.67 Ghz processor and 256 MB of RAM (it's only showing
> >> >> 248
> >> >> MB because your onboard graphics must be using part of it).
> >> >>
> >> >> I think you'll continue to have various problems until you upgrade your
> >> >> memory. I would advise an upgrade to 1 GB (2x 512 MB) modules. You'll
> >> >> notice
> >> >> a huge difference in performance. Or to 512 MB at minimum. Too little
> >> >> memory
> >> >> causes all kinds of strain on the hard drive (probably the reason it went
> >> >> to
> >> >> meet its maker) and processor. 256 MB just isn't a healthy situation for
> >> >> a
> >> >> computer running XP.
> >> >>
> >> >> Alan
> >> >>
> >> >>
> >> >> ----- Original Message -----
> >> >> From: "lgardenss" <no_reply@yahoogroups.com>
> >> >> To: <simplycomputers2@yahoogroups.com>
> >> >> Sent: Friday, September 04, 2009 5:28 AM
> >> >> Subject: [Simply Computers] Re: Virtual Memory Low problem
> >> >>
> >> >>
> >> >> > Thanks. I set it to system manage and hopefully that will take care of
> >> >> > it.
> >> >> >
> >> >> > The HD was changed out because the old one broke. Thanks for further
> >> >> > information about the HD. Will write back if the system manage does
> >> >> > not
> >> >> > work.
> >> >> >
> >> >> > By the way, could not enough ram be why my Yahoo email was getting hung
> >> >> > up
> >> >> > on the script thing on firefox 3.5? Firefox 3.0 w/o adobe flash is
> >> >> > generally working. I'd just as soon not have the adobe flash and not
> >> >> > get
> >> >> > all the distracting moving ads.
> >> >> >
> >> >> >
> >> >> >
> >> >> > --- In simplycomputers2@yahoogroups.com, rickglaz4742435 <no_reply@>
> >> >> > wrote:
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> You can set the system to manage this itself, as babaluscan has
> >> >> >> suggested. If that works, you are done... (but...)
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> The actual "problem" is that there is not enough RAM. When you added
> >> >> >> the new HD, I'm guessing there might have been other changes related
> >> >> >> to "why" that was done. (Running more or different new programs?
> >> >> >> Or more together at the same time?)
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> The errors you see and the settings you are making are an attempt
> >> >> >> to use the Hard Drive as a sort of substitute for more RAM.
> >> >> >> This requires the OS to swap things in and out of RAM to the HD
> >> >> >> constantly. This takes time, slows down the computer, and takes
> >> >> >> a toll on the life of the HD.
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> If the computer is in good condition, and you plan on keeping it
> >> >> >> long enough to justify the expense, it would be "better" to add
> >> >> >> more RAM. Some older types were VERY expensive, so this "option"
> >> >> >> needs to be examined on an individual, case by case basis.
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> If you feel like pursuing that option, please post the Model number
> >> >> >> (NOT the serial number) of the HP machine so we can look it up. HP
> >> >> >> has a funny "family" numbering system sometimes, (with dozens to
> >> >> >> hundreds of sub-models) so use the numbers you have to look it up
> >> >> >> and see if YOU can find your model on the HP WEB site first, if
> >> >> >> possible. TIA. (That is especially bad with Laptops.)
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> Rick Glazier
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> --- In simplycomputers2@yahoogroups.com, lgardenss <no_reply@> wrote:
> >> >> >> >
> >> >> >> > Ever since I got my hard disk replaced, I have been getting this
> >> >> >> > message off & on: "Your system is low on virtual memory. Windows is
> >> >> >> > increasing the size of your virtual memory paging file. During this
> >> >> >> > process, memory requests for some applications may be denied. For
> >> >> >> > more
> >> >> >> > information see help."
> >> >> >> >
> >> >> >> > I finally got annoyed enough that I searched help. I got to the
> >> >> >> > screen
> >> >> >> > where I can change the virtual memory. Now it is set at Initial
> >> >> >> > size
> >> >> >> > 372 MB, Max size 744 MB. How should I set this to prevent these
> >> >> >> > messages? I have an HP pavilion desktop, windows xp, 2.67 GHz, 248
> >> >> >> > MB
> >> >> >> > of RAM.
> >> >> >> >
> >> >> >> > Thanks.
> >> >> >> >
> >> >> >>
> >>
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > ------------------------------------
> >
> > Visit Simply Computers Tech Support Group and Helpdesk (24x7). Providing 100% free Computer Tech
> > Support since 1999. With over 12,000 members Simply Computers is one of the largest and most
> > active Tech Support Forums on the Internet.
> > http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/simplycomputers2
> >
> > Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >
> >
>

__._,_.___
Recent Activity:
Visit Simply Computers Tech Support Group and Helpdesk (24x7). Providing 100% free Computer Tech Support since 1999. With over 12,000 members Simply Computers is one of the largest and most active Tech Support Forums on the Internet.
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/simplycomputers2

.

__,_._,___

0 comments:

Post a Comment

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.