Upgrading RAM...it's been a while...please help.

[darmok167]

I have a Sony Vaio (Model number: On the back of the machine it says "PCV-7752" but the document from the Sony website calls it a "PCV-X750_SR") that uses PC2100 DDR RAM. Currently, I only have 256MB of it. According to my computer specs I have 3 DIMM slots. This model is upgradable to 1 Gig of RAM. I don't know how many slots are currently being used. It may be 1 with one 256 MB chip, or it may be 2 each with 128 MB's. I've never really looked.

The last time I upgraded the memory in a computer (which has been over 4 or 5 years ago) I had to buy two memory chips of equal size and install them together for some reason or the other. I don't remember why. I'm not exactly a novice when it comes to working on my machines but I can tell you that I really don't know much of the technical stuff.

My question is, I want to upgrade to either 512 MB or possibly even max it out to 1 gig of RAM. Could I purchase a single chip of 512 MB or 1 Gig or would I need to buy 2 chips of 256 MB or 512 MB and install them in two of the DIMM slots. And why are there three slots allocated for RAM on my machine?

[neoteric lefty]

1. got crucial.com

I am guessing that this is a 2+ year old computer.

If you are running XP and wanna be able to run everything a lot smoother, then I would say get a gig of memory, if you can afford it.

512 MB of PC2100 Memory will run you ~$40 whereas a gig is ~$65.

I would stick with one DIMM of memory and add it to what you got, unless you get a nice deal on two matched DIMMs together.

Edit: I went to crucial and I couldn't find any information about that specific model. Check on Sony's website and make sure there are not compatibility issues with certain brands of memory. Its rare, but it's a real pain when you install new memory and your computer doesn't boot up. If there are no conflicts, the best way to go is ordering from NEWEGG.com. They are usually about the cheapest and they will get your package out to you in no time.

[darmok167]

2. Yes, this computer is at least 2+ years old...

...thank you for your response. I will make sure to check for conflicts. Do you know why I might have had to purchase 2 equal amounts before? It was for a Hewlett Packard machine. The sales person said something about the type of RAM I was buying had to be bought in pairs.

[neoteric lefty]

5. Well, things were different

back in the days of SIMMs (the old style of memory). Some machines could only handle a certain amount per slot. That's actually still the case today, but usually not a problem that people run into very ofter. Or it may have been a sales person being a sales person.

Let me ask you, what are you primarily using you computer for?

What type of processor (and speed) do you have in there?

[darmok167]

7. Before a couple weeks ago...

...mostly Internet(s) (hehe) surfing and basic stuff. However, recently I have discovered the world of torrents.

I also bought a notebook with a slower processor and more RAM and discovered it actually performed better than this one.

This computer (according to right clicking "My Computer") has a "Pentium(R) 4 CPU 2.00 GHz"

[WhollyHeretic]

3. The RAM you had to install in pairs before was RD RAM

You don't have to worry about it with DDR, you just want to get the same speed. I agree with the post above about ordering from newegg.com, I was just on there looking for a replacement motherboard, they are almost always the cheapest.

[KitchenWitch]

4. Welcome to DU

I have nothing more to add, but wanted to welcome you.

[darmok167]

6. Thank you...n/t

[darmok167]

8. I have to make a confession...

...and I am not secure/stupid? enough to "out myself" in a new thread but I feel as if I wouldn't be being honest if I didn't say it here somewhere.

I am a convert. In 2000, I voted for...I can't even bring myself to admit it but you know who I am talking about.

I am very/deeply/truly sorry for my decision back then, and I am not trying to make excuses, but hindsight is 20/20 isn't it?

I did not make the same mistake in 2004, but in my opinion, by then it was too late. The damage had been done.

I can only apologize. I helped create the mess we are in 6 years ago.