Upgrading Laptop? (1 Viewer)

[Lord Ac]

I have a HP Compaq Presario B3820AP Notebook Computer:
- Processor: Intel® Pentium® M Processor 735 (#) supports Enhanced Intel® SpeedStep Technology (1.7GHz, 2MB L2 cache, 400MHz FSB)
- Graphics: ATI Mobility Radeon 9700 (128MB DDR SDRAM)
- Memory: Standard memory 512MB (1 x 512MB) DDR SDRAM (333MHz)
Maximum memory Upgradeable to 2GB max (with discard)
System memory 512MB (1 x 512MB) DDR SDRAM (333 MHz), upgradeable to 2GB


Is it possible to upgrade a laptop? Like, currently I have 512MB RAM, can I make it 1G? How? What about the other components?

Its just that my laptop is what I use for gaming as well, and Oblivion and HoMM5 are getting a little to extreme for my baby ... Do you think more RAM is the solution?

Ac

 

[Templar]

You should be able to upgrade the RAM quite easily by opening a certain panel and slotting another module in. It should be stated in the manual.

As for other components, the CPU is upgradeable, but I must stress that unless you are a professional or really know what you're doing not to attempt upgrading it.

While the 1GB RAM will somewhat help, I think the problem with Oblivion is your graphics rather than low levels of RAM. You're better off getting another machine.

 

[Lord Ac]

Hrmm, thanks. How come when I go to http://www.crucial.com/uk/ and let it scan my computer it says that "Your computer currently has 512 MB of memory installed; and will support up to 512 MB." When on the specs it says upgradable to 2gigs? Which do I believe?

Also, is it normal for my battery to only have 1.5 hrs of power when 1 year ago when i got it, it had 4.5 hours of power? Its a huge drop, no?

Cheers,
Ac

 

[Templar]

To upgrade to 2GB you need to discard the 512MB already there.

 

[MedNez]

Also, is it normal for my battery to only have 1.5 hrs of power when 1 year ago when i got it, it had 4.5 hours of power? Its a huge drop, no?

That's a significant drop for a year, I'd consider getting a new battery :\

Two years+ maybe, but that's a lot for twelve months.

RAM is easy to upgrade on laptops- anything else you'd want to get professionally done, they're not meant to be self serviceable.

 

[sunny]

Also, is it normal for my battery to only have 1.5 hrs of power when 1 year ago when i got it, it had 4.5 hours of power? Its a huge drop, no?

Battery life depends on the number of charge cycles it has been through: more discharge/charging = more wear and tear. As mentioned, you should expect to see noticable drop in battery life in about 2 years of "average" use. You manual should have some useful information about this.

They cost a small fortune to replace, but laptop batteries are disposables.

 

[Lord Ac]

Thanks guys for all the info.

Last question about RAM. Is there some difference between ones used for notebooks and ones used for desktops (I will most likely get it off ebay ... ). Or will DDR 1gb PC2700 fit both?

Cheers,
Ac

 

[MedNez]

Last question about RAM. Is there some difference between ones used for notebooks and ones used for desktops

Yes, you'll need to get laptop RAM. There should be something in your manual about what RAM your laptop comes prepackaged with. Try and match it if you can.

 

[Lord Ac]

Ok, the manual says, "Your notebook is equipped with a configurable memory unit. The two industry standard DDR S.O.DIMM memory module sockets are available for memory upgrade to 2048MB." Doesnt really say anything more than that ... According to the scanner I have Non-parity DDR PC2700

Would these be right you think?

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/1GB-SO-DIMM-...891181962QQcategoryZ74942QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/SAMSUNG-1GB-...ryZ74942QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem#ebayphotohosting

Cheers,
Ac

 

[mr_brightside]

Like MedNez said, try to match the RAM. Like to the exact same brand.
Sometimes it has a spaz cause they're the same type of RAM but slightly different.

 

[Lord Ac]

Reckon I should open it up and have a look for myself?

Ac