Laptop RAM Upgrade - advice please

[RichardZA7]

Hi all,

Got a HP dv6204EU (Sempron 3500+ - specs here) with 1gb RAM running Vista Home Basic. It's pretty sluggish compared to my dad's laptop which has only 512mb and is running XP Home - I thought that 1gb would be enough for Vista and thought it would run faster than my Dad's. Do you think it is Vista that is the problem (that it needs a lot of RAM) or might be another problem like a harddrive problem as the hdd seems to work a lot when opening applications etc.?

I ask because if it is Vista, then I would like to get another 1gb RAM. If i go this route I need some advice on RAM please
As far as I can tell the laptop takes a DDR2 PC5300 667 200pin SO-DIMM (correct me if wrong please!?).
I looked on Sybaritic and they have the following 1gb modules: Kingston for R492, Super Talent for R522 and a Samsung for R551. They also have a Corsair and Transend but for over double the price!

Which module would be the best to go for, with value-for-money in mind? I see that the +-R500 modules are all CL5 (except I couldn't find any techinical info for the Samsung one). If the 1gb RAM that the laptop currently has is less than CL5 (ie. faster, right?), then would it slow the system down to add a CL5 module? Hope this makes sense, I'm not very clued up on this all!

Thanks for the help, I really appreciate it!

God bless & Kind Regards,
Richard

 

[XCalibre]

Adding 1gb will add to the performance but you must the remember the CPU isn't that fast. The Kingston for R492 will be sufficient

 

[XCalibre]

I've also noticed on the link you provided that there's currently 2x512mb ram modules installed. Usually there's only 2 ram slots on a notebook..

 

[RichardZA7]

Thanks for the reply. Good point about the RAM configuration - I'll open the laptop to double check.

So do you think it is the CPU and not the RAM that is causing the laptop to be sluggish?

 

[supersunbird]

Yes, the kingston will be sufficient (good brand actually), and its a pretty good price

 

[XCalibre]

The extra ram will definately improve the performance but the cpu will hold it back a bit yes.

 

[RichardZA7]

Thanks for the help Xcalibre and supersunbird!
I opened the laptop up last night and yip, there are already 2 x 512mb DIMMs in there

I'm going to have to ask HP about the warranty implications if I was to remove one of the 512mb and replace with externally bought 1gb RAM. I also wanna find out if I am allowed to sell both HP 512mb's and then replace them with 1gb's.