skip to main content

Additional Memory

14 years ago

Hi folks,

I have a 10 year old HP Pavilion a420n with X-P Home,SP-3. It is a 32 bit system with 1000 GB of memory. I would like to upgrade to 4 GB of memory. I have two memory slots. Where can I find the clock speed of this machine? Also, some of the DDR memory is non-ecc, is that prefered or not.

Once again, thanks for all the great help.

Steve

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

mikie_gw
14 years ago
forgot to leave a link to Crucial Memory...

Here is a link that might be useful: http://www.crucial.com/
owbist
14 years ago
These specs suggest the maximum RAM is 2 gigs for that model computer so unless there is a BIOS update you cannot go to 4 gigs.

Also this is a quite old computer with slow components by today's standards and you might be disappointed with the upgrade. SDRAM is harder to find and older memory tends to become very expensive compared to great prices for the newest memory types out there.
Related Discussions
Upgrade Question
Q
Comments (8)
Your laptop does have a maximum of 512MB memory. There should be two memory slots, one via a access panel on the bottom of your laptop and one underneath the keyboard. Normally, at least Toshiba does this, when the laptop comes from the factory/store with its original memory, that is inserted under the keyboard leaving the access panel on the bottom empty. Which one did you check? Is there any writing/numbers on the stick that you see in the memory slot Here is a link that might be useful: Dell
...See More
Adding Memory
Q
Comments (13)
I made a mistake in my earlier post and divided everything by 1024. I should have said 1 gig and 256 meg. If I were you, I'd try narrowing things down. I would first take out the original RAM and put the new modules where the original modules were. See how much RAM is reported. Also see if it reports the speed. If that shows 2 gig of ram, then the new modules are the right size. If it shows 512 meg, then the new modules are 256 meg modules instead of 1 gig modules. Then, try putting the original modules in the slots where you currently have the new modules. See what is reported when you have it in that way.
...See More
memory speed
Q
Comments (6)
For memory questions, a good place to go to find out about your system type needed, max amount etc is crucial.com Here is some of what it said about your model: Your Inspiron 6000 System Specs System specs as shipped by the manufacturer. Scan your system to view your specific system configuration. Memory:DDR2 PC2-6400, DDR2 PC2-5300 Memory Type: DDR2 PC2-6400, DDR2 PC2-5300, DDR2 (non-ECC) Maximum Memory: 2GB Slots: 2 Each memory slot can hold DDR2 PC2-6400, DDR2 PC2-5300 with a maximum of 1GB per slot.* *Not to exceed manufacturer supported memory. Odd, there is no mention here of PC2-3200 memory...the slowest listed here is the 5300 with an option to use 6400.. Visit the site and use the "scan the computer" option
...See More
Memorial Day review: Restaurants, Weather, Crowds, Traffic, etc
Q
Comments (42)
Happy birthday, Dedtired! Jupidupi, the pickle bread is new to me too. The post is still missing. I've recently fallen in love with Pick-A-Peck spicy hot carrot and green bean pickles. They're like fancy homemade with whole peppers, dill seeds, garlic cloves, etc., in a lovely spicy brine. I can't bear to throw the goodness out, though I do send a lot of usable trimmings to the compost because I know I'll never get to actually dealing with them. I decided to make pickle bread with the green-bean-less jar inc. (chopped) one double garlic clove, one jalapeño, one habanero, one serrano, one small birdseye, +/- one Tbsp dill seeds and half a jar of brine. It took a lot of thinking, sums and intuition. Determined to remove jars from the fridge, I also used a couple partly full jars of sourdough discard, and half a jar of Juanita pickles that had started to ferment, which I used to make a compound butter. The bread turned out great! Delicious! Perfect crust, with chew and flavor, and fantastic, springy open crumb. Lightly spicy, zings of flavor from the bits of peppers and garlic. The picture was staged. The butter was too cold to spread. It goes well with the bread, as does the ripe truffle cheese.
...See More
esteban_2009
Original Author
14 years ago
Mikie and Owbist,
Thanks for your help. The Crucial site showed I could go as high as 4GB as this is a 32 bit system (X-P Home, however only 3.5 would be usable) It would cost 60 bucks to double the existing memory, and like Owbist said, it may not be worth the effort. After all the use and pleasure this machine has given me the past 10 years, perhaps it's time to consider another computer.
Thanks again for the great help.
Steve
DA_Mccoy
14 years ago
If it is financially suitable for you, I agree if not now then down the road the system should be replaced. With W7 available you are currently two O/S behind along with numerous service packs. And of course, W8 is reportedly on track for this time next year. The technical and service gap is ever widening with you lagging farther and farther behind.

I know how loyal one can be to a system as I went from Win98 to Vista all the while kicking and screaming. I was perfectly fine with Win98. I was using XP at work and reading the Help files regularly along with maintaining a regular vigil on the forums. It wasn't enough though. I had to upgrade to be anywhere near current just in knowledge alone.

I am not a user who has to have every toy or whistle, nor do I have to be always current. However, I have learned there is more to gain by moving forward with systems than standing in place. This Vista system, which is outstanding regardless of the undue criticism it received, will be replaced by a W8 system next year.

DA
esteban_2009
Original Author
14 years ago
DA,
Nicely written.
After 10 years, It's probably time for me to "move forward" too.
Thanks,
Steve

Related Stories

HOUZZ TOURS My Houzz: Family Memories and Personal Details in Texas

By Sarah Natsumi Moore

Newlyweds give their 1940s home some DIY love, opening it up and filling it with upcycled pieces, custom touches and family keepsakes

VACATION HOMES Houzz Tour: Childhood Memories Shape a Lakeside Cottage

By Mitchell Parker

A Canadian man couldn’t salvage his grandfather’s cottage, but he keeps the family connection alive with a new structure in the same space

HOUZZ TOURS Houzz Tour: A Connecticut Beach House Builds New Memories

By Nora Burba Trulsson

Extensive renovations make an 8-bedroom summer home ready for a family and many guests

DREAM SPACES A Northern California Tree House Makes Memories

By Vanessa Brunner

Designed with utmost respect for the tree cradling it, a cozy house gives overnighters an experience to cherish

RUSTIC STYLE Houzz Tour: Renovation Preserves Memories in a Rustic Lake Cabin

By Becky Harris

A Minnesota lake house remodel updates the home while keeping the beauty of the original structure, built by a parent

ORGANIZING Simple Pleasures: Preserving Analog Memories in a Digital World

By Laura Gaskill

Too often our photos and mementos accumulate in computers and in piles. Here’s how to free them up to be displayed and enjoyed

HOUZZ TOURS My Houzz: A Home Filled With Warm Memories of Travel

By Margot Hartford Photography

Antiques and pictures from a photographer’s world travels add character to her Northern California residence

HOUZZ TOURS My Houzz: A Stylish Brooklyn Apartment Filled With Memories

By Rikki Snyder

Collected pieces from travels, family heirlooms and contemporary finds turn an apartment into a home for 3

LANDSCAPE DESIGN 10 Compact Decks, Patios and Porches for Making Memories

By Annie Thornton

From Florida to Hawaii, Houzz readers show us how they capitalize on their petite outdoor spaces

SHOP HOUZZ Shop Houzz: Up to 50% Off Wall Art

Personalize your walls with these eye-catching additions

0

Sponsored

Hope Restoration & General Contracting

35 Reviews

Columbus Design-Build, Kitchen & Bath Remodeling, Historic Renovations

More Discussions

Tired of MS Office 365 Monthly Fees?

1