I'm curious about getting some laptop RAM, I'm just wondering what the max amount of physical RAM my operating system.

 

 

 

Here are my specs, if you need them:

 

 

 

VAIO VGN-NR21Z

 

 

 

Intel Core 2 Duo T8100 2.10GHz Processor

 

3GB DDR2 RAM

 

Windows Vista Home Premium 32bit OS.

 

 

 

Also, how cheap is laptop RAM? I know that I have 1 slot available. What brand of RAM would you recommend too?

3.5gb-ish is the max you get out from a 32-bit OS. Wouldn't recommend it, as your GPU (probably) has 256 or 512mb of memory, which it reserves first and then the rest for the ram.

 

 

 

Edit: Ah, 128mb it was. Still, can't recommend it. Better getting 64bit first, before upgrading components.

Ah ok. Would I have to just upgrade some hardware or get a completely new system?

Ah ok. Would I have to just upgrade some hardware or get a completely new system?

You can be limited by hardware, for instance my laptop was limited to 2GB. To take advantage of RAM over 3.5GB you would need to purchase a 64 bit operating system. I couldn't use 64 bit with all the driver issues, but that's just me. Until Windows transitions to 64 bit entirely, or at least makes it smoother I wouldn't recommend it. RAM is pretty cheap, and I suppose you would want another 3GB stick to take advantage of dual-channel memory. I have always used Crucial and they have decent customer support, plus they have software that can determine your system's maximum memory.

 

 

 

EDIT: Notebook Review states that your memory is 2 x 1. If so, you wouldn't have a DIMM slot free.

^They don't make 3gb sticks. And, i've used 64-bit Vista on desktop and it worked fine. But laptops and desktops are a bit different in their drivers...

Dang :wall:

I use both Vista64 and Windows 7 64bit and have yet to have a driver issue. May it be on the desktop or laptop.

Also, I forgot to add, I'll be needing RAM for rendering, photoshop etc.

^They don't make 3gb sticks. And, i've used 64-bit Vista on desktop and it worked fine. But laptops and desktops are a bit different in their drivers...

Ah yes, I forgot. The OP could put another 2GB stick in. It would bump it up .3-.5GB or a full GB should they get a 64 bit OS.

Vista 64-bit makes Photoshop lightning fast Sam :thumbup:. If you render fractals with Gimp, make a dualboot with ubunte and it'll be lightning fast as well.