Extensa 4420 Ram Upgrade to 3GB, worth it?

I am considering upgrading my 4420-5239. If I add a 2GB stick to make it 3gb, do you think it will be any better?
I am also considering replacing the HDD with SSD. My machine just gets too hot, so I am wondering if switching to SSD will cool it down...

 

Anyone has opinion?

 

Adding 1gb more RAM won't give you more performance unless you use some software which use a lot of memory...All depend on what are you using your laptop for. You may need to update your BIOS to increase the support of more RAM. I have no idea if Extensa 4420 support more than 2GB even with the latest BIOS.
SSD is way faster than HDD and cooler(at least I think so..?) but it won't affect(or will decrease very little) you're entire machine temp-wise. The best way to cool down your laptop is cleaning - fan, heatsink, undervolting, applying a better thermal paste etc. SSD costs a lot, if heat is your only reason to buy it - don't do it. Download Hdtune to check your HDD temp.
By the way I have no idea if a SSD will actually work with your laptop.

 

Thanks attthegates.

 

The best solution is a decent laptop cooler which pushes air up into the base of your lappie (compliments Acers airflow design the best).

I have used various coolers that push air up and every one of them that I have tried significantly drops overall and HDD temperatures.

Believe me when I say any forced airflow circulation under a lappie is better than none. Especially true in Acers case.

To give you an idea, my 3G data card sits right next to my HDD on my Acer 5684WLMi. The HDD bay has no cooling offered as it is basically a sealed compartment. No vents whatsoever.

I have seen scary temps from my HDD when using the 3G card at the same time (without cooling). Highest hit was 62 degrees Celcius for a Seagate Momentus 120GB 5400RPM drive. Seagates max temp rated @55 degrees Celcius.

The only way to keep temps under contol is to cool the plastic under the lappie (especially the HDD) with forced air cooling.

I have seen HDD temps drop (with the very cheapest Chinese coolers that last about 2 Months) drop by at least 10 degrees Celcius.

I have seen much more expensive Aluminium coolers drop the HDD temp by a further 5 degrees Celcius. Simply because they push more air around the bottom plastic cover of the hard disk bay and therefore the HDD runs well within maximum temperature spec. And so (obviously) the motherboard, RAM etc. benefit hugely too as they run cooler.

However, I must say this: I decided to see If could build the most efficient cooler for my 5684. Result, a cooler which has dropped HDD temps even further and consistently keeps them (while the 3G card is operating) at around 30 to 35 degrees celcius maximum.

One fan and the cooler places the lappie at the most comfortable angle to type on effortlessly.

I will post pics sometime as anyone can build this at home with minimum material cost.

Oh yeah, because of increased cooling with air being forced up and complimenting Acers airflow, the processor fan barely turns on. Saving the fans lifetime and everything on the lappie. All is cool and happy.

Cheers,
Theo

Forgot to add: No undervolting or any other tricks needed. Lappie is on max performance and still stays cool.
As it should be.

 

Thanks TeeJay. The main thing for me was keep it cool. I guess I don't need SSD afterall.