Matching memory?

So I have a new Aspire 5520, picked up from Best Buy for $450.

My question is, this computer only has space for 2 memory modules. I know in desktops with 4 slots, they say you should get matching pairs. Does the same hold true for notebooks?

Right now I have 2-512MB in I believe. I was thinking maybe getting a 2GB now and having 2.5GB for a while, and then getting another 2GB later.

 

The totally distilled summary is that buying RAM in matched pairs is about 3% faster than having unmatched RAM. It's true for notebooks too. But at 3%, can anybody tell the difference?

But you WILL notice the difference in Vista going from 1gb to 2.5gb. It will be night and day. I assume you're using Vista anyway.

Also keep in mind that you Windows can't see more than 3.2gb on a 32bit OS. To see your (future) 4gb of RAM you'd need to be running 64bit.

 

About the 32- vs. 64-bit OS, I am a bit confused about the differences I have been reading. Some places I have read that on a 32-bit Windows, if you have installed more than the limit, you can still use some of that memory for video. Like now, I have 1GB installed, but like, 256MB or something is being used for video right now. So from what that one website I read said, you can have 4GB installed, and use for instance up to 1GB for video, and still have the 3GB for Windows. Is that correct?

Also, I've heard that the Vista disk I have has the option for 32- or 64-bit Windows. In fact, I think I read that the Vista disk has every version of Vista, and you install whatever version is appropriate, so I would be trying to install Vista Ultimate. I don't know if it is true or not, I haven't opened the package yet.

And anyways, none of this will matter I can't get the stupid memory cover off.

 

I don't know about your graphics card using the system memory and how that works but it's an interesting question.

I have not yet moved to Vista (and probably never will...) but from what I understand, the disk may have every version but your license key will only activate what you've purchased. If a Vista OEM license came with your laptop then it'll be for a specific version, and the key will unlock only that version. I think you're free to get Ultimate if you go online and buy it, then they should give you a new key.

 

Yeah, I guess you're right, the key I have is for Vista Ultimate, but I guess only the 32-bit version.

In your opinion then, it would be a waste of money to get 2x2GB? I was thinking with some of these rebates and stuff, it doesn't sometimes cost more than an extra $10 or so to get 2x2GB instead of 1GB+2GB.

 

Check your manual and see what it supports. XP supports 3GB max with 4GB installed... Vista supports up to 16GB + of memory.

IMHO I'd go with 2GB of memory vs. 3 because of duel channel if you keep them the same.

If you aren't sure what your computer has you can download SIW - http://www.gtopala.com/ or CPUZ - http://www.cpuid.com/cpuz.php.

Best of luck.