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    Memory increase worthwhile?

    Discussion in 'Acer' started by bluetoff, Dec 31, 2008.

  1. bluetoff

    bluetoff Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hi. Firstly, how many slots of memory is there in my 5103 as I have just been given 2x 1gb slots of memory, and I was wondering if it would be worth putting one slot in my acer 5103 to go with my 2gb that I already have installed providing i only have only one slot fitted at present. ( making the total 3gb) Thanks.
     
    bluetoff, Dec 31, 2008
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  2. ATG

    ATG 2x4 Super Moderator

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    As far as I know Aspire 5100 series have 2 slots and can take up to 4GB RAM(total) with the latest BIOS upgrade. So if you want to add a 2GB stick your existing RAM you may need BIOS update.
    There are few threads about that already, search a little bit and you'll probably find all the info you need.
     
    ATG, Dec 31, 2008
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  3. Deks

    Deks Notebook Prophet

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    I'd sooner replace the sticks with 2x2GB.
    If you have at the moment 2x1GB inside the laptop, then it stands to reason you have only 2 slots inside (as it is for the most part with Acer laptops).

    I just checked on google and it would appear your laptop can hold 4GB RAM maximum.
    As I said earlier, if you want to future-proof yourself somewhat, then go with 4GB in total (although 3GB will be good as well).
    :)

    on the question if it's worthwhile ... yes because Vista (if you use it) requires for example 2gb for smooth operation ... so having the extra 1 or 2GB would be better.

    Keep in mind though that if you want to utilize full 4GB, you'd have to use a 64bit OS (such as XP PRO sp2 x64 or Vista x64) ... otherwise, your 32bit OS will recognize about 3.2 or 3.5 GB in total.
    The good thing is that you can use your OEM license key to install a same edition (but 64bit) OS on your computer.
     
    Deks, Dec 31, 2008
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  4. ComputerScience

    ComputerScience Notebook Guru

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    To see the information you require try this program : CPU-Z it has a SPD section where you can see the slots available.
    If you have more that 2 slots.. though I doubt this.. it's worthwhile increasing your memory.. otherwise if you only have 2 slots.. you have to replace one memory stick (of 1 GB ) to 2GB to have the desired capacity of 3 GB of RAM.
     
    ComputerScience, Dec 31, 2008
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  5. ComputerScience

    ComputerScience Notebook Guru

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    You can also try other Hardware tools : SiSoftware Sandra
    AIDA32

    Deks could you explain more about this ? (How can you actually upgrade from 32bit edition of Windows with OEM licence to 64 bit edition )
     
    ComputerScience, Dec 31, 2008
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  6. Skibums

    Skibums Notebook Evangelist

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    Being that memory is so cheap these days, you should go with 4gb (should be around $50). Then, if you are looking for another performance boost, try upgrading the hdd to a 7200 rpm
     
    Skibums, Dec 31, 2008
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