XPS M1330 RAM upgrade from 3GB

Hi all...bit of a noob question here...

I have an XPS M1330 running with 3GB RAM with Vista 32 bit

I want to upgrade to 4GB. From what I remember, the RAM comes in 2GB slots? Do I just need to buy 2GB and install to bring me up to 4GB?

Is it possible to go higher with the M1330 or is 4GB the max it can take?

Secondly, should I see any difference in performance? I use some 3D modelling programs like solidworks and Rhino and have been having some problems recently. Cheers for any help

Also, where is best to buy? Thanks

 

Theoretically the PM965 chipset will support 8 GB but not all BIOS can take the RAM. Plus with 32 bit Windows, you can't even really use past 3.5 GB anyway.

 

So probably not worth it? If I did want to upgrade would I have to buy a 2GB module or is it possible to upgrade from 3GB to 4GB with a 1GB module?

Is it possible for me to upgrade to vista or windows 7 64 bit or would I loose some of the functionality of some programs?

thanks

 

You would have to get a 2GB module. Right now, your configuration is 1GB + 2GB memory sticks.

As for your programs, you can't just do an upgrade from a 32 bit OS to a 64 bit OS. You would have to completely format your hard drive and start over with the 64 bit OS. Most programs however should still work on the 64 bit OS.

 

What do you mean by 'start over with the 64 bit OS'? Sorry if that's an obvious question but have never upgraded an OS before

Also, why would I have to format the hard drive? Thanks

 

I mean you have to do a clean install, which means all of the data on your hard drive gets erased and replaced with this new 64 bit OS installation. Therefore, you would need to backup all of your data prior to installing the new OS.

As for formatting the hard drive, I'm pretty sure you have to (at least a quick format) when installing a new OS.

 

So basically I would have to reinstall ALL of my programs once the 64 bit OS is installed?

Do you think I would just be better off upgrading to 4GB and live with it? I'd like to be able to get more than 4GB but seems like installing 64bit OS will be alot of hassle for me

 

Yes you would have to reinstall all of your programs after installing the 64 bit OS. This is good to do every now and then, because crap gets built up on your system which slows it down after a while. A new, clean installation of the OS starts off fresh again.

With all of that said, if you don't feel comfortable reinstalling the OS, then don't. It's all personal preference whether they can live with an older 32 bit OS or want to get the newest 64 bit.

It probably would be good for you to just do the 4GB upgrade and then you have it there already in case in the future you want to do the 64 bit OS. Plus, you should see ~3.5GB in your current OS (as stated above) which will help out a little.

 

Solid advice, thanks. One final question...any recommendations where to purchase the 2GB RAM? Cheers

 

Newegg definitely. Great prices and service (in case you get a lemon).