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    4GB RAM for HP Compaq nx7400

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by gotian, Jun 10, 2008.

  1. gotian

    gotian Newbie

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    Hello,

    I want to buy a RAM for my HP laptop nx7400. I think that 4GB will be a good option, but I find in Technical Specifications that: "Above 3-GB, all memory may not be available due to system resource requirements."
    What do you think about this?
    Sort specification of my hardware:
    And me second question. Can I buy some other memory instead of HP (e.g. Kingston).

    Thanks guys
     
    gotian, Jun 10, 2008
    #1
  2. powerpack

    powerpack Notebook Prophet

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    Do not buy RAM from OEM buy from NewEgg or look at RAM deals on this site. Any brand is fine just get a lifetime warranty! The 3GB limit has to do with your 32bit OS and nothing you can do about it.
     
    powerpack, Jun 10, 2008
    #2
  3. gotian

    gotian Newbie

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    I read this site about RAM and look at this:
    My chipset is 945.
    Code: 
    Host bridge: Intel Corporation Mobile 945GM/PM/GMS, 943/940GML and 945GT Express Memory Controller Hub
    Now I'm worried.
    What to do?

    Thanks guys
     
    gotian, Jun 10, 2008
    #3
  4. Greg

    Greg Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    The 945 cannot read all 4GB. You can install 4GB and the laptop will work, but with about 3.2-3.5GB available.
     
    Greg, Jun 10, 2008
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  5. powerpack

    powerpack Notebook Prophet

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    Run CPU-Z and find out which 945 family chipset you have, there are 8 in all one of them is for desktops also some (according to Intel) support 4BG's RAM, others 2GB's RAM and one only 1GB. Some support Dual Channel some don't.

    Here is a link to the Intel PDF on the tech specs of 945 family.
     
    powerpack, Jun 10, 2008
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  6. Greg

    Greg Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Laptop 945's are all 4GB max w/o actually using 4GB.
     
    Greg, Jun 10, 2008
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  7. eleron911

    eleron911 HighSpeedFreak

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    Even 3.2 will be enough, even for a Vista setup for that matter.
    Check out the Hot Ram Deals thread, Fry`s has an awesome price now, 15$ / 2gb after rebates...
     
    eleron911, Jun 10, 2008
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  8. powerpack

    powerpack Notebook Prophet

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    Not sure I completely understand what you are saying? But the Intel spec sheet I linked has like 3 listed with 4GB (I know the limitations) 4 only support 2GB's and not Dual Channel and one only supports 1GB. What are you saying directed at that? That is my confusion. But if I do understand, you and Intel are in conflict and would be interested in an explanation. If Intel document is incorrect would not be the first time I have read inaccurate info in their documents.
     
    powerpack, Jun 10, 2008
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  9. bhattsan

    bhattsan Notebook Deity

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    The chipset can only address 4 gigs of space, but some of that space is reserved for video cards, bios, etc, and therefore the motherboard can't use all 4 gigs of RAM...
     
    bhattsan, Jun 10, 2008
    #9
  10. powerpack

    powerpack Notebook Prophet

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    Just to make clear I completely understand the 4GB's (2^32) maximum of memory addresses in all 32bit OS's. My point is the Intel document says 4 of these 945 chipsets can only handle 2GB's of RAM. That would be a chipset limitation above and beyond the 4GB (2^32) 32bit OS limitation. And to Greg I am not questioning that you can physically put 4GB's in and it will run only seeing two. But if the chipset only sees 2GB's, 4GB's is a waste, I will also mention those chipset's don't even support Dual channel. So Please someone explain do they know is the Intel document incorrect? Something is wrong here I only want to know, the information OP quoted? What Greg said or Intel document?
     
    powerpack, Jun 10, 2008
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  11. K-TRON

    K-TRON Hi, I'm Jimmy Diesel ^_^

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    I have a i945pm in my e1505, and my system will not boot with 4 gb of memory, let a lone a single 2gb memory card. I believe almost all 945 chipsets have a limit of 2gb, and really you do not need any more. Just upgrade back to Windows XP and your system will fly with 2gb of memory.

    K-TRON
     
    K-TRON, Jun 10, 2008
    #11