Free computer is costly

Hi. First time posting in this forum. I received a free HP Pavilion notebook computer (Mod. N5150) the original OS was Windows ME but it has an XP upgrade. My question is about memory. This computer only has 64mb of memory. According to the specs I read, the maximum memory expansion is 256mb. Also, according to specs it has PC100 SD memory, 144 pins. I am hopeful that when the computer came out the maximum memory configuration at the time was 128mb per stick and that is why the specs say 256 mb. Currently 512mb sticks are available in 144 pin, pc100, sd configuration. I would love to put two 512mb sticks in for a moderate price and have 1gb. Is this feasable or will the rest of the hardware just not handle it?

Do I have a free paperweight on my hands?

 

The chipset (Intel 440ZXM-100) is most likely limited to a maximum of 256MB, in which case you are out of luck. That thing is a dinosaur, it's not worth investing any money into it.

 

Definitely. For the price you would pay for the memory, you could get a better computer.

www.crucial.com

 

I was afraid of that. Cost of memory is not that bad since it is old tech and a lot of internet vendors have it stocked cheap. I could pick up 512 mb for about 30 bucks which would be worthwhile, in my opinion. It's probably not worthwhile to to upgrade to 256 though. What's that really going to get me? I wasn't planning to design cars with it or anything like that. Just let the kids surf the internet and do homework, stuff like that.

 

well if you want to play I have a known working 128MB Pc-100 module and 2 more that are untested but should work. If you want them PM me an address and I will ship them to you, if they work reimburse me the shipping, if not send them back

 

Older RAM tends to be more expensive due to limited availability. PC100 type RAM is already very costly, in fact, 512MB costs more than 2GB of DDR2. Besides, I would be wary about investing any money into such an old system, reliability comes into play. Do you want to invest $50 in system that might work for an unknown period of time?

In any case, if you want a notebook for such simple tasks considering buying something used but more recent or purchasing low cost notebook or netbook. There are many options around $300-$400.

 

Also, Linux.

 

Honestly? If you're going to upgrade a computer that came with 64mb of memory, just replace it. You can't buy a computer these days with less than 1GB.

 

lol that computer is too old... no point spending any cash on a upgrade for this obsolete that any upgrade is going to do no good.... time to buy a new laptop...

 

You can use it as a net surfing machine. I'm sure it is still useable as is. If the person who gave it to you was able to use it then why do you need to plunk down 50 to use it? for maybe 150 or 200 more, you could get a new one during Black Friday. Dont buy the memory. Waste of money as others pointed out.

 

Thanks gang. I get the point. "you can't polish a turd". I am intrigued with the comment about linux. Is it less hungry for ram? I wouldn't be against wiping the XP and installing Linux. I've never used it but my son does and it works pretty well for him.
(My apologies for taking the thread off topic.)

 

When I tried to PM I got a message saying I did not have authority to PM. Maybe since I am new to the forum. my email [email protected] feel free to contact me through email.

 

windows XP with all the eye candy turned off should work fine on that computer, i'm running it fine on a old toshiba satellite 2060CDS with a AMD k6 366mhz cpu and 64mb of ram. windows 2000 would be a great option too.

or you could try linux.

no point investing more money in it i reckon.

 

You need 5 forum posts and a privilege server update to use PMs.

 

Linux is challenging to configure. (the way you want it to work) but once you do its great. Try Xubuntu for your machine, its free and one of the Lightest editions available.


One more thing: I am sorry for Offtopic, but what you previously said is grossly inaccurate...

You can, as a matter of fact, polish a turd. Mythbusters have proved it...
Linky

 

if i were you, i'd choose between the following

1) Install linux to play around and learn linux
2) Install windows 2000 and use it as a word and web machine