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    RAM and HDD on old chipset - hopefully just confirmation needed

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by DetlevCM, Jun 12, 2009.

  1. DetlevCM

    DetlevCM Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Ok, one of our old laptops went to my grandfather - its now 4, Years old and still working, but I was thinking up replacing/upgrading RAM and the HDD.

    CPU-Z says the chipset is:

    Northbridge Intel i855PM rev. B1
    Southbridge Intel 82801DB (ICH4-M) rev. 03


    RAM:
    According to Intel this will take up to 2GB

    I think the box originally said upgradeable from 512MB to 1GB - can I put 2GB into itor better just 1GB? (It'll stay on XP home)
    The price will also be important in the end - its going to be the cheapest upgrade possible :D
    (and yes, I know its DDR RAM; the old stuff)

    HDD:
    Next on my list - the HDD.
    Currently its an 80GB HDD - its an ATA connection (ATA, PATA and EIDE are the same if I understand it all correctly?)
    Can I put in any PATA drive - 2,5" obviously - or only up to a certain GB limit?

    Its better safe than sorry :D

    I'll be flying on the 16th - so the earliest I can think about upgrading the laptop with that is with my grandfather will e the 17th, i.e. no rush.

    Thanks for all the replies :)


    Edit:

    I was made aware of the fact that the BIOS can limit RAM - thanks Dave - has anybody heard of this:

    BIOS Vendor Insyde Software Corporation
    BIOS Version M1.00
    BIOS Date 11/04/2004
     
    DetlevCM, Jun 12, 2009
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  2. Tinselworm

    Tinselworm Notebook Deity

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    keep the RAM to 1Gb, the Bios or Motherboard may not be built to take more, some older laptops will not support above 80Gb either, get a HDD on the premise of returning it if it doesn't work
     
    Tinselworm, Jun 12, 2009
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  3. DetlevCM

    DetlevCM Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    The motherboard has 2 slots - the chipset takes 2GB - can th motherboard then still limit it to 1GB?

    The HDD - I have heard that before and I am wondering - is this limited to 80GB or not...
    (Hoping it isn't)
     
    DetlevCM, Jun 12, 2009
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  4. Tinselworm

    Tinselworm Notebook Deity

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    yes, some intel motherboards limit you to 2 or 4gb when the chipset supports much more.
     
    Tinselworm, Jun 12, 2009
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