Upgrading Ram in Gateway NV5332u

Hello everyone! I have a quick and hopefully easy question to answer. I got this laptop last week in a bundle for a good price.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Gateway...lack/9576915.p?id=1218127624433&skuId=9576915

Basically I want to put another gig of ram into the laptop to make it a little faster, but have always had help upgrading other machines. I have two questions. 1. Can anyone point out a cheap quality stick of 1 GB ram to get off of Newegg or another site. 2. Is it true I would need to buy 2 sticks of ram at a time? I heard that is the best way.

I apologize in advance if I have incorrect information or anything, this is my first laptop and I am trying to get use to it. Thanks!!!!

 

Since the laptop already comes with 3GB of ram, it's usually enough for the average user. But If you're a heavy multi-tasker and would like to upgrade to 4GB, you'll need to purchase a 2GB stick. Your laptop only has 2 ram slots and is most likely being occupied by 1x2GB + 1x1GB ram modules.

Since your CPU's FSB is running at 667MHz, I'd recommend getting a 2GB 667MHz DDR2 stick of ram like THIS. It's also not true that you have to buy 2 sticks of ram at a time.

 

GATORJV,

Your notebook is using a 32 bit O/S which won't let it fully utilize another 2GB stick of RAM - unless you're willing to gamble that your particular configuration will allow you to use an additional maximum of 500MB (up to 3.5GB), its your call - but I wouldn't... unless, you're also willing to upgrade to Win 7 x64 bit (make sure all your devices have 64bit drivers beforehand).


To make your computer faster, I would recommend a HD upgrade:

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822145275

(says deactivated right now, but that's just because they're not in stock - new Hot drive).


See posts 198 and 199 in this thread for a little comparison to a Scorpio Blue HD:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=431402&page=20



David,

No, you don't have to buy 2 sticks at a time, but for maximum compatibility and to maximize dual channel operation it is highly recommended (by me ).

 

Thank you both for the replies and help. I think I am going to go ahead and order that ram and go from there. Tiller, I am using 64 Bit 7 (it says in the specs on the best buy page). I also checked my system to make sure and it says 64 bit operating system (using 2.75 of 3 GB).

 

GATORJV,

I apologize, my mistake (that link you provided is dead).

Depending on what you're using the notebook for, you may not see a difference between 3 and 4GB RAM. But, you may see a slight increase in Memory affected benchmarks with 2x 2GB sticks in dual channel mode. Just make sure that the sticks are matched as closely as possible.

The Hitachi HD though, when available would be an ideal match with Win 7 x64 and 4GB RAM. Together, they will make your computer as responsive as it can be, for the least amount of (additional) $$$.

Just remember that Vista and Win 7 will report a 'using' RAM figure close to what you have installed - that is a good thing! This is SuperFetch in action.

Sorry again for misunderstanding, Good luck!