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    4GB vs 3GB RAM Question

    Discussion in 'HP' started by kylerg, Sep 30, 2008.

  1. kylerg

    kylerg Notebook Consultant

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    I wanted to get a DV7t but had a few questions on RAM.

    Since I cannot decide between 32- and 64-bit Vista I was debatign with myself over the ram.

    For dual-channel purposes wouuld 4GB still be preffered and beneficial? I know Windows only "sees" about 3GB, but I don't think dual-chal would work (right?) properly with that module configuration?

    I don't do anything crazy too really need 64-bit, but want something fast. Also, I don't want to have to worry about things not working right. Things like Photoshop are important to me.

    Please anwser quickly please :)
     
    kylerg, Sep 30, 2008
    #1
  2. Bartlett

    Bartlett The Prophet

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    Can you give the specs of the hp to determine if the other components are good enough to benefit from 64bit? but to tell you the truth, i have 64 bit and really havent run into any problems. id get 64 bit, but list the specs to be sure.
     
    Bartlett, Sep 30, 2008
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  3. kylerg

    kylerg Notebook Consultant

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    KN798AV
    – Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (64-bit)
    – Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo Processor P8400 (2.26 GHz)
    – 17.0" diagonal WSXGA+ High-Definition HP BrightView Widescreen Display (1680 x 1050)
    – 4GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
    – 512MB NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT
    – FREE Upgrade to 320GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
    – Webcam Only
    – HP Color Matching Keyboard
    – Intel Next-Gen Wireless-N Mini-card with Bluetooth
    – No Modem
    – SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-R/RW with Double Layer Support
    – No TV Tuner w/remote control
    – 8 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
    – Microsoft(R) Works 9.0
    – HP Home & Home Office Store in-box envelope
     
    kylerg, Sep 30, 2008
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  4. Infamous22

    Infamous22 Notebook Deity

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    It's more economical to get 3GB of ram. 3GB should be more than enough. I multitask so much and barely use over 2gbs of ram.
     
    Infamous22, Sep 30, 2008
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  5. kylerg

    kylerg Notebook Consultant

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    But in a few years if I start pushing it? And is it true that 3GB wouldn't dual-chan right?

    ^^ What are your Windows Index scores?
     
    kylerg, Sep 30, 2008
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  6. Andy

    Andy Notebook Prophet

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    3GB --> Asymmetric Dual Channel (15-20% boost in bandwidth)
    4GB --> Symmetric Dual Channel (>20% boost in bandwidth)

    Anyway, performance boosts due to Dual Channel are not noticed in Real-World Application Usage. The difference in performance is only noted in Synthetic Benchmarks.

    If 32-Bit, go for 3GB.
    If 64-Bit, go for 4GB.

    Later, you can upgrade to 64-bit, and swap the 1GB module for a 2GB/4GB module.

    (And WEI is crap, completely inaccurate)
     
    Andy, Sep 30, 2008
    #6