Is it time for a new laptop?

First of all, hello. My name is Jeff and I'm the newest addition to these forums. A little bit of my computing background before I get to my question: I was interested in building a desktop a few months back, but I didn't have the funds for it ($500-$800 for a decent gaming rig). I learned a lot in those months in terms of hardware and even software, but I've also forgotten some stuff, as well, so please forgive me if I'm not descriptive or informative enough. Nice to be here

Anyway, I'll be shipping off to college within 5 or 6 months as a physics major and music minor (for now) and was wondering if an upgrade was needed. This is my laptop:

HP Compaq Presario C700 Notebook - The sticker on the bottom of my laptop only says "Presario C700," but I've also found "C700 CTO," "C700ET," "C700LA," and a "C700T Series."

Operating system: Windows Vista Home Basic 32-bit (I think "MS Windows Vista SP2" is the specific type of Home Basic package I have, but I'm just going off of what CCleaner told me)

CPU:Intel Pentium Dual CPU T2310 @ 1.46GHz (dual core, I believe)

GPU: Mobile Intel 965 Express Chipset Family

Memory: 2GB RAM (upgraded from the measly 1GB I started off with/2GB is the computer's max RAM capacity) - DDR2 PC2-5300

Miscellaneous: It seems to heat up a lot. Been using 3 Dixie cups as support to provide a few more inches of breathing room underneath. The fan will sometimes get louder and I'll have to use a cold rag or something to cool it down or just lower my screen brightness.

Windows Experience Index: 3.2 overall, 4.6 - processor, 4.4 - RAM, 3.2 - graphics, 3.3 - gaming graphics, 4.9 - primary hard disk

I got some of this information through typing "MSINFO32" into my Start menu search function.

So is an upgrade necessary? I still want to build that desktop in college so I don't know if a third computer is necessary. Thank you in advance

 

You need too clean out the fans and re-paste your cpu to get heat down.

The laptop is fine for college. Won't be able to handle any sort of graphic load.
games cad etc.

 

Excellent, thank you Scion. I had no previous knowledge regarding thermal paste, granted I've had the laptop for around 2 years so I guess that makes sense. Any suggestions as to which type of paste I should use or how to clean out my fans? I'll search around on the forums some, but any additional input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, once again.

 

I recommend this for the thermal paste.

Arctic Silver 5 High Density CPU Thermal Compound 3.5g - eBay (item 260734864777 end time Mar-10-11 22:56:57 PST)
Thats pretty cheap.

When you take the laptop apart clean the fan by blowing from the outside of the laptop then blow the rest out from the inside, make sure you don't leave anything behind

Any sort of computer air in a can will work, just make sure its for computers.

Newegg.com - Innovera Compressed Gas Duster

you will also need some 99% isopropyl alcohol and coffee filters to clean the old paste off the cpu.

When taking the laptop apart i suggest taking some scotch tape and mark where the screws go. You might be able to find a guide on youtube if you have the model number of your laptop.

Once your in there clean the laptop out with the compressed air (again from the outside in first). Make sure you blow all of the dust out before you work on the cpu. If your Igp has a heat sync i would repaste that also (same way as the cpu) most Igps don't have heat syncs though.

After The laptop is dust free take some isopropyl alcohol and apply some to the coffee filter and start rubbing off the CPU and heat sync. make sure it is extremely clean before you apply the thermal paste to the cpu (only apply it to the cpu after the alcohol has dried) I've found that a half-pea sized drop directly in the middle of the cpu works best (don't over do the paste to much, it can be harmful) make sure you dont get any alcohol or paste on the motherboard. Though, it shouldn't hurt anything if it does.

Edit:

I know you've probably have built several computers before, so forgive the whole cpu cleaning rundown. I just wanted to clarify its the same on laptops as desktops just less paste because of the smaller cpu chips.

 

I don't know if that was some sort of weird sarcasm at the end or if you misread my (rather lengthy) first post, but I actually never got the chance to build that desktop or any desktop for that matter, haha. Nevertheless, thank you very much for this information, Scion. This was helpful beyond all possible belief.

 

I assumed you built computers before and I didn't want you to think i was giving you then noob lecture on how to paste cpus.

You know what they say about assume

I'm glad I could help, if you need anymore help feel free to pm me.

 

Welcome Jeff

Like Scion said definitely take it apart and get all that dust out. While your at it look up compatible CPU's. I believe their is an extensive thread here showing what is compatible with what. I upgraded the sluggish 1.8 in my dv9535 to a 2.4 T8300 I got off eBay and brought a new life to it. Very easy to do once ya get in there.

 

If you can find an clean used one on eBay here is the compatible CPUs for the GM 965 chipset family:

Intel® Core™2 Extreme Processor X9000 (6M Cache, 2.80 GHz, 800 MHz FSB)

Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor T9500 (6M Cache, 2.60 GHz, 800 MHz FSB)

Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor T9300 (6M Cache, 2.50 GHz, 800 MHz FSB)

Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor U7500 (2M Cache, 1.06 GHz, 533 MHz FSB) Socket P

Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor U7500 (2M Cache, 1.06 GHz, 533 MHz FSB) Socket M

Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor T8300 (3M Cache, 2.40 GHz, 800 MHz FSB)

Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor T8100 (3M Cache, 2.10 GHz, 800 MHz FSB)

Intel® Celeron® Processor 550 (1M Cache, 2.00 GHz, 533 MHz FSB)

Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor U7600 (2M Cache, 1.20 GHz, 533 MHz FSB) Socket M

Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor U7600 (2M Cache, 1.20 GHz, 533 MHz FSB) Socket P

Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor U7700 (2M Cache, 1.33 GHz, 533 MHz FSB) Socket P

Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor L7700 (4M Cache, 1.80 GHz, 800 MHz FSB)

Intel® Celeron® Processor 560 (1M Cache, 2.13 GHz, 533 MHz FSB)

Intel® Celeron® Processor 570 (1M Cache, 2.26 GHz, 533 MHz FSB)

Intel® Core™2 Extreme Processor X7800 (4M Cache, 2.60 GHz, 800 MHz FSB)

Intel® Core™2 Extreme Processor X7900 (4M Cache, 2.80 GHz, 800 MHz FSB)

I would recommend the T8300(cheap) or the T9300($$$) depending on what your needs are.

 

Thanks for the warm welcome I'll work on the cleaning over the spring break for sure just to familiarize myself with the inside of a laptop. What got me a little curious was when you said the "sluggish 1.8." Is 1.8GHz really that slow? Hell, I'm sitting on only 1.5GHz, haha. I mean how much stuff is on your computer certainly plays a factor between viruses/used memory/etc, but is there a way for me to grasp just how slow/fast a certain processing speed is? For example, Pentium vs. Athlon. One of my computer games, Far Cry 2, says "3.2GHz Pentium 4, 2.66GHz Pentium D, AMD Athlon 64 3500+ or better" for the requirements, but I'm looking at 3 different CPUs here, 2 with different speeds and one without. It makes a noob go crazy!

I don't know the difference between 3MB and 6MB cache or .1 - .3GHz of processing speed. At this point, without looking at pricing, I think I'd be happy with either the T8100 or T8300. I can live with the T8100 if need be (2.10Ghz isn't 2.40, but it sure as hell is better than what I've got). I'll be building a desktop in college so it's not like I'll be playing heavy duty games on the thing, anyway (plus, I believe the GPU is integrated onto the motherboard so there's no swapping it out). On a final note, I believe the motherboard determines the amount of RAM and I'm already maxed out at 2GB. Will everything still run smoothly after a CPU upgrade? I don't know if more RAM is needed with better CPUs.

As I told Scion, thank you very much for your invaluable assistance. I'm finally starting to recall more and more information as I poke around the site, as well

 

It's not just clockspeed, there's also processor generation (microarchitecture) to contend with. For example, a first generation core-i processor is generally accepted to be about 20% faster, clock for clock, than a Core 2 Duo. This means that a 2 GHz core-i processor is roughly equivalent to a 2.4 GHz C2D processor, just on clockspeed. This is before we get into the other technological advances that make the core-i better (like hyperthreading and turboboost). It's just like your Far Cry 2 game requirements; the Pentium D is a newer generation than the Pentium 4, which is why you can get by with a lower clocked Pentium D than Pentium 4. Usage plays a large role as well; if all you do is surf the web and watch flash video, a 1.8 GHz CPU is plenty for your purposes (well, maybe not the flash).

Apart from that, I would say that for most people, cache is largely irrelevant. For the generation that you're looking at, a 2 GHz clocked dual-core processor is "good enough" for almost all uses.

 

Yea, keeping the space underneath so it can breathe is important, or get a laptop cooler like the Zalman cooler that I got. I used to use some rubber plugs under mine before the cooler LOL.

As for the RAM, if your locked in at 2GB on the MB (especially running Vista) I would probably save your money for building that desktop rig and just use the C700 for school stuff when you need to be portable. Last summer I built a i7-930 machine on an ASUS board with RAID and it is amazingly fast!!!

 

Yea, I haven't heard many good things regarding Vista. I'm probably just used to all the problems and complaints by now, haha. I'll just contemplate buying the T8100/T8300 over the summer. Ideally, I'd upgrade the laptop soon and just have all my desktop components shipped to my dorm room near the beginning of the school year The question comes down to do I let my roommate use my awesome rig? Hm...

Wow, this explanation was wonderful. Thank you, Judicator. I can break down theoretical astrophysics for you guys, but when it comes to computers...

 

Just a few last minute questions regarding the CPU. I'm going with the T8100 since it's cheapest - Intel Core 2 Duo T8100 2.1 GHz Mobile Processor SLAYP - eBay (item 250789557172 end time Apr-15-11 15:46:51 PDT)

Is there a way to know what the difference will be between what I have now and the T8100 (not that important, just curious)?

Which method is best for a laptop CPU (the "spread" method or the "vertical line" method)? The Arctic Silver website mentions "Any Intel Mobile or Notebook CPU/Any Intel CPU without a Metal Cap" for the "spread" method which I'm assuming is what I'll be doing.

After looking at a few Newegg reviews:

Will I need to update my BIOS before swapping the CPUs? "Before purchasing this CPU ensure your laptop or MB supports Penryn without BIOS update" - The T8100 was on HotRod's list so I'm assuming that my Compaq should have no trouble supporting Penryn, but the BIOS isn't something I normally mess with.

EDIT: It's codename is "Merom" if that means anything.

 

Yea that is a good price and that is the correct socket for your MB. I would contact the seller and ask if the thermal paste has been removed or you will have to get some Artic Silver Remover.

As for the method I use the drop in the center, smash down with a credit card and spread evenly and thinly without going over the side method. LOL Check a YouTube vid for more...

I would update the BIOS to I think it is up to F35 now? It is easy to do with the WinFlash. You shouldn't have to but I would anyway.

Also this will have a faster 800 FSB which right now you probably are running a 533 or 667.

 

Great, thanks for the advice.

"BIOS Version/Date: Hewlett-Packard F.08, 9/13/2007"

I'm assuming I have some updating to do, haha.

EDIT: 3 hours, 2 cans of compressed air, and an ingrained mental map of the inside of my laptop later: I can't even hear the fan and everything seems to be running extremely cool. To "put it to the test" I'll just go on AddictingGames.com, haha. Wish I had a way to measure the temperature of everything... Oh, while I was in there it seemed as though there wasn't a heat sink. All I saw was this 1 inch by 1 inch, black card that said "Intel" and had a series of numbers on it with "SLA5Q" and "MALAY" on the bottom (I'm assuming this is the CPU).

Anyway, I ordered the Arctic Silver 5 (which I'll need for my desktop build, anyway) and the T8100 so I should be getting that by Monday or so and I just wanted to thank all of you guys for everything. I'm a fan of saying "Thank you" if you haven't noticed by now, but people don't realize the true value of these online forums.

 

SLA5Q should be your southbridge chip.

And you know, if I'd been paying more attention and thinking, I would have done this search for you and linked to this earlier. It's the Presario C700 Maintenance and Service Guide, which conveniently lists how to take apart your notebook, as well as "approved" upgrades. You can see that the T8100 is on that list. :wink:

Your heatsink is a flat metal plate that lies under the heatpipe, so unless you tried to remove the heatpipe, you probably didn't get to it.

If the link above doesn't work (HP likes to move their files occasionally), you can either google (something like "presario c7000 disassembly" or "presario c700 maintenance guide") or go to the HP support and drivers page for the C700, where you can find the manual.

 

That's what I get for assuming... I know exactly where the chip is now. Also, thank you for the link. I thought I had printed a few pages of that out from a year or two ago and was unable to find that page again.

Uh, this may seem a little off topic, but since I'm upgrading my laptop do you think it would be possible to put in a better GPU? I'll have to look and see if there's even another PCI slot (I believe that's the name for it). This Mobile Intel 965 Express Chipset Family isn't the greatest and I'd love to simply upgrade over having to buy a new laptop, entirely.

 

I know that the HP maintenance manual says it only supports up to 2GB of RAM.

But the GM965 mobile chipset supports up to 4GB RAM according to Intel.
Mobile Intel® GM965 Express Chipset

See if you can borrow someone's 2 x 2GB DDR2 sodimms and test out. Vista is an inefficient memory hog that even 2GB barely cuts it.

 

My father has a C700 too and it actually works with 1+2GB DDR2. If it didn't boot, just swap their position. It runs a little smoother with 3GB. Some said it worked with 0+4GB too but I didn't try. 2+2GB won't work though.

 

Didn't get an email for these replies, hm... Anway, I'll see if borrowing someone's 2GB stick will work. Thanks for the advice.

Anyway, I installed the T8100 and all that's popping up is a black screen. I can't seem to do anything other than take the battery out to shut it down. I tried pressing F10 (even holding it down during startup), but nothing seems to be working. At this point I think it has to do with the BIOS which is also the thing I know nothing about.

Also, removing the paste from the old CPU was somewhat difficult while removing it from the heat sink was damn near impossible. It formed a ridge on all four sides that took my nail/a flat screwdriver to remove. Thought that would have been a lot easier -_-

 

Yeah, dried thermal paste can be a pain to get rid of. Soaking it in alcohol or AS5 cleaner and letting it sit for a while before scrubbing away at it can help.

The graphics are integrated into the motherboard, so upgrading it isn't really possible; notebooks can be rather finicky that way. If you didn't buy a model that was intentionally designed to have replaceable/upgradeable discreet graphics, it's rarely possible to do so later (apart from "odd" solutions like the DIY ViDock).

Upgrading BIOS is a relatively simple process, although it does require a working computer, so if you haven't already, put your old CPU back in first and make sure the system is running. Then get the proper file from the HP support page, and run the package and follow the prompts. Make sure your notebook is plugged in the entire time, and don't unplug it or try to turn it off before it completes. It can sometimes take a while, and might appear to hang, but let it keep running.

 

Yea, after a little more thought I'm just going to save up for my desktop rather than get a new GPU because I doubt that this laptop would have an extra slot for a better card. Plus, in regards to the thermal paste, I wasn't sure if alcohol getting on the heat sink was horrible for it or not. And I'm hoping that the BIOS is the only thing wrong because I'm on the laptop now with the old T2310 back in place. Off to updating the BIOS, then. Thank you, Judicator.

 

UPDATE: After a successful BIOS update to F35 I'm now running full steam ahead with a T8100 under the hood. Once again, I'd just like to thank all of you guys for your contributions no matter how small. Every sentence carried a new piece of information that I'm ever-so-glad I learned.

 

Glad things worked out for you.

 

Man, I didn't think I would ever be posting in this thread again, haha.

Anyway, the only problem that seems to have arisen is that when I boot up the laptop, it occasionally just sits there on a black screen (nothing flashes, no Compaq logo or anything). Most of the time it boots up regularly, but sometimes it doesn't. I went straight to thinking about the RAM, motherboard, BIOS, and CPU. I have no clue what else it could be other than those. Something about the increased FSB or the BIOS not saving settings or perhaps another thing entirely, I just don't know.

Any tests or programs I can get to avoid opening the laptop again?

 

Um. I guess the first question is if it's even getting through POST... when this happens, is it actually on, and just sitting there with a blank screen, or does it turn on and then turn itself off? Does it beep at you (the number and length of beeps can often be a code)?

 

I turn the laptop on, the fan will kick up, and nothing else happens. The WiFi button is orange (meaning there isn't a connection) and there are no beeps at all. I will keep the volume around 70-80% when I shut my computer down for the next week or so just in case the beeps are faint.

The only thing I can do is unplug the power cable as I've taken the battery out.

 

Hm. So it doesn't even seem to get to the BIOS screen. That would seem to imply that something isn't connected all the way, or is intermittently failing. Unfortunately, that would mean opening the notebook up again and making sure all the connectors are tight and all. This sort of troubleshooting can be frustrating, unfortunately.

 

Yea, it just happened once today. I shall do some minute tweaking of the interior components and get back to you guys.

 

@ Metallica93

Hello,
Definitely a RAM problem.
I had the same behavior (black screen and incomplete post at boot, works ok on the next boot) when I added memory on my c700, from 1G to 1.5G (same stock model as yours).
I think it's due to having mixed (incompatible? wrong frequency?) memory dimms:
I replaced one original 512MB 667Mhz dimm with a 800Mhz 1GB, assuming the new one would downclock to 667MHz.
Unfortunately, it did not.
With CPU-Z, I discovered it switched to 533MHz. Dang...
I am contemplating replacing the 800MHz dimm by a 667MHz with the same latency, or possibly replacing both dimms by 1GB,667MZ,CAS 5 dimms.

If you solve your problem, please post the solution in this thread, as it would help me.

Also, I was interested into upgrading my CPU, did your upgrade make a difference in the general windows behavior (boot, desktop/file explorer responsivity,...)? Or only when using a CPU intensive task?

 

Almost forgot about this thread... Anyway, I tightened everything on the inside and that's not the problem. For some strange reason, though, this occurrence happens less when I leave my computer plugged in. I took out the battery as to extend its life; when I turn off my light switch everything plugged into the wall outlet goes off (my room was supposed to have a fan and they f*cked up the circuitry). Now I just leave the switch on and turn off my lamp via the little lamp switch.

Jamieshea, I can't find my older 512MB (x2) sticks of RAM to double check their bandwidth and stuff, but CPU-Z is telling me this about both of my DDR2 PC2-5300 (1GB x 1GB) sticks:

DRAM Frequency = 332.5MHz
FSB : DRAM = 3:5
Max Bandwidth = 333MHz (I assume that totals to 667MHz unless each individual stick is supposed to run at 667MHz)

Also, CPU Bus Speed = 199.5MHz, but the "Rated FSB" = 798.0MHz. I thought FSB was bus speed, though? Shouldn't these be the same unless the RAM is messing something up?

In regards to the CPU question, I'll be honest and say I can't really tell. I believe that I can give you a correct answer when either of us figures out this RAM issue because that could be causing a slowdown on my end. As for this moment I cannot give you a straight answer.

Sorry, but this is the first time I'm actually digging a little deeper into RAM types and all of that

 

Upgrading from 1.4 Ghz even dual core always will push your computer on higher level.

@Metalica I had similar problems after I upgraded CPU however the problem was solved after I disconnected and connected Wi-Fi board and it's antenna's cables.
Maybe you will buy 800MHz RAM??? Just saying.

 

I assume you're talking about a wi-fi chip, correct? That was the only thing I saw that had two (labeled "1" and "2") antenna cables that snapped back into place on the chip itself. Disconnected/connected those at least 3 or 4 times ever since I took my laptop apart.

And what was that last part? Maybe I should go out and buy 800MHz RAM? I already bought two new sticks of RAM that appeared to work fine with my old CPU, though.

 

I suppose your old CPU was 667 Mhz and new one is 800Mhz. I guess this may cause a problem. If chipset supports this RAM (and I guess It does) you better buy it. on eBay 2GB will cost you about 30$+-. However I think that your new processor supports up to 4GB RAM. Yeah. I understand that you are trying to save money for desktop but I guess additional 30-40$ will not be a very big part of your new future desktop's price.
P.S. Correct. I have Wi-Fi board because it can easily removed from motherboard.

EDIT: It is just a guess about RAM but who knows. I found this thread http://forum.notebookreview.com/har...re-2-duo-t8100-800mhz-fsb-ram-667mhz-fsb.html about RAM/CPU problem but... I did not found a solution or final conclusion. Well I hate people who asks smth and then do not even think to respond answers so no one knows what he did and how that finished.

 

Yep, my old CPU is a T2310 at 667MHz FSB. With the new T8100 having a 800MHz FSB I am looking at buying DDR2 PC2-5300 800MHz? I figure 2GB is enough (1GBx1GB) because I don't think 3 or 4GB of RAM will really be necessary unless one of you guys thinks so?

EDIT:

I'll buy a 2GB and 1GB stick and see where that gets me. Any suggestions regarding what I should do with my two 512GB sticks and two 1GB sticks?

 

PC2-6400 I guess. However I suggest you to check all possibilities before buying:
1. Leave only 1 stick of 1GB RAM or 2x512MB and see if that bad boot will happen again in a week for example. If it will happen with both 1GB sticks separately and with 512MB sticks together then I would try to make clean Windows install if it is not hard for you. I do it very often. If not then buy new faster PC2-6400 RAM.
2. To find any information about ability of chipset to support 800Mhz RAM or till someone will approve that he used such RAM on this chipset.
After you buy new RAM you can try to sell old one on eBay. Check prises on it there

 

Great, thank you very much for the help. I shall keep all of this in mind and report back within the next week or two.

 

2 Remarks:

according to the C700 Upgrade threads on this same forum (highly suggested read if you haven't already, just google for them):

- only 3GB in 1GB+2GB reportedly works, you may have to test which stick goes in which slot. 4GB in 0GB+4GB may or may not work. 4GB in 2 +2 fails, I think.
Remember: you must have a 64 bits Windows to use more than 3gb anyway.

-the thread claims you HAVE to change the ram to 800MHZ (aka PC2-6400) (that's why I bought mine in case I changed the CPU) to match the CPU fsb, but doesn't explain more.

 

It will be VERY funny if you are talking about posts which are 3 and 4 posts above:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/hp-compaq/560239-time-new-laptop-4.html#post7427146

http://forum.notebookreview.com/hp-compaq/560239-time-new-laptop-4.html#post7427041

And It will be VERY funny if you are talking about thread in which you are writing right now

http://forum.notebookreview.com/hp-compaq/560239-time-new-laptop.html

Just joking, but it really would be funny

 

I thought the same thing, James.

Jamieshea, this is page 2 of the very thread you're talking about. The rest of that is on page 1, lol.

My mistake, though. I didn't see where it said I "had" to change the RAM to 800MHz. Thanks Jamie

 

However she (or he, never heard this name so sorry) gave very good advise to search google on notebookreview.com and that is what I found http://forum.notebookreview.com/hp-...sario-c700-upgrades-facts-16.html#post7424983 So I must give +rep

 

That's the thread I was referring to, Doh!
Sorry if I wasn't clearer, but I wrote that late last night and english is not my first language...
I see I'm not the only one feeling sleepy...

Also, I would preferably use 2 identical sticks (same brand, etc...), to avoid any risks (for example, 1GB+1GB).

 

My C drive had 1% of free space on it until I ran CCleaner and Disk Cleanup. It's now at 13% after deleting all but the most recent restore point (and something else about "shadow" copies or something of that nature). Now for the buttload of questions:

I don't have the money right now to buy a new HDD with more space so will a re-installation of Vista help?

What does a re-installation do, exactly?

What will happen to all of my downloads/documents/programs (should I backup data before doing this)?

Will I need to re-download any device drivers or do anything afterward?

What will happen in terms of my current situation with the compatibility of the RAM and the new CPU?

 

Sorry, but I really need an answer before I can continue, lol.

 

it will erase all. And if your purpose is more free space then after you install programs again and put data back it will be probably the same size as before.
try to go to properties of my computer, advanced and change reserverd place for restore points and paging file's size

 

No, reinstalling windows will not save you that much space. The only way is to buy a new hard drive.

 

So? Did you do smth.?

 

Sorry. For some reason I didn't get e-mail notifications from the last 3 posts.

Anyway, the only thing saving my a** right now is deleting old restore points. A new HDD will have to be in the near future... As for the RAM issue, I'm taking it to Geek Squad just to make sure. Haven't had time to do anything else.

EDIT: In regards to my current hard drive - would it be smart to backup only the essentials, wipe it clean, and then put only the essentials back on there? I wouldn't even know how to wipe a hard drive, anyway :/

EDIT EDIT: I might be able to get my hands on some cheap PC2-6400 RAM (800MHz) from an Arab friend, lol. I'll use the two 512MB sticks and the two 1GB sticks as bargaining tools, as well.