Just bought the 9700t want to upgrade memory

I just bought the 9700t with these specs for $1175 with taxes after the $500 coupon. I am looking forward to getting the computer in a couple of week after they build it.

I did the minimum amount of RAM but want to upgrade to 4 gb total. What memory will work and how do I go about doing this?

Sorry I usually upgrade my desktop and never done a laptop. Also, does everyone recommend doing a clean install once I get it to take all of the "free ware" off of it?

* Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium (32-bit)
* Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Duo Processor T9300 (2.50 GHz, 6 MB L2 Cache, 800MHz FSB)
* 17.0" WSXGA+ High-Definition HP BrightView Widescreen Display (1680 x 1050)
* 2GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
* 512MB NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GS
* FREE Upgrade to HP Imprint Finish (Radiance) + Fingerprint Reader + Webcam + Microphone!!
* FREE Upgrade to Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 4965AGN Network Connection and BluetoothTM!!
* 240GB 7200RPM SATA Dual Hard Drive (120GB x 2)
* LightScribe SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-RW with Double Layer Support

 

32 bit Vista will only see a little over 3GB of memory. Most people don't need 4GB of memory in my experience.

 

so should i just stay with the 2 gigs for now or buy another 1 gig stick to put in it?

 

its up to you, RAM is not very expensive right now but you probably dont need it anyways

oh and you cant buy another 1gig stick, you only have 2 slots to put the RAM in so if both have been taken up (2x1gb sticks) then you need a 2gb stick

 

i guess i will see how it runs when i get it to see if i want to upgrade. how would i know if it has taken both slots? does the 2 dimm mean anything?

should i do a clean install when i get it?

 

It's always a good idea to do a clean install on any personal laptop/desktop you buy from a manufacturer.

Both RAM slots are taken up in your computer. When you purchase a 512MB you get 2x256MB sticks, when you get 1GB you get 2x512MB sticks, and you got 2GB so you really got 2x1GB sticks. Most manufacturers split it up because 2x1GB of RAM is cheaper than 1 2GB stick. So if you wanted to upgrade to 3GB, you would have to purchase a 2GB stick of DDR2-667Mhz RAM.

 

Ah I see. Thanks everyone for the great information. I might actually upgrade to vista ultimate and buy the 2x2 gb sticks that it will require and install them myself.

 

Just to make sure you know, just by upgrading to Vista Ultimate will not allow you to have 4GB. You have to make sure you upgrade to the 64-bit Version of Vista Ultimate. Just by upgrading to Ultimate will not enable you to use all 4GB of RAM, you need a 64-bit OS. You can even get a 64-bit version of Vista Premium if you don't want to pay all the extra money to get Vista Ultimate.