Thinking about upgrading memory, not sure which route to go?

I just bought this laptop about a month ago:

HP Pavilion DV2554EA Notebook
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor T7300 2.0GHz , Level 2 cache 4MB, 800MHz FSB 1024MB DDR2-667 SO-Dimm Memory (2x512)
Comes with integrated x3100

I know everyone doesn't like integrated graphics but I won't be playing any games on it at all!
I use it for web design, graphic design, and projects for university.

It runs vista quite well, but not as well as my desktop. Would this be improved if I bought more ram?

I can either buy:
1 x kingston KVR667D2S5/2G 2048mb so-dimm , 200 pin - DDR2-533

or

2 x kingston KVR667D2S5/1G6 1024mb so-dimm, 200 pin - DDR2-667

Which would be best?

Also what is the difference between these two? One is double the price
kingston KVR667D2S5/1G6 1024mb so-dimm, 200 pin - DDR2-667
kingston KVR400X64SC3A/1G 1024mb so-dimm, 200 pin - ddr400 pc3200

 

I suggest going with 2GB, since I'm guessing you have Windows Vista.

You'd get better performance with 2GB.

The former is DDR2 (newer technology) and the latter is DDR1 (older technology.

Generally DDR2 will be better at saving energy, and it is generally considered faster.

 

When using Vista, it immediately sucks up 1GB of RAM. You need more if your going to run any programs!

I tried putting Vista on an old desktop with 256MB of RAM when it was still in Beta testing. It took ages to load but JUST worked on my third attempt. Just thought you might be interested.

 

Oh and also I'd recomend going with the two sticks. I don't know why - I just generally do.

 

the difference between DDR and DDR2 is also that your laptop will NOT run DDR, it must have DDR2.

if u have the choice and dont care about price, then go for the 2x1GB route. Why? it is 667mhz which is as fast as you can get for the laptop, this may not give you much speed but with dual channel enabled it should be alright.

the 1x2GB option is 533mhz which is a lot less than the 800mhz CPU and might have some speed issues albeit minute but u will be getting more RAM which with vista is always a good thing

however 2GB of RAM is enough for most users right now especially if you aren't gaming

 

Yeh, good point. I'll have to remember to say that when making recomendations in future!

 

I would use DDR2-667 ram with your C2D, as that is what would be put in it at the factory.

 

If you go to the website of various RAM manafacturers, they ussually will have a 'RAM Selector' that you can use to find model numbers of parts compatible with your laptop. So thats a good place to check for that.

But it is better to buy RAM in pairs either way to make sure dual channel works correctly.

 

deffinatly get the 2 sticks of ram

 

Yea get the 2gb stick which will only occupy one slot. You can upgrade your other slot with same for 4gb. www.trancendusa.com 2gb prices has drastically dropped. Vista runs better with more memory.