dv2700tse CTO Memory

I was wondering if it is possible when custom building a dv2700tse from the HP website to specify for one memory module instead of two? Computer manufacturers really rip you off when it comes to RAM upgrades so I am interested in ordering a dv2700tse with a single 2GB RAM module. That way I can easily pop in a second 2GB RAM module from Newegg to make it 4GB. I know it normally costs them more for this option so I would be willing to pay a bit more for a single module rather than two.

Is it even possible to request one without any memory installed?

I was thinking I could make this requests by phone right before/after placing the order.

I have to say, the current dv2600tse deal is really amazing with the T9300 processor. I only wish they offered this laptop with a graphics card better than the 8400M GS but I guess I would lose battery life.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

 

No. Buy the standard amount and upgrade by yourself.

 

Unfortunately they will always include 2x1gb memory on their systems. It makes it run on "dual channel" this way

Buy 2x2gb on newegg.com, very cheap. Its better to have the same brand of memory anyway.

Sell your old memory on ebay or something.

 

Thanks for all the feedback.

The other question I have are the benefits of a 64-bit operating system (Windows Vista Ultimate) and 4GB of RAM really worth it?

The other option is I'd stick with Windows Vista Premium and upgrade the computer to only 3GB of RAM.

It'll be a $160 upgrade to Windows Vista Ultimate so I'm trying to see if it's worth it or not.

 

64-bit faces more compatibility issues, so unless you know that all your software are going to work on 64-bit vista, I would stick with 32-bit for the time being.

Edit: Lithus has a nice 64-bit guide in his sig

 

You dont exactly need to buy Vista ultimate to go 64bit. You just need a vista 64bit install disk and install a 64bit home premium version while still using the same licence that came with the laptop

Its mostly driver issues not programs when switching to 64bit. HP will have all the 64bit drivers for the 2700TSE and its fully compatible. If you have any other important external devices, you might wanna double check first

 

According to this article, upgrading to 64-bit just to take advantage of 4GB RAM doesn't make sense, since the longer instructions will eat up your gain at that size. It appears only to be worthwhile when you are using more than 4GB RAM, which does not apply to this laptop.

http://www.tomshardware.com/2008/02/15/vista_workshop/page5.html

 

Also, if you only have a 128/256mb graphics card in there you will be able to use 3.5GB out of the 4GB of RAM on 32-bit Vista.

It's not 3GB like some people say.

 

Mine shows as 3.07gb on a 8400m GS 64mb. I was hoping to see 3.2gb or higher

It says Total Graphics Memory is 1343mb on the Nvidia page

 

Weird. I've seen two notebooks and one desktop with 4GB's RAM installed on 32-bit Vista.

Both notebooks had 3.5GB available with 8400GS 128mb/8600GT 256mb.

The desktop had 3.25GB available with an 8800GT 512mb.