Sager NP2090 Ram recognition

Hello all,

This is my first post here, after having read numerous threads this past week I finally registered. Thank you for all of your help in advance. I am fairly set on purchasing a Sager NP2090 from XOTICPC because of it's performance, and price fitting nicely into my budget.

Before I purchase it perhaps, one or more of the gurus in here can answer why if I plan on running XP pro my ram would be capped at 3GB (according to Sager) -- I guess this isn't too big of an issue but 4 would be optimal. I would end up buying 1gb SODIMM and adding another 2gb stick in from newegg or tigerdirect.

My second question is if I were to purchase the system with no OS ---and install my XP PRO disk would I have any initial issues (I have heard rumors about XP not recognizing the SATA HD)

Thank you very much again for any advice you may have to offer.


SAGER NP2090 Custom Laptop (Built on Compal IFL90)
- 15.4" WSXGA+ "Matte" Type Super Clear Ultra Bright Screen (1680x1050)
- Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound
- Standard Dead Pixel Policy
- ~Intel® Core™2 Duo T7500 2.2GHz w/4MB L2 On-die cache - 800MHz FSB
- 512MB PCI-Express nVidia GeForce 8600GT DX10
- ~ 1,024MB DDR2 667 PC2 5300 (1 SODIMMS) Dual Channel Memory
- Standard Finish
- - Combo Dual Layer SuperMulti 8X DVDRW Drive w/ Software
- ~ 160GB 7200RPM (Serial-ATA 150)
- Internal 4-in-1 Card Reader (SD/MMC/MS/MS PRO)
- Built-in Intel® PRO/Wireless 4965 802.11 a/g/n
- Built in 2.0 Megapixel Camera
- Sound Blaster Compatible 3D Audio - Included
- Integrated System Speakers - Included
- Carying Case Optional (Select if desired)
- Smart Li-ion Battery (9-Cell)
- 110/220V 120W Auto Switching AC Adapter - Included
- Integrated Fingerprint Reader
- None Standard - Drivers & Utility Software Only
- 3 Year Labor* 1 Year Parts Warranty Lifetime 24/7 DOMESTIC Toll Free Tech Support (Extra 2 Year Labor Warranty through Xotic PC)

 

XP or Vista 32bit will see ~3GB. To see/use 4GB, you will need to install a 64bit version of XP or vista or linux.

The hard drive issue was "solved" by disabling AHCI in the BIOS or slipstreaming SATA drivers on the disk using Nlite or something.

Check the Hot ram deals thread for great prices on memory(look at the first and last couple of pages)

 

I am running XP Pro with 3GB (also bought it with 1GB and upgraded) and runs fine....Besides AHCI your XP installation will depend on how old your XP CD is, I had to install from a newer Dell CD to avoid BSODs during setup.
I would buy it with Vista though (np2090 comes with 64bit installed and 2 setup DVDs for 32 and 64bit). I installed XP Pro to keep it until vista gets better, but having 32bit and 64bit versions is really nice for later.
Good luck

 

Thank you very much to both of you for your replies. I now understand limitations on the ram for running XP Pro. Is there someone out there with the same specs I will have that can give me an idea of what recent graphics intensive games are able to run on it smoothly--and the level of settings. I mainly just want something that will allow me to multi-task very well at work and play some nice looking games at medium settings.

Thank you again ByToR & Kdawgca for your much appreciated responses.