Worth getting 8GB DDR3 and an SSD?

Drake5

Drake5

Drake5

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12 Dec 2005
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I have a fairly basic laptop but it has always been speedy enough for my needs.

Specs are:

Intel Core B960 2.2Ghz CPU
4GB DDR3 RAM
500GB HDD

To make it even more snappier I'm considering putting in another 4GB DDR3 and getting an SSD. Would I see a noticeable difference though or would I be wasting my money?

Cheers
 
NeoVo said:
Are you sure that the memory you have isn't 2x2gb (total 4gb) and not 1x4gb? Might mean having to buy 2x4gb sticks rather than 1. Benefit is that its cheap, and could help you if your a heavy multi tasker/ use memory intensive applications.

SSD's are amazing, but if your laptop can only accommodate one disk drive then you have to question if the capacity is going to be suitable for your requirements, as the big drives are still relatively expensive per GB. If you can make do with smaller capacity, then it would definitely give your laptop a new lease of life. I put my 80GB intel SSD drive in my old sata 2 ddr2 laptop (4+ years old) and it absolutely flies now, the difference is night and day.
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I checked with CPU-Z and I have 1 stick of 4GB DDR3.

How would I know if my laptop could take a SSD and a normal HDD together?

Thanks
 
Purgatory said:
What is the model number of the laptop mate and the make, that way we can look up the right RAM for that laptop. Have you opened up the RAM area to see how many slots it has and how many slots are taken to be 100% sure there are not 2 sticks in there but showing up as one in CPU-Z ? Also good Idea to check the BIOS and see what it states there too.
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Its an Acer Aspire 5750Z. I've just took the RAM Cover off, I don't know why CPU-Z was reporting 4 slots but their are 2 slots, one of which is occupied with a 4GB Stick.

Cheers
 
Thank you very much. :) Obviously I will only be needing the single stick, so if I went ahead and purchased that one would everything run fine?

Cheers
 
I guess I could always buy the dual sticks and I could sell the one I have in now on the MM to get a bit of the cost back. Seems like a good idea?
 
Purgatory said:
Yes it should just feel more nippy when it works right. Do make sure you have a 64bit operating system or you won't make use of the extra 4GB. 32bit windows can only access 4GB RAM remember so if you have 32 bit windows on that laptop you will need to install the 64bit version too. 8GB ram is the sweet spot now and you will notice a good speed up in windows and how programs open.

Your next update if your laptop still feels a bit slow to you is an SSD really. Try the memory first and maybe a new install of windows will breath new life into that laptop.
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Thanks - Yeah I already have 64Bit Windows Ultimate installed and I did a fresh install earlier on. :) Will be picking up the RAM tomorrow.

What's the difference between the ones you linked? Their seems to be a bit of a price difference but that's the only thing I can see...

Cheers
 
Thanks very much for your input. :) Appreciate your time.

I will certainly be looking into an SSD when I've got a bit more cash after this upgrade.

I am interested in the idea of taking out the DVD Drive and putting the SSD in place of it but I'm not sure exactly what I'd need or do. I'd assume I have to buy some sort of specially fitted caddy?

Cheers
 
Cheers guys, I will be getting the extra RAM first but as said I will certainly invest in an SSD when I can figure it all out.

I took a look at the website link but in all honesty I don't have a clue in what I should be lookling for.

Cheers
 
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