RAM compatibility

[amber_dad]

Hi everyone,

So I'm shopping around for some ram. I looked up some on www.crucial.com which they say is guarenteed compatible. I would like to know how else I can check for compatiblity myself for a different model that's cheaper at www.tigerdirect.com? Does just the MHz and buffer type matter, or does the software differ from brand to brand?

 

[johnb35]

The pavillion a1700n only accepts ddr2 PC2-4200 533mhz sticks. As long as all sticks are the same, you should be fine. Anytime you try mixing ram of different brands with an OEM machine you are taking the chance you will have issues.

So to max out at 4gb you would need 4 of these.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145525

or 2 of these.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1169989&CatId=2364

 

[amber_dad]

Awesome, better than what I found.Thanks a mil.
If I did get the four gigs could I expect a huge difference, or not until I upgrade other things?

 

[johnb35]

The more memory the better especially since it runs vista.

 

[amber_dad]

Now, as we speak(type) I'm browsing hardware and stuff. From what I can tell I'm pretty much upgrading my motherboard, and if I want to upgrade my "mobo" these first upgrades would pretty much be worthless right? Is there any kind of mobo that's better than my current one, and maybe still compatible with some of the stuff I have now?

 

[johnb35]

In order for you to upgrade, your better off going a whole new system. Trying to install a non HP motherboard into an HP case is going to be a nightmare and its possible the case wires won't attach to the new motherboard.

As said before, upgrade your ram for now and then start saving for a whole new system from scratch. You'll need a new case, power supply, processor, memory, motherboard, cdrom drives.