Expert: Bobbert - 12/10/2011

Question
Hi Bobbert,
I want to increase my ram from 240MB to as much as my 2002 HP Notebook AMD Duron 1GHz can handle. I like this old computer & even though I plan to buy a newer one, I want to kick it up to it's max performance.
I was thinking of up to 2 or 3GB, if my HP can handle it, since it's so inexpensive to buy.
My problem, being a computer dummy, is I have no idea of how to start the process, capacity, loading it, etc.
Also will adding more memory damage my computer in any way ?
Thanks !!

Answer
It's hard to say without knowing more about your system - given the age I'm guessing finding modules will be somewhat challenging, and I will guarantee you that 3GB is impossible (it likely uses SDRAM and can take a maximum of 512MB to 1024MB of memory - it probably has 256MB (240MB is not technically possible) installed, with 16MB allocated for an integrated graphics controller). Increasing the installed memory will do little for the system's overall performance, due to the restrictions imposed by the pre-SSE2 Duron chip. You would be better served by simply starting the hunt for a replacement system.

If you are confined to upgrading this system, we will need to know more about it's memory system and abilities. One potentially easy soultion would be to use Crucial's memory finder applet; http://www.crucial.com/systemscanner/, although given the fairly high prices of SDRAM and DDR1 (only newer DDR2 and DDR3 are incredibly inexpensive relative to density), I wouldn't bother. At most you'll likely be adding 512MB of memory, and this will provide a relatively minimal performance upgrade (you'll also be spending around $30 for this; 4096MB of DDR3 costs less). Put the money towards a new system.

Regarding damage to the system, yes this is possible if you've no clue what you're doing, and perform the upgrade in a clumsy manner. However, if you select a compatible module, and patiently perform the upgrade, there should be no issues (it isn't a "hard" operation, think about it like building a model or changing a wiper blade - it's fairly simple, but you can cause a lot of damage if you perform it carelessly).

-bob