Question about Windows 7 upgrade and my RAM.
By
AquaJAWS,
Posted on: 2009-11-13 11:26 in ALL ACCESS Gameplay Technical Issues Bugs
Windows 7 actually handles resources a lot better than Vista. I think you can actually run it better on a machine with lower specs than Vista. If you can upgrade your RAM, its not that expensive nowadays and will only help performance. What RAM you need will be more dependent on your motherboard type. I'm not even sure of a way to easily find that in the OS. I think 2 GB will run 7, but always more RAM is more better. At this point though, DO NOT go to Vista if you can go to 7. Vista is a downgrade from XP. 7 is truly an upgrade.
First off, I'd recommend going here and doing the system scan there at the top. That will let you know just what you have for sure on your system.
That said, you do have 2 Gb Ram. I'd recommend at least 4 Gb, and I would definitely go to Win 7 in lieu of Vista. If you can, get the 64-bit version so you can use Ram over 3.25 Gb.
From the above scan, it should show you info about your Ram. Depending on how many slots are available on your motherboard, and what size and number of chips you put in there (2-1 Gb or 4-512 Mb, for example), you may be able to add more of the same, or you may need to get new chips altogether. For example, if you have 4 slots for Ram, and put in 4-512's, you'll end up swapping all out for 4-1Gb's (or whatever you decided on).
Some of the gurus here will offer better advice, I'm sure, if you'll list the results from the scan.
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Tell me this then.
If you review the link in the OP to what I have....
If I just happen to purchase more RAM for the hell of it, not out of a "7 will kill you without more neccessity", do I need to purchase a specific kind of RAM to have compatibility with what I already have?
Consulting that link can anyone suggest something for me? RAM wise?
Thanks,
Bizz
Here's a clickable link to that page you posted:
http://www.firingsquad.com/hardware/...rade/page3.asp
If that's the MoBo you have, here's the memory info for it (from the NewEgg page):
Memory:
Number of Memory Slots 4×240pin
Memory Standard DDR2 800
Maximum Memory Supported 16GB
Channel Supported Dual Channel
If the memory in the $500 rig you mentioned is what you have, then you have 2 1Gb chips. Your MoBo has room for more, so you should be able to order another kit of 2 and plug them in to get to 4 Gb. I'd recommend getting the same thing as what you already have, if you can find it. If not, look for memory chips that are DDR2 800.
Here's a link to NewEgg for that type of memory:NewEgg.
I don't see those Platinum chips there any more, so you may have to hunt elsewhere for them, or go with a different one.
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Quote:
System shows 2 GB, you have 2 GB. Device Manager has never shown the RAM type or size as far back as I can remember.|
Originally Posted by BizzaroBash
If I go to System it says: 2.10 GHz, 2.00 GB of RAM.
I went to Device Manager but I cant figure out why I dont see the actual RAM type or size on there. So my question is: 1. How do I figure out exactly on this xp rig that I want to upgrade to 7, how much RAM I have for certain? 2. If I am going to 7 should I get more? |
1. You can also run DXDIAG at the Run box to see how much RAM you have (it will show 2 GB, trust me), although the System tab already shows you that you have 2 GB and I don't know why you don't trust that. The other option would be to go into BIOS when the computer is booting up to see how much RAM it shows (it will show 2 GB, trust me).
2. Should you? Difficult to answer. Would I recommend it? Definitely. Just be aware that if you buy the 32-bit version of Windows 7 you won't get any benefit from having over 4 GB of RAM. Windows will only "see" about 3.5 GB of that, but that's a really difficult number to come up with in adding memory. If you go with the 64-bit version of Windows 7 you can go much higher on memory and have Windows see all of it.
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Go here:
http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html
Run it and look at it. Not only will it tell you exactly how much ram, but how many slots and what size is in each slot, plus what type of ram it is.
Win 7 is supposed to run with as little as 1GB of memory. I wouldn't run it with less than 2 and depnding on your system you might only be able to go up to 4 GB. PErsonally I took my 3.5 year old AMD 4200+ box, maxed it at 4GB RAM and win 7 ultimate runs beautifully on it.
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So yeah what I have gathered is my mobo can support up to 16 GB.. 4 slots full of 4 max basically. My cpu can support 64 bit Windows 7... BUT THE COPY I GOT WAS 32! Tell me this should I fight the place I got it to let me exchange it for 64 or does it really matter. More then likely I will upgrade my RAM to 4 sticks of 1GB RAM. So if I run 32 Win7 it wont matter.. but if I get 64bit it will.
Should I see if they will let me exchange my unopened copy for 64?
If you can. I would. The version you have would only "see" 3.25 Gb of Ram, I believe it is, whereas the 64-bot version will enable you to move beyond that. It's probably not as critical if you go to 4 Gb Ram, but if you decide to go to 6 or 8 you'll definitely want the 64-bit version.
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Did you buy OEM, or retail (full or upgrade?)|
Originally Posted by BizzaroBash
So yeah what I have gathered is my mobo can support up to 16 GB.. 4 slots full of 4 max basically. My cpu can support 64 bit Windows 7... BUT THE COPY I GOT WAS 32! Tell me this should I fight the place I got it to let me exchange it for 64 or does it really matter. More then likely I will upgrade my RAM to 4 sticks of 1GB RAM. So if I run 32 Win7 it wont matter.. but if I get 64bit it will.
Should I see if they will let me exchange my unopened copy for 64? |
Upgrade and retail should have both 32 and 64 bit in the same package. Same license key and everything.
Note that *any* upgrade from XP, or going from 32 bit Vista to 64 bit Win7, will require a clean install. (Which, frankly, you should do anyway - why carry old "stuff" over?)
https://webstore.hied.com/cgi-bin/We....0.11.7.5.1.13
This is what I purchased Memphis. I am sort of thinking I am going to see if they will let me exchange it for...
https://webstore.hied.com/cgi-bin/We....0.11.7.8.1.13
I think I am going to purchase this RAM at the suggestion of my tech savvy friend..
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231098
and pair it with my current...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...Dual%2bChannel
Seem good?
Thanks,
Bizz
Those webstore.hied.com links don't work for me. The page displays with a "Your session has timed out" message.
If the game spit out 20 dollar bills people would complain that they weren't sequentially numbered. If they were sequentially numbered people would complain that they weren't random enough.
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Quote:
They're student versions of the upgrade, for the first two. So I could see that being why you don't have both, sure.|
Originally Posted by Texas Justice
Those webstore.hied.com links don't work for me. The page displays with a "Your session has timed out" message.
|
The RAM (from quick looks) seem to be the same (type, voltage, etc.)
Quote:
1. As you already noted, the system info says you have 2GB of RAM.|
Originally Posted by BizzaroBash
1. How do I figure out exactly on this xp rig that I want to upgrade to 7, how much RAM I have for certain?
2. If I am going to 7 should I get more? 3. Should I even go to 7 or just go up one notch to Vista? 4. If I grab two more sticks of whatever YOU suggest, do I need to purchase a specific brand for compatibility with exhisting RAM? |
2. More RAM is generally better unless you already have a lot. If you want the system to be able to recognize 4GB or more, you need the 64 bit version of the operation system.
3. Do *NOT* to go Vista. I read an extensive review/comparison between XP, Vista and Win7. On all sort of measures, Vista was NEVER the best of the three. Sometimes XP was best; sometimes Win7 was best. Vista never was. FYI, Win7 was best most of the time. Not really a surprise.
4. Brand doesn't matter for compatibility but other stuff does.
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I've been running Win 7 and for the most part it has run well for me except when I'm in large groups, by large I mean raid size groups, where I end up in freeze frame hell. 
In teams of eight or less I have had very smooth game play.
Here is a snipit of my system specs if it helps you out some.
Operating System: Windows 7 Professional 64-bit (6.1, Build 7600)(7600.win7_rtm.090713-1255) Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: MSI System Model: MS-7374
BIOS: Default System BIOS
Processor: AMD Phenom(tm) 9500 Quad-Core Processor (4 CPUs), ~2.2GHz
Memory: 4096MB RAM
Well thanks a lot for all the help guys. I am going to see if they will let me return the unopened 32 bit 7 for 64. More then likely I am only going to purchase two more sticks of 1GB, putting them with my current 2 of 1GB, ending up with 4 full slots of 1GB a stick making 4GB total.
Figured I will just get the 64 for if I decide to get a quadcore and bring my RAM at a later date to either 8, or go nuts and max at 16.
If anyone cares I will tell you how it turned out. Going to buy the RAM at newegg tonight and probably upgrade all next weekend.
Thanks,
-Bizz 
Quote:
Unless, of course, you go for a CPU with 3 memory channels, in which case you'll probably want your RAM in a multiple of 3. |
Originally Posted by BizzaroBash
Figured I will just get the 64 for if I decide to get a quadcore and bring my RAM at a later date to either 8, or go nuts and max at 16.
|
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http://www.firingsquad.com/hardware/$500_gaming_pc_upgrade/page3.asp
About 2 years ago me and my friend used this link's guide to build me a rig. We upgraded the cpu I think but other then that everything is the same. It was a fun project because neither of us had never built a computer before and we learned a lot.
At the time COH was having issues with Vista so I decided to load xp up. Now I want to purchase the Windows 7 upgrade. I have gotten used to Vista awhile back on my laptop and just cant stand looking at plain old XP.
I heard that 7 is very resource heavy and so I was curious if I should upgrade my RAM. I am having trouble locating on my pc how much I have. I think it might only be 2 GB.
If I go to System it says: 2.10 GHz, 2.00 GB of RAM.
I went to Device Manager but I cant figure out why I dont see the actual RAM type or size on there.
So my question is:
1. How do I figure out exactly on this xp rig that I want to upgrade to 7, how much RAM I have for certain?
2. If I am going to 7 should I get more?
3. Should I even go to 7 or just go up one notch to Vista?
4. If I grab two more sticks of whatever YOU suggest, do I need to purchase a specific brand for compatibility with exhisting RAM?
Clearly I am not a tech head. I knew a general amount to get buy, but I must consult the mastaful bank of knowledge here. Thank you kind sirs, please advise me and send me off with you blessing on this day... PAYDAY.
Thanks,
Bizz