add 512mb or get a 4gb usb stick using readyboost?

[simms]

I've got an old T42:

1.7ghz dothan
1gb mem (2x512 sticks)
64mb radeon 9000
80gb 7200rpm drive.

I have trouble playing WoW sometimes and notice my memory usage goes to 900MB frequently when playing.

I don't want to spend a lot - should I add an extra 512MB by buying 1x1GB and replacing one 512 stick, or should I get a 4GB readyboost approved drive and let vista speed things up?

The USB stick option is cheaper, but need to know if it would resolve my problem.

 

[bsobel]

More memory would be much more desireable given your loading (900meg mentioned)

 

[TheStu]

RAM is still miles away faster than flash memory no matter how much you throw at the problem, it will still be a bottelneck. ReadyBoost is better than no ReadyBoost. But investing in a 2GB kit (instead of a 1GB stick) will yield much better results under Vista.

 

[Brainonska511]

You're running Vista on that? If not, then you can't use Readyboost on XP.

If you are running Vista, I'd recommend downgrading to XP and installing at least another 512MB of RAM to bring it up to a gig.

 

[bsobel]

Originally posted by: Brainonska511
You're running Vista on that? If not, then you can't use Readyboost on XP.

If you are running Vista, I'd recommend downgrading to XP and installing at least another 512MB of RAM to bring it up to a gig.

You might want to re-read the post. He has a gig, he is debating going to 1.5 vs readyboost

 

[Zap]

Readyboost is basically virtual memory, and is like sex. Better if you don't have to fake it. 😀

Since you merely have 1GB RAM with Vista, more RAM will give you more performance than Readyboost.

Start shopping around and checking Hot Deals. Currently you can get a 1GB DDR SoDIMM for around $10 after rebate. My own Dothan system (Dell Inspiron 6000 1.6GHz) used DDR2, and I upgraded that to two 1GB sticks for around $20 after rebate.

I'd say aim for 2GB total RAM once you find a deal. Shouldn't cost much more than a Readyboost certified USB drive, which cost more than those cheap $10-15 ones you see on the market.

 

[Brainonska511]

Originally posted by: bsobel

Originally posted by: Brainonska511
You're running Vista on that? If not, then you can't use Readyboost on XP.

If you are running Vista, I'd recommend downgrading to XP and installing at least another 512MB of RAM to bring it up to a gig.

You might want to re-read the post. He has a gig, he is debating going to 1.5 vs readyboost

Oops, my brain misfired a synapse there. Even still, kind of an oldish system to be running Vista on, so my comment still applies for the most part. Adding more RAM would definitely be the way to go.

 

[JWade]

for WoW, 2gb of ram, i know you asked abotu just adding .5 gb, i would recommend going with 2gb of total ram for better WoW performance

 

[WannaFly]

I wouldnt try putting two different size sticks in a notebook - no guarantee that it will work. Get 2 1GB sticks - assuming it will use 1GB sticks 🙂

 

[Zap]

Originally posted by: WannaFly
I wouldnt try putting two different size sticks in a notebook - no guarantee that it will work.

Strangely, my Dell worked fine with 1.5GB mismatched and even kept dual channel mode (as reported by both CPU-Z and the system BIOS). :Q

 

[simms]

thanks all! ended up going with 2x1gb g.skill sticks from newegg.ca. don't have $10AR here in Canada, but got them for $28 all in each 🙂

 

[Zap]

Let us know how WoW works after the upgrade. My older notebook is a 1.6GHz Dothan with a 128MB Radeon Mobility x300 and while I can play at the full resolution of my 15.4" screen (1280x800?) I have to turn everything down to be playable. Nothing at all like my desktop computer with an 8800 GT.