Can only choose one, help me decide!

[Tsaico]

Got enough cash to get my old laptop an upgrade! Up it to (256 currently) 1 gig of ram, or change the 4700 rpm drive to 7200... Usually work related stuff on it, MS office, internet, and my cert practice exam stuff. No games...

 

[stevty2889]

What about a compromise? Upgrade to 512mb of ram, and a 5400rpm hardrive. Everything will still load pretty slowly with the 4700rpm drive with 1gig of ram, the 7200rpm hard drive will access faster, but you'll still be constantly hitting the page file with only 256mb of ram. Going to 512mb of ram with a 5400rpm hard drive would balance it out better, and give you an overall performance boost.

 

[alimoalem]

Originally posted by: stevty2889
What about a compromise? Upgrade to 512mb of ram, and a 5400rpm hardrive. Everything will still load pretty slowly with the 4700rpm drive with 1gig of ram, the 7200rpm hard drive will access faster, but you'll still be constantly hitting the page file with only 256mb of ram. Going to 512mb of ram with a 5400rpm hard drive would balance it out better, and give you an overall performance boost.

good idea...but i'd go with the 1gig upgrade if you have to choose one or the other. hard drives are still kinda expensive so whenever you get enough, then i'd upgrade to the 7200 or maybe just the 5400

 

[Bobthelost]

The RAM if it's an either/or.

Yes your programs will still load slowly, but i can live with that, it's when i get slowdowns that i get annoyed.

 

[pkme2]

RAM first, then faster harddrive, 5400RPM; if you got limited funds. XP needs at least 512mb, but 1GB is nicer. It really speeds up your applications. My students and I have gotten some great deals on eBay, but make sure what memory goes into your laptop. You can goggle it....

 

[Tsaico]

Got my tax return, I have enough for both now!!! NewEgg, here I come!

 

[Tsaico]

Wow, got my stuff today, way ahead of shechedule from Newegg, upgraded like a charm. Performance is now something that I don't have to be ashamed of as an IT person. Thanks guys!