How much RAM is needed to run Win2k?

[MikeMusic]

I'm hoping to install Win2k on a machine currently using ME. I figure I'll have to do a clean install. I've discovered that the machine (a Gateway a little over a year old) only has 127 MB of RAM. I'm thinking 2 things: Can I and should I put more RAM in this machine, and for that I figure I'll start by calling Gateway tech support and sound them out (i.e. what is the motherboard and what kind of SIMMs will it take and are there empty slots, etc.). Will this machine run Win2k adequately with the current 127 MB RAM? It's my brother's machine, and he's not a power user. He probably doesn't run more than 2 or 3 apps at the same time, if that. I'd be surprised if he currently does more than have Outlook Express and IE open at once... currently. Thanks for the help and ideas.

 

[smp]

256

you have 128 megs.

 

[smp]

P.S.

Welcome to the forums

I just noticed that you have one post. So yeah, it's probably SDRAM and you can pick up a 128 meg stick pretty cheap. You shouldn't have to call gateway about it. Just go to their website and take a look around and see if you can find the model. I'm almost positive that it takes sdram.
Good luck.

 

[virulent]

64 mb is the bare minimum. you might want to check out the HCL list too.

 

[MikeMusic]

<< P.S.

Welcome to the forums

I just noticed that you have one post. So yeah, it's probably SDRAM and you can pick up a 128 meg stick pretty cheap. You shouldn't have to call gateway about it. Just go to their website and take a look around and see if you can find the model. I'm almost positive that it takes sdram.
Good luck. >>

Actually, I have over 400 posts, I think. I set up my brother with an Anandtech membership so he will get subscribed messages updates in HIS email instead of mine... i.e. I'm 400 miles from my machine (don't have a Hotmail/Yahoo account). It IS HIS first message, as you noticed.

I just called Gateway and found out as much as I could about his machine. I haven't hit their website yet. One of the guys I just talked to tried to get me to order RAM from them, saying that the parts replacement warranty will be voided the minute I put in a part not supplied by them, including a RAM stick. He says the machine uses 133 MHz DIMMs, and has 4 slots and he can't tell whether there's 2 x 64 MB sticks or 1 x 128 MB stick in there now. I told them I'm not keen on waiting until ordered RAM would get here since I'll be gone by them and I don't want my brother to have to install it. Anyway, their prices are pretty steep, seems to me: $70 + shipping for 128 MB, $140 + shipping for 1 256 MB stick. Heck, for $118 I bought 2 x 256 MB Crucial 2100 sticks last June, including shipping. There's a Fry's 20 from here and have a mind to buy a 256 MB stick there. The parts warranty... hey, how valuable is it, anyway? The machine is a bit over a year old and the warranty is to 2003. What's going to fail, anyway. Are DIMMs still readily available? The Gateway guy tried to scare me with stories about how installing RAM that they don't personally pick out for the machine can screw things up and even fry a motherboard. I hate the way companies like Gateway, Compaq, etc. try to limit your upgrade path. Evidently, not only by installing proprietary components, but by having clauses in their warranties AND by telling you horror stories to scare you into thinking you don't dare have a DIY attack. I don't think I'd every buy a computer from a major manufacturer. Anyway, ideas on my current project here are much appreciated.

 

[neuralfx]

heh .. he is just spouting propaganda to you .. 99.9% another 128meg stick from crucial will work just fine .. as far as all these "stories" .. its bs propaganda, he's probably a nazi heh .. dont waste ur/someone else's money on ram from gateway .. as far as the "Warranty being voided" ..lol .. oh no.. lets say ur motherboard goes out (not because of ram) or any other "warranty problem" arises .. they arent gonna know, i mean if u want to be cautious, before their "tech" works on it, u simply remove the memory until they are done "fixing" the unit .. then put it back .. the crucial will work fine .. good luck ..
-neural

 

[MikeMusic]

<< heh .. he is just spouting propaganda to you .. 99.9% another 128meg stick from crucial will work just fine .. as far as all these "stories" .. its bs propaganda, he's probably a nazi heh .. dont waste ur/someone else's money on ram from gateway .. as far as the "Warranty being voided" ..lol .. oh no.. lets say ur motherboard goes out (not because of ram) or any other "warranty problem" arises .. they arent gonna know, i mean if u want to be cautious, before their "tech" works on it, u simply remove the memory until they are done "fixing" the unit .. then put it back .. the crucial will work fine .. good luck ..
-neural >>

This really IS my thinking. I just ordered a 256 MB stick from Crucial. Maybe I should have gotten two and chucked the Gateway stick..., but I think my brother will probably be OK with 384 MB... assuming the sticks get along.