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Max Memory Spec Question

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us3rnotfound

Diamond Member
Hi, I'm trying to speed up a slow-running computer for my uncle, and the system specifications says that it is at 256 MB of RAM (there's a sticker on the case that says "Designed for Windows XP" :roll: ) and the maximum memory it can take is 512 mb of RAM. Is there a way to get around this limitation? A BIOS update, etc?

BTW, it's a Sony Vaio PCV-RX560. Model Support Pics

Would simply upgrading to 512 mb RAM make a fair amount of difference?

Also, if you do not think it's worth it for me to buy a 256 mb stick, do you think it would be feasible to swap in a better motherboard that can get up into the 1 gig range? Do those Sony cases just use a microATX form factor, or is it proprietary?

Thanks
 
At first glance at your post I thought you were talking about a laptop... I didn't think there were too many P4 chipsets that would be limited in terms of RAM like that (at least not at 512MB!)

It's possible that the memory controller can only take 256MB memory modules. You could try Crucial's memory configuration tool to see what it says is compatible with that model. They have a money-back guarantee if the memory they recommend doesn't work in your system, which is nice for balky older desktops or laptops that may have funny restrictions on memory density.
 
I Think it's time to relegate that machine to email only. As much as I hate to disparage any tech that's still working (my email machine is a P III 500 Mhz) there is little value in trying to upgrade that proprietary MB. Time to get Uncle a new Dell or Acer.
 
What does he use the machine for? If it's not for gaming then upgrading to 512 should be fine - that's actually quite a lot, regardless of the modern obsession with putting 2 or 4 GB in every granny PC you build.

A full reinstall of windows, tweaking it up, avoiding any bloatware etc will also help. You might even try overclocking?
 
Yeah I was just thinking a reinstall and some added memory and it's good to go. 1.7 GHz P4 + 512 mb RAM should suffice right?
 
Making the jump from 256 to 512 will be a vast improvement. It most likely has integrated graphics which is using up some of the memory.

In my opinion going from 256 to 512 is the only time when you will see twice the preformance outta xp, as opposed to 512 to 1gig, which will show improvement but not as noticable.
 
Originally posted by: us3rnotfound
Yeah I was just thinking a reinstall and some added memory and it's good to go. 1.7 GHz P4 + 512 mb RAM should suffice right?
Click to expand...

Yup, keep adware and the like off of it and it'll do just fine for basic use. But, if that doesn't work as well as you'd like, you might look at putting his page file on a flash drive that's always plugged into the back of the thing (so it doesn't accidentally get pulled out). Granted, that machine's USB ports are very likely 1.1, but I'd try it if you have a 1-2GB drive available for cheap or free (especially if the computer has a PCI card with USB 2.0)
 
Originally posted by: crispy2010
Making the jump from 256 to 512 will be a vast improvement. It most likely has integrated graphics which is using up some of the memory.

In my opinion going from 256 to 512 is the only time when you will see twice the preformance outta xp, as opposed to 512 to 1gig, which will show improvement but not as noticable.
Click to expand...

Nope, just a plain jane Nvidia TNT2 64 mb card, so 512 mb of RAM should make an even better improvement 😉
 
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