Which would bring better laptop performance--faster HDD or more RAM?

[HyunYu]

I bought a very low end Acer laptop a while ago as a glorified portable storage device (PSD) for my photography trips. It's been working great, but with 512MB and a 4200RPM HDD, it's a tad bit slow. So, I was wondering, which upgrade would give me the most bang, assuming I can only do one--increase the RAM to 1.25MB (take out one of the 256MB modules and replace with a 1GB module), or replace the 4200RPM HDD with a 5400RPM model?

I seem to recall reading somewhere here that not all 7200RPM 2.5" HDDs will work with all laptops. Is that true?

Thank you in advance for any help.

 

[dfuze]

I would say that the ram would help you more. It will allow you to open more than program and keep things from coming to a halt w/ the more programs open.

I am not sure about the 7200 rpm issue, you'd need another opinion on that.

 

[KeithTalent]

Definitely RAM, it will be much more noticeable.

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: KeithTalent
Definitely RAM, it will be much more noticeable.

 

[HannibalX]

Hard drive. Get the fastest hard drive you can get with the biggest buffer you can get.

Adding more memory is just like adding more disk space (ie bigger HD) - if you do not utilize it then it does not benefit you.

 

[KeithTalent]

Originally posted by: Trinitron
Hard drive. Get the fastest hard drive you can get with the biggest buffer you can get.

Adding more memory is just like adding more disk space (ie bigger HD) - you do not utilize it then it does not benefit you.

I respectfully disagree sir, I replaced the HD on my Dell (4200RPM to 5400RPM) out of necessity and noticed no difference whatsoever.

In addition if he is working with photos at all I think the RAM will impact his performance much more.

 

[HannibalX]

It depends on his ram usage. If he doesn't ever use more than 512MB putting 1GB in there will do nothing.

Regardless if you were able to see the difference from 4200RPM to 5400 RPM it is indeed faster.

I would go with a 7200 RPM hard drive if your machine will support it with the biggest buffer you can find.

Memory is great if you will use it, what is your memory usage? You can look in task manager to monitor the usage.

 

[KeithTalent]

Originally posted by: Trinitron
It depends on his ram usage. If he doesn't ever use more than 512MB putting 1GB in there will do nothing.

Regardless if you were able to see the difference from 4200RPM to 5400 RPM it is indeed faster.

I would go with a 7200 RPM hard drive if your machine will support it with the biggest buffer you can find.

Memory is great if you will use it, what is your memory usage? You can look in task manager to monitor the usage.

Well it goes without saying that it is faster (1200RPMs faster by my cacluation) but if you do not notice it in any application you run then who really cares?

I agree about the memory usage, it may be that neither upgrade will actually be noticeable here