I have a year and half old HP laptop that was mid-range when I bought it, but I would like it to run a little fast for games. If I can upgrade the RAM where should I take it? Is it possible to upgrade the video card too?
2006-08-16 07:51:59 · 22 answers · asked by ms mystery 3 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Laptops & Notebooks
RAM is one of the easiest things to upgrade, you could even do it yourself. All you have to do is make sure the ram you buy is compatible. Go to www.crucial.com and run the scan, it will tell you how much ram you have, how many slots you have left, your maximum ram capacity as well as gve you a list of some ram you could buy. After that you can take it to a local computer store and have them install it, or it's easy to do yourself. Just open the case of the laptop by unscrewing the bottom of it, then there will be 2 slots with cards in 1 or 2 of them, just pull back the clips to remove the previous ram and insert the new ram strips and close the clips, screw the bottom back on and your done!!! Your laptop will automatically recognize the new ram.
2006-08-16 08:02:52 · answer #1 · answered by Hunter F 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
yes. you should be able to flip your laptop over and see an access panel that you need to unscrew. When you unscrew it you should see the ram already installed. All you need to do is buy from bestbuy some memory (make sure its compatible) and remove the old one and replace with the new one. Sometimes installing it in the slot is a little trickey. Dont force it but be aware that it might take a little more effort to get it in that you would expect. Once you reboot your computer it should automatically recognize it. No installation of software or programming required.
As for the video card that might be a little more difficult. I havent ever tried so I dont know.
2006-08-16 08:01:23 · answer #2 · answered by NaNuk_911 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Upgrading the RAM is probably easy if it's only a year and a half old. Its usually just a matter of removing a couple screws in the back, taking off a small panel, and replacing your old memory with the new.
I doubt you can change your video card as it usually comes with a laptop as part of the motherboard. I've never used one that has a separate card.
I recommend buying your RAM from http://www.newegg.com
They usually have the best prices.
2006-08-16 07:56:47 · answer #3 · answered by Me 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The type of ram you will need will also be VERY important. Go to www.crucial.com and have it scan your system. It will give you system specs like the motherboard type and the type of computer and all that stuff. It will also tell you what is compatible with your system. If you use uncompatible software for your system it will be a waste of money. Once you at least have some info on your computer written down or printed out, you'll want to go to Best Buy. The Geek Squad will install the RAM for you if you buy any but that will cost money. The good side to Best Buy is that it's easy to find cheap RAM. Hope this helped!
2006-08-16 08:00:33 · answer #4 · answered by crazyd1289 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you turn the laptop upside down, you'll see some plates held in with screws. One of them should be marked ram. It is a very simple procedure nowadays like changing the air filter on a car. The ram that is used in laptops is called SO-DIMM and can be purchased literally any big box office and electronic store. They will also install it too- for a price. Take your owner's manual with you so you know what is installed and what the speed should be. You may have to remove the current SO-DIMMS inside and replace them depending on how much RAM you want.
2006-08-16 08:00:29 · answer #5 · answered by want it bad 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is possible to upgrade the RAM, but it is very difficult, and to have someone do it, it is also expensive. I don't think video cards can be upgraded on laptops, because they are usually part of the mother board for laptops. For what you want, it's easier to just buy a new one.
2006-08-16 07:56:42 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I work for gateway. yes, you can upgrade this. Call HP and talk to technical support to see what would be compatible for your model.
A combination of memory and the processor is what controls how fast your computer is. You cant upgrade the processor, its part of the basic machine that is your computer. I would say upgrade it to its max capacity, which is probably 1 or 2 GB.
2006-08-16 07:58:57 · answer #7 · answered by Eternal Sunshine 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
sure, some where on the down cover of your laptop you will find a word memory with two screws beside it or any compination, just remove the cover, take the old ram and purchase a new one that is the same bus speed as your laptop, about the VGA, sure you can't change it cause its integrated on the motherboard and directly connected to the LCD display
2006-08-16 07:58:24 · answer #8 · answered by Wish Master 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
its possible to upgrade ram and you can even upgrade video card, but if you are planning for both upgrade at the same time then you should think for upgrading you laptop
2006-08-16 07:59:06 · answer #9 · answered by Saad Sharif 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You will need to check to see if that is possible. I had thought of upgrading my notebook, but discovered that I had the best options already installed.
2006-08-16 08:25:03 · answer #10 · answered by Irish1952 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋