How do I know which kind of memory module to buy?

Question

I have a compaq pressario 5000, which is quite old. I want to replace my memory with 1024mb instead of the 256 I have now. Is there a special brand I need for that? Or can I use any as long as it's 1024mb? Do they all fit into my comp?

Answer 1

Is it Ram or Harddisk space u talkin
RAM fits in all the Laptops usually

Answer 2

some old processors are too old to make use of 1024 mb memory sticks as are some mother boards. but barring that get a flashlight and look at the mother board memory slots. read the pin numbers on each end of the memory stick sockets. the largest number is the number of pins, possibly 184 pins or 164 various numbers of pins, thats part of the info you need, then read on your memory sticks if it says what speed they run at. if not check in your control panel to see if your computer will tell you, also try looking up on the internet your computer model or processor type speed, etc and seeing what memory is compattable. some of the popular speeds form past and present are 33 mhz, 100 mhz, 133 mhz, 266mhz ddr, and theres no point in going further in higher speeds kasi your computer isnt any higher. id bet on it. also some of the newer memory sticks use lower voltages while older ones used 5v, some are 3.3 volts and less. another option is to download a software that will read the hardware values in your computer and tell you what they are. there are a number of memory sticks that wont work, but probably half of those that fit in the slot will work, the others may be too slow or dual data rate when you want single or single when you nwant dual. my best guess since you say its pretty old and you already have 256mb is its probably about 133mhz sdram running at 5v, but the pin numbers you must determine, and i cant be at all certain without seeing it and researching it myself. sorry i cannot provide more info but itd be a lot of research and you can do it yourself, armed with a little knowledge. try searching on compaqs website. or ask them via email or phone. they may have a tech who remembers.

Answer 3

Compaq Pressario 5000 series model 5000US
supports:
-SDRAM memory
-PC133 speeds.
-does not support dual channel memory.
-does not support ECC module.
-maximum amount of memory is 768 MB (256 MB per slot).

Answer 4

By the looks of it, your computer uses the older SDRAM DIMM memory. I also found that your model is rated to support up to 768MB max with 3 slots. That means, you can have 256MB on each slot.

What version of Windows or OS are you running? If it's older than WinXP, then 512MB should be enough so just go pick up another stick of 256MB PC133 SDRAM DIMM.

Answer 5

Well, take the RAM out of your computer and take it to the shop. This way, you will be sure, you will get the right one !

Answer 6

no, they vary, take the old stick to whoever you are buying the new memory from.

Answer 7

http://www.memorygiant.com/
You not have to buy here but it help you know what you need. It probably best to buy local or;
http://www.newegg.com/
http://www.directron.com/
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/Home.jsp