General Chat / Computer Upgrading.

I've been thinking about upgrading my computer for some time now (and now it's time) since my computer is slow and ME sucks.

I'm fairly good at running my computer but have little experience working inside my computer. What I want to do is add a 512MB SDRAM, PC133 Module and upgrade to Windows XP. This is the memory I would need according to Gateway's customer service to match my computer. I currently have three memory slots with one used. The question is, is this fairly easy to add in? According to manuels, I just open the PC cover, and slide the memory right into the second slot, turn on the computer and it will automatically recognise it.

Also, Gateway is selling this memory for $199. I found several of the same from power sellers at eBay for $50. Is it the same and is there a risk? These people have 2,000 - 3,000 positive comments at 99% - 100%.

Also, Gateway has the Windows XP Upgrade for $99. Is this easy to install? Do you just put the CD in and it basically does all the work?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thats an uber ripoff. Buy some from NewEgg.Com of the same specs.

The memory is fairly easy to install. You just slide the leads in with the chip at an angle (to the board) and then the other side of the chip snaps down onto the board.

If you're upgrading to XP I would recommend starting fresh with a reformatted drive and a bare installation of XP. Upgrading the OS without starting clean can be problematic.

Also, Gateway is selling this memory for $199. I found several of the same from power sellers at eBay for $50. Is it the same and is there a risk? These people have 2,000 - 3,000 positive comments at 99% - 100%.

You know, if your motherboard supports ddr memory, i highly recommend getting it. And 199$ for 512sdr? Wtf?! I can get 1mb ddr(400mhz) for 200€....Yeah, uber rip off with the memory. I think cbass has it right with installing windows. Never done it before......

Personally, I would not recomend upgradeing to xp but if you want to . Yes Memory is very easy to install, how much memory do you have in there now by the way? As far as that price, yes it is a ripoff. Go here for some memory..or any other computer hardware. TigerDirect has always been good and reliable for me..so check it out.

-Sarrowa

Hey. If you want Memory, theres some good stuff at Amazon. Im getting some new memory from there as we speak. One question, if i add 512mb of RAM into my comp will that add to the 256mb and make it 768mb? And how do you know if your motherboard supports DDR? and... (sorry bout hijacking the topic) can you use different types of RAM at the same time?

Why on earth would shitty pc133 memory cost $200?

By the way, there is no such thing as ddr pc133 memory. I learned that when I bought ram for the other comp.

DDR doesnt even cost that much.

Mike, it's not hard to upgrade your memory, just don't buy it from Gateway. You'll always pay top dollar when you don't really need to. Gateway will tell you that the memory is 'tuned' to their comps, that's bullshit, memory is memory.

Make sure that you get SDRAM memory chips from where ever you buy it, your computer cannot handle DDR memory chips.

SFK, SDRAM memory is more expensive now because the majority of the computers are using DDR. So, the demand for SDRAM is low, thereby, the supply is low, thereby, the price is higher than DDR.

DDR prices are going up because Samsung is(has) cut fab.