RAM upgrade for a HP ProBook 450 Laptop

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  tonyjzx on 15/08/2016 - 14:47

  more ram doesnt really help with games in your circumstance

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  scrimshaw on 15/08/2016 - 15:44

  1 x 4gb ddr3 ram running @ 800mhz.

  DDR memory means Dual Data Rate. If your computer is reading 800mhz memory clock in the BIOS or hardware info menu, you need to times two to get actual speed.

  So 800mhz * 2 = 1600mhz. This is the standard speed used in Sandy Bridge and Ivy Bridge Core i5 processors.

  In any case, why the heck would you buy used RAM when the new one costs just $2-3 dollars more? You could walk into any computer store and buy it for $22 to $28 dollars, with warranty. My local one in Lidcombe sells for $26 and MSY probably sells one for the same price, if even cheaper.

  Just FYI, your notebook decides how much RAM the iGPU gets by allocating a small amount of system memory to it, and this is very, very small (no more than 256MB usually). Bumping up the RAM will generally not increase the FPS you get.

  • 

    Windows7forever on 15/08/2016 - 17:12

    According to notebookcheck review for this laptop:
    "The ProBook's overall performance can be increased: It would operate in dual-channel mode when a second working memory module is installed. The GPU could then be utilized better and would achieve a higher performance. Skylake is particularly suitable for this action since the installed HD Graphics 520 graphics core benefits considerably more from dual-channel mode than former Intel GPU models." and…"It can even be called conditionally gaming suitable when a second working memory module is installed."

    scratches head then they must be exaggerating or sorely mistaken ? BTW I am only intending to play simple 3d games e.g. sims 3.

    Unfortunately buying new ram from a local PC shop for a couple bucks extra is not an option because I am living in a small rural area with no computer shops here, therefore rely on delivery, at $22 delivered is probably as good a deal as I will get. Memory lasts for years anyway, it generally outlives the computer service life.

    If only for a marginal gaming boost then it will be good for all round performance boost.

    • 

      scrimshaw on 15/08/2016 - 18:59

      Yeah dual channel might give you a small boost of between 5 to 10 percent, it's better than nothing I suppose. You might achieve the performance level of a previous generation Geforce 820m at most.

      If you are using Skylake or Haswell make sure you buy Ram of the low voltage variety or it won't boot

      It's called DDR3L (1.35v) so make sure the listing mentions that

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        Windows7forever on 16/08/2016 - 04:53

        Thanks mate, you're a pro. I bought a 2nd hand Kingston 4gb stick for $15 posted, meeting those specifications. I'm glad I asked you to make sure I didn't buy the wrong product. Cheers :)