[SOLVED] I need advice on getting a memory upgrade, please!

cousinlucky · 08-13-2014, 09:43 PM

I have an old HP a532x computer with only 512 MB of memory so I can not install most of the new Linux operating systems. I need an upgrade but I do not have any idea how much more I need or how much it is likely to cost. Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks!!

onebuck · 08-13-2014, 10:02 PM

Hi,

For that system look at: http://www.memorystock.com/memory/He...32xa532xb.html

You can get 2GB into that model;

Quote:

HP Pavilion a532x / a532x-b Computer Memory. The HP Pavilion a532x / a532x-b Computer takes the PC2700 DDR SDRAM DIMMs Memory Type, and comes installed with 512 MB (removable) of Memory. You can upgrade your HP Pavilion a532x / a532x-b Computer to up to a maximum memory capacity of 2.0 GB Memory, the system has 2 sockets to install Memory, already with 512 MB (removable) standard memory installed. For best Pavilion a532x / a532x-b Computer performance use the maximum amount of allowed Memory per slot for your Computer.

Newegg will have it.
Hope this helps.
Have fun & enjoy!

metaschima · 08-13-2014, 10:04 PM

RAM is not that expensive, just search the usual sites (Amazon, Ebay, TigerDirect, Newegg, etc.), it's gonna be about $20.

I would get 2x1GB RAM sticks, which is the maximum that system supports. However, this thing is really old, it uses 184 pin DDR1-333 SDRAM, which is extremely slow. I also don't know how compatible it is with RAM made after 2004 (when it was released). I would make sure wherever you buy the RAM, that you can return it if it doesn't work.

michaelk · 08-13-2014, 10:16 PM

lMGTFY... Might as well go for max

http://www.memoryupgradecompany.com/...ryUpgrade.html
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/d...s&dlc=en&lc=en

Looks like I'm a bit late.

cousinlucky · 08-14-2014, 08:14 AM

Thanks!! I'll have to find out just where these " sockets " are etc. Thanks again!!

onebuck · 08-14-2014, 08:53 AM

Hi,

Quote:

Originally Posted by cousinlucky

Thanks!! I'll have to find out just where these " sockets " are etc. Thanks again!!

Look at: http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/d...=bph07171#N285 Motherboard layout Figure 1: System board item 10- DIMM socket 1 & 2 on the diagram for the memory sockets.You should find that information in the system manual. Your motherboard layout may not be the same as the one I presented since HP uses several OEM motherboards in that system. But you should get the idea as to where and what the DIMM & sockets look like. Plus look at this image to get idea of what the DIMM looks like.
Hope this helps.
Have fun & enjoy!

cousinlucky · 08-15-2014, 08:04 AM

10,000 Thanks Onebuck!! I opened up my computer cabinet to check out the diagram in the link you provided to see where the memory is situated. I found a loose wired connection and discovered it went to the USB port at the front of my computer that has not worked for years. I found the place to plug it in and now the port works. I figured I might as well take out the non-working CD-ROM and go get a replacement while I'm in here. Thanks Again!!

onebuck · 08-15-2014, 10:27 AM

Hi,

Your Welcome!

Glad to see you have settled some of your issues.

jailbait · 08-15-2014, 10:36 AM

Your machine is old enough that you can find cheap memory which is salvaged from scrap computers. If you buy from such a dealer make sure that he has tested the memory. Some scrap dealers think that it is cheaper to replace or refund a few customer complaints than to test all of the memory chips before offering them for sale.

----------------------
Steve Stites

cousinlucky · 08-15-2014, 07:45 PM

I ordered them from Amazon and I've never had any problems with them. The memory sticks are supposed to be new and shipped from A-Tech Components!!

cousinlucky · 08-26-2014, 06:53 AM

I wish to thank everyone at LQ that took the time to help me with this. I donned a pair of gloves to insert one of 1 GB memory sticks into the vacant slot. Thanks Again!!

onebuck · 08-26-2014, 08:44 AM

Please consider marking the Thread as [SOLVED] via above selection or use this link;

Code:

Please Mark this thread as solved if you feel a solution has been provided.