RAM setup

Will my computer care if I put in 4x1GB RAM vs 2x2GB?
DDR2 PC5300.

 

Use this link to find out your RAM needs. It will give you all the necessary info. Just "Scan My System" or/and use the Advisory Tool at http://www.crucial.com/#

 

It doesn't give me an accurate result. I think the Acer model I have is Canadian only.

 

Did you get a manual with your Acer? If so, check it out. Otherwise, contact Acer. http://www.acer.ca/public/page6.do;...txParam=en&ctx3=-1&ctx4=Canada&crc=2818377796
and/or http://www.acer.ca/public/page11.do...txParam=en&ctx3=-1&ctx4=Canada&crc=2818377796

BTW: I purchased my PC from Dell Canada and had no problems scanning my system and also by using the Advisor Tool from Crucial.

 

Basically, I'm wondering if it's any easier or better for the CPU to have 4GB in a 2x2GB setup or spread across 4 slots with 4x1GB setup.

 

Nah, it won't make a difference if the speeds are the same. Even if you get faster RAM, you won't notice the difference unless you run benchmarks. Keep your 1GB sticks and get two more of the same. Unless you have large spreadsheets to load, or run multiple programs I wouldn't go for 4GB. I'm not a gamer so someone else will have to weigh in with that info.

Why do you think you need more? Is Task Manager showing that your RAM is being used near its max? As to easing the load on the CPU, don't even worry about it. BTW, 32 bit OS will only use about 3.5GB of the total and there's no way to beat that unless you go 64 bit.

 

It came factory installed 2x512MB which I find slow; lot of lagging.
I've installed Vista Basic 32 bit, so I'm limited to 4GB.
My previous machine I had upgraded to 2GB and it worked great. This machine has 4 slots and 1GB is 12$ at NCIX so I figure at that price, max it out even though Vista will limit it to 3.14GB.
So if the CPU won't be bothered with 4x1GB across 4 slots, then that's what Ill get and take out the 512MB sticks.

 

LOL, ain't ncix great at times! Yup, at that price I'd do the same thing. I'm off to find that deal.:-D