710m Memory Options

Hey all,

This past week my girlfriend happily received her new 710m (and her first new computer EVER I might add). She got it with 2 x 256 memory but she wants to upgrade it to a gig.

Now all she is ever going to be doing is office programs, the internet, and using iTunes for her iPod. I doubt a game will ever see it's way on to this system. So I was trying to figure out the best option for memory for her. How important or noticible would the lack of dual channel be to her and what she is using the laptop for? If not too much, we were thinking of getting a single gig chip and removing on of the 256's but keeping the other. SG I know yiou have this configuration so I would like to know how it works for you?

Alternately, if dual channel is a big performance improvement, then we will go with 2 x 512. I can't imagine her ever needing more than a gig but with option 1, if she gets the 1 Gig stick, might as well keep one of the 256's I figure.

Thanks for any input.

 

The important thing is to get more memory as dual channel offers a slight performance advantage. She might just want to try it out as it is. The tasks you listed aren't all that taxing.

 

Running dual channels is better, but its not something where the user will notice a difference in. Probably if she was a gamer, then I would suggest going with the 2*512, but since she does everyday tasks, the 1gb + 256 will be more than enough for her.

I do more multi tasking than she probably does, and the most that i've ever use is 60% of my memory.

Another factor is the price. If the 2*512 is considerably cheaper than the 1gb stick, then it might be better going with the 512 option if you are on a budget.

 

Thanks you two, I will relay the information to her. I don't think money is an issue. My guess is she will go for the 1 Gig stick. Just incase she ever wants another gig, it will be that much easier. I can't imagine her ever going that high... but you never know.

I was a little surprised that this system only supports 333Mhz ram. I figure it was higher. OH well. Still enough for her

 

If I'm not wrong, the 710m does not utilize "dual" channel. Or am I wrong???

 

Yeah I don't think the 710m is dual channel capable.

 

Wow im so behind pc tech. I wonder if my asus p4pe motherboard supports dual channel. I have 2 sticks of 512mb... and yes I AM a gamer!

 

Yea.. like mentioned above neither the 700m or 710m have duel channel capabilities. So If I were you I would buy a 1GB stick then add it to the 256, and chuck or sell on ebay the 256. The reason for doing this is... a 1GB stick is usually the same price as 2x512MB's. If you have a 1GB stick then you could upgrade to 1.5 or 2gbs in the buture. Also 1.25Gbs does have a slight atvantage over 1GB, but you won't notice much of a difference.

 

Yea I have a 710 and i think she is ok for what she is using it for

 

Yes, due to the intel855 chip on the mainboard.