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    Need help: 64bitVista & 4GB Ram

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by Reese, Jun 24, 2007.

  1. Reese

    Reese Notebook Enthusiast

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    My laptop currently has 32bit Home Premium with 2 GB. I just have a couple questions after trying to search this forum.

    1) When I upgrade my ram from 2GB to 4GB, am I going to have to buy a kit with the sticks together to take full advantage of dual channel? Or could they be bought seperately? Does the fact that they are not from the same company (though with same specs) matter?

    2) Am I going to have to wipe this 32bit Vista (OEM install) and buy a fresh full version of Vista to get the 64bit disc? (If I understand correctly, both 32 & 64 discs come with a full version, correct?) Or would it be better to wait for that auto-upgrade option that Micorsoft is planning in Jan 07?

    I understand the disadvantages of going 64bit at the present time.

    I'm not that computer literate.

    Thanks for any input!
     
    Reese, Jun 24, 2007
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  2. masterchef341

    masterchef341 The guy from The Notebook

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    is your laptop santa rosa?

    you might not even have to worry about dual channel ram. give me your specs.
     
    masterchef341, Jun 24, 2007
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  3. swarmer

    swarmer beep beep

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    If you buy the ram kit you should get dual channel. If you don't get matched pairs, you may or may not get dual channel.

    You'll have to buy a fresh version of Vista to get 64-bit. You don't necessarily have to buy the full retail version... you could, or if you prefer, you could buy the 64-bit OEM version (e.g. from newegg). The upgrade retail version may also be a possibility... I'm not sure whether or not that would work.

    Edit: The OEM version doesn't let you move it to another machine once installed... so just be aware of that.
     
    swarmer, Jun 24, 2007
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  4. Reese

    Reese Notebook Enthusiast

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    Oh sorry. I own a G1S, Santa Rosa, yes. Thanks.
     
    Reese, Jun 24, 2007
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  5. masterchef341

    masterchef341 The guy from The Notebook

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    ok you have a santa rosa system - you will get a benefit from dual channel ram. as long as the memory is the same spec- it *should*work in dual channel. personally, i would buy matched pairs just for peace of mind.

    i cant help you with vista.

    HASTA LA VISTA, VISTA!

    5 flavors and 2 styles of v-ice-sta-cream. but they are all based on licorice!!!! gross!!!!
     
    masterchef341, Jun 24, 2007
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  6. Reese

    Reese Notebook Enthusiast

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    Ok, I appreciate the help. Buy a kit for peace of mind. It works.

    I guess the only question left is what OS to buy. Newegg has a huge list with things such as SKU, retail, upgrade, and I have no idea what I'd need to go from 32bit Home Premium to a 64bit OS Vista. I suppose I'd need to ask that specifically in the OS forum.

    Thanks again.
     
    Reese, Jun 24, 2007
    #6