RAM Upgrade [complete newbie, no idea what to do]

Please forgive me if I sound like I don't know what I'm talking about. Chances are, I really don't. I have no idea what proper computer lingo is, so if you need me to provide more information, please tell me where to find it.

Well, here's my situation. I've had this laptop for a while now; two, maybe three years and lately it's been really slow. Seriously; having only a YouTube video playing with two other tabs open on my FireFox makes everything slow. School's starting for me in a few weeks and I fear that this piece of crap is going to be irritating to use, especially during those long nights doing research papers, where I need 10 tabs open at once.



My point is, I'm thinking of buying new ram and I don't have a clue where to start. I asked a few people and they told me to open up my laptop to see if I actually have slots to install ram into. So I did and I still have no idea. Here are two pictures of the ram compartment:

PICTURE 1
PICTURE 2


I'm assuming there are three slots total?


If that's the case, I definitely need to get some ram. But I don't know what type or brand or whatever is good for me. Here is my basic computer info [tell me if should provide more info]:




If it's possible to install more ram on my computer, what kind should I get? I'm not a crazy gamer, but I use some programs that eat up lots of memory. It would be nice to have a computer that doesn't slow down with iTunes, FireFox, and Photoshop CS2 running at the same time. Those are the three main programs I use. Also, I'm a sort of frugal shopper, and I don't really like spending lots of money on stuff [who doesn't?] and I have a $25 gift card to Best Buy so I think I'll be shopping there.




Thanks in advance for anyone who is willing to help. I would appreciate any suggestions and advice. Again, sorry if it looks like I don't know what I'm talking about.

 

What kind of computer is it? Do you know the brand and model number?

 

what model laptop is that?

 

I just lifted my laptop and looked at the back... it says "Personal Computer Model N251S6."

A quick google search shows me that it's a Uniwill computer?

 

Your best bet is to visit http://www.crucial.com/ and choose "Scan my system" it will then tell you exactly what you need and the price (then you can go search other shops, but probably wont find it cheaper for the same value.

-Sly

 

Thanks. I'll try that out.


I also found specs for my computer [I think] if that helps.

http://www.ecsusa.com/ECSWebSite/Pr...ailID=751&DetailName=Feature&MenuID=9&LanID=9

 

P.S the 4 bits of important information it will give you (so you can match it up on best buy) will be;
-Pins, which will be " 200-pin SODIMM"
- DDR or DDR2.
- Clock speed, which will be displayed either in MHz or a "PC number" (for example 400mhz is PC3200 - either one should be enough.)
-And of course size

Hope this helps (and makes sense.)

 

Um, that sort of makes sense. I'm thinking of buying it next week or something so I guess I'll check periodically if there's more information. Thank you, slymon.



My results after running the Crucial System Scan.
IMAGE 1

 

Its not giving you the speed of the ram.

Download this (near the top left corner is the link), extract it, run it, and hit the tab that says "SPD" and tell us what is says under "max bandwidth"

 

If you google for your computer and model number, two stores come up listing the memory you need. Both give this info:

256MB 200-pin PC2700 DDR333 Gold-Lead 3.3v SDRAM SODIMM

The part in bold is what you need to know. Take that info to Best Buy and get yourself some RAM. Good luck.

 

It says "PC2100 (133 MHz)"

 

I see...hmm...Im gonna go ahead and say you will not find that in Bestbuy (feel free to try as i may very well be wrong) and so youre gonna probably have to go online.

 

I can't find any either - SKU: 7333218 should work but it's expensive.
I would recommend getting at least one 512MB btw, two if you want to max it out (but you will have to remove your 256 that is already in there.)
Can I suggest you look elsewhere to purchase it though.

rgds

 

I see... thanks for your help guys.

Would this potentially work?

 

I recommend staying away from Best Buy. NewEgg is cheaper. a 512MB SO-DIMM is $15.99, link. I am not recommending More because well you seem new at this. If you put more than 1GB in could cause boot problems. I myself would buy 2x1GB DIMM's but that is because I would risk it. The 1GB limit could be because 1GB sticks were not widely available when the notebook specs were drawn up. But it could be a real limitation also.


Edit: OP you can use faster DDR RAM it is compatible and will work just down clocks.

 

Yeah. I probably will have no idea what I'll be doing, except... putting the ram in the slot. =/


Maybe I could use the Best Buy Gift card to buy online credit? Is that even possible? I'll think of something.