T40 - RAM Upgrade - Is it worth it?

[Zephyrious]

I have a T40...

1.5 GHz P-M
512 RAM
40GB HDD (4200 or 5400, I think 5400)
Radeon 7500 32Mb

If I'm looking for a speed increase, which part of the laptop would be the best to start with i.e. which part is bottlenecking the most? Would a increase to 768 MB of ram be worth 75 bucks? Thanks.

[laz]

No, but an increase to 1GB probably would be. $75 is a little steep for a 256MB stick. You can get compatable memory at newegg.com for a lot cheaper than from IBM.

[Zephyrious]

thanx... my t40 is 256 onboard 256 sodimm... i was getting a 512 for 75 cdn... can you get a 1024 stick?

[whizkid]

Use Performance (under All Programs, Administrative Tools) to determine what the bottleneck is.

If you're swapping memory, more will help. If you're waiting for your hard drive, get a faster one.

If the CPU is pegged at 100%, consider an upgrade.

If you're doing intensive games or CAD work, it's your video card and you are sunk.

Depending on your application, it could even be your network.

[JEBB]

I increased my TP's memory from 512 to 768MB and I think it is faster. I got a 512 Patriot PC2700 from MicroCenter for ca. $35 after rebate (when the rebate gets here). Keep an eye out for good prices at DealNews/DealMac, such prices may come up again.

[Zephyrious]

2700 ram seems to be very common, I need 2100... is 75 cdn a decent price for 512?

[JEBB]

PC2700 works with my R40 which specifies 2100. I believe the faster memory works it just functions at the slower speed.

[Zephyrious]

Ok cool I was starting to figure that after my gf's 512 333 mhz worked.... thanks for the help.