memory

[trapper]

Hi:

I have an HP Pavilion desktop that I purchased in 2000. It has Windows 98se and a 500mhz processor. The Features At A Glance label on the front reads: Memory: 64 MB SDRAM but, when I go into System Properties it reads: Memory: 56.0MB RAM.

Can anyone tell me from that info what memory I have? Is it 64MB or 56MB?

Thanks.

[iisbob]

Based on that info i'd say you have integrated video; what this means is that your main memory ( 64mb's SDRAM ) is being shared to provide 8 mb's of video memory, this is a common practice on retail systems. Saves the copmanies money on parts.

Unfortunately on this propietory systems, you can usually only lower the memory requirements for the onboard memory, not entirely shut it off if you should by a peripheral video expansion card-which you would be more than likely restricted to a PCI model anyways.

If you do any gaming or other video intensive tasks i would suggest you at least get a seperate video card ( geforce or ATI raedon PCI model ) to improve your video performance. Whether or not you choose to go this route, you can stilladd another stick of memory ( go 128mb's-they are around $25 average ) and you will see a vast improvement in your systems performance.

Don't worry about the readings, you do have 64mb's of memory-it's just doing extra duty.

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iisbob
"Ward, come upstairs and talk to The Beaver."
-- June (Mrs. Frisky) Cleaver