Will this cpu/memory upgrade help with Ulead Video Studio 8?

[Keithchr]

Hi,
I'm not very technical but I would like to upgrade the RAM of my HP Pavilion 7965 PC from 512 to 1024.

The CPU is an AMD Atlon 1.6 - AMD say this runs like an Intel 1.8. This RAM upgrade will cost £113 for 2 x 512 sdram pc133 modules.

Will this make any appreciable difference to the way Ulead VideoStudio 8 performs on my PC? If so, in what way. Will it be worth the cost?

Many thanks for any help.

Additional info:

Motherboard: ASUS A7A266

Manufacturer Hewlett Packard

Model Pavilion 7965 (SDRAM)

Standard Memory 512MB (Removeable)

Maximum Memory 1024MB

Number of Slots 2 Slots (2 Banks of 1)

Notes All memory slots are occupied. Remove memory in order to upgrade.


168-pin DIMM Banking: 3 (3 banks of 1)
184-pin DIMM Banking: 2 (2 banks of 1)
Chipset: Ali MAGiK 1 (M1647)
DDR SDRAM Frequencies: PC1600 and PC2100
Error Detection Support: Non-ECC only
Graphics Support: AGP 4X
Max Unbuffered DDR SDRAM: 2048MB
Max Unbuffered SDR SDRAM: 3072MB
Module Types Supported: Unbuffered only
SDR SDRAM Frequencies: PC100 and PC133
Supported DRAM Types: SDR SDRAM and DDR SDRAM
USB Support: 1.x Compliant

[Kunta Kinte]

Maxing out memory is always a plus when dealing with video.

[pfh]

Put a gig of DDR memory and ditch the 133 stuff. Last time I checked DDR was selling less than the old 133. That board you have is supposed to except both kinds- just not at the same time.

You could also find a pretty good deal on a socket A Athlon that would realy help. A quick look @ newegg reveals several in $70-80 range. (Barton 2600+ $79) Just double check MObo doc. to make sure it'll fit.

Too bad it doesn't support usb 2.0

[Keithchr]

Thank you for your replies.

I have fitted RAM before but never a processor.

According to the ASUS website my MB will support an Atlon XP 2400.

Now here is the question: Can I just unplug my old Athlon XP 1800 and then just plug in the new one ?

Do I need to do any thing else?

I am at the nervous limit of my expertise here so thanks for any help.

Some specs below...

ASUS A7A266
168-pin DIMM Banking: 3 (3 banks of 1)
184-pin DIMM Banking: 2 (2 banks of 1)
Chipset: Ali MAGiK 1 (M1647)
DDR SDRAM Frequencies: PC1600 and PC2100
Error Detection Support: Non-ECC only
Graphics Support: AGP 4X
Max Unbuffered DDR SDRAM: 2048MB
Max Unbuffered SDR SDRAM: 3072MB
Module Types Supported: Unbuffered only
SDR SDRAM Frequencies: PC100 and PC133
Supported DRAM Types: SDR SDRAM and DDR SDRAM
USB Support: 1.x Compliant

Current Memory Specs
Memory Installed

512MB of a possible 1024 MB

Other System Specs
Computer Manufacturer
HP Pavilion 04
Motherboard Manufacturer
ASUS
Motherboard Model
A7A266
CPU Manufacturer
AuthenticAMD
CPU Family
AMD Athlon(tm) XP 1800+
CPU Speed
1526 MHz
Front-Side Bus Speed
200 MHz
Currently Installed Memory
512MB
Maximum Memory Capacity
1024 MB
Total Number Of Memory Slots
2
Available Memory Slots
0

[pfh]

The actual seating and securing a cpu in it's socket is actually quite easy. It's the heat sink and fan that are sometimes problematic. The heat sink install requires a carefully applied force to the hold down mechanism. Most of the time I use a medium sized screwdriver to manage the force on the hold down clip. If you take your old one off you'll see what I mean because the same goes for taking 'em off.

Care has to be taken also so as not to scratch the surface of the MoBO or break a nearby capacitor or other part. It takes a good bit of force to snap the clip in place and it's important to have the board on a flat table. A lot of guys install the cpu/heat sink outside the case for this reason. Ram too. Then place partially assembled board into the case. I've done it both ways depending on size inside case.

I'm guessing with your HP case you'll have to remove the power supply to get at the cpu.

If you feel up to it, it isn't very hard just be careful and ground yourself. (touch something metal 1st to discaharge the static as a precaution.)
Also, try and buy a retail or boxed cpu that includes heat sink/fan. You could re-use your old one but chances are, the fan will fail 6 months from now.

AMD 2400 + PC2100 DDR @ 2x512 should only set you back ~$150. Check around for deals- this hardware is getting "long in the tooth" as they say,

Memory I trust would be- Crucial, Corsair, Kingston, Mushkin and Viking in no particular order there.

[Keithchr]

Thanks for such a helpful reply.

As you say this hardware is ageing..I am in the UK and can only find an Athlon XP2400 on ebay. I suppose buying a cheap used processor is not the best idea anyway.

Maybe I should just go out and buy a new PC!

Thanks again.

[pfh]

No, not a good idea. Never know what's it been put thru.

A new pc? yeah, that's always nice! Then just keep your HP around for online stuff and other sundry duties.