HP Pavilion Dm1 Memory upgrade: pc3-10600 versus pc3-8500 [ Edited ]

[Alex_S]

Hi,

After researching HP and other various sites, I recently upgraded my HP Pavilion DM1 from 3GB to 4GB RAM using 2 x 2GB PC3-10600 modules. The information I found seemed to indicate that the HP Pavilion would fully support 1333Mhz memory and I thought I could give my Netbook a little performance boost. Note: the price was the same for both the 1066 and 1333 memory modules.

My system is working OK, but I have a number of quick questions:

1. Although I have installed 1333 Mhz memory, it is been reported as 1066 Mhz via HP tools. Is this the maximum memory speed the Netbook supports and will utilising 1333 Mhz cause performance bottlenecks and long term damage to my system? Can I configure the system via BIOS to utilise the memory at 1333 Mhz?

2. As I use Windows Home Premium I understand there is a 3.5GB access limit (this is why I only upgraded the system to 4GB). Will the extra 500MB not utilised by Windows be utilised as video memory as I originally hoped or will it come out of the 3.5GB? i.e. in other words, is my 4GB upgrade in reality 3.5GB?

Thank you for your help in advance.

Kind regards,

Alex

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi, Alex:

I don't know what exact model dm1 you have, but normally the memory runs at the max speed of the Processor's FSB in the case of Intel processors.

I am not quite sure on how AMD's processors work with regard to memory speed. Something about multipliers.

Did you consult the service manual?  Chapter 1 usually provides the processor and memory specs.

No damage will occur to your system if the memory speed is only 1066 MHz.

Nothing can be done to change the speed at which the memory runs (unless there is a BIOS update that addresses an issue--read any BIOS release notes for such a possibility, which I doubt there is).

You can check how your memory is being used in two places:

1. The Resource Monitor (in your system tools menu). In the memory section it will show system reserved, free, etc.

2. The Windows Experience Index's detailed report (Control Panel>system and security>WEI

You can see your video adapter's total memory, shared memory and dedicated memory.

Best regards,

Paul

[Alex_S]

Hi Paul,

Thanks for the quick response.

FYI - My notebook utilisies an AMD E-350 Processor. The service manual wasn't clear - it seems to indicate both types of memory are supported. So I guess my 1333Mhz memory will have to run at 1066Mhz. Just concerned if this will cause problems. Would like to know if anyone in the community had long-term issues.

Concerning the memory issue, I have used both tools suggested. I just would like to know if the decicated memory come outs of the 3.5 GB or 4GB and is set by the Windows version?

Kind Regards,

Alex

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome, Alex.

The dedicated system memory is subtracted from the 4.0 GB.

Otherwise W7 would be reporting less than 3.5 GB of the 4.0 GB.

3.5 GB is net available after video and other hardware reservations.

I would think you have dedicated video memory too on that model, and that has nothing do do with system memory. The video has its own memory.

What you need to look for is the amount of shared system memory that is dedicated to the video and if there is a value there (other than 0), then that is being subtracted from the 4.0 GB total.

Available system memory to the video card is subtracted from the 3.5 GB amount.

Paul

[Alex_S]

Hi Paul,

As I recall there is no dedicated video memory, system RAM is utilised for this.

It's one of the fun things you get with AMD E-350 Processor! :-)

From what you are saying, I should conclude that Windows utilises 3.5GB and the rest is taken by the system +  video memory. Correct?

Thanks again,

Alex

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi, Alex:

That is correct.

If you only have shared system ram working with your video, then that is probably where most of that 500 MB has gone to.

Best regards,

Paul