HP6730s - RAM + SSD upgrade

[ebraga80]

Hi there! Greetings.

I have a HP Compaq 6730s notebook and just found something about the specs about the chipset. According to HP data sheet, my machine has a GM45 chipset from Intel and it says it supports up to 800Mhz DDR2 SO-DIMM RAM modules.

If you check the GM45 specs on intel's webpage, it confirms DDR3 up to 1066 Mhz...

My second question is about the SATA. I know it does not support SATA III transfer speeds, if I upgrade my HDD to a SDD I will have 3Gb/s speed. Do you still think it is worth the upgrade?

Could you please reconfirm this information?

Many thanks in advance!

Erik Braga

[Huffer]

Your laptop uses DDR2. That is how the memory slots are keyed so there is no way to put DDR3 in it. 

Yes, an SSD will provide quite the upgrade even and perhaps especially, for older laptops. SATA-II, SATA-III makes very little difference in real life application. The problem is the cost. 240 gig SSDs are down to about $135 now but even that is a bit much to spend on a laptop with a fair market value of less than $200. I think that is the reason you do not see more people do it. 

[ebraga80]

Hi Dean!

Thanks for the reply. I know the laptop uses DDR2 until 800Mhz, this is the info I found on HP's tech specs website... But what I don't understand is the fact that the mainboard GM45 supports DDR3 until 1066Mhz.

My question in this case is: Does HP change the slot, so we cannot upgrade to DDR3, once the pins/format are different? Because the chipset/main board supports DDR3. I know in terms of speed it is not such a difference, but, DDR3 costs 100€ less (here in Germany at least). 2x4GB DDR2 costs around 150/170€ here and the 2x4GB DDR3 around 90€. Makes a difference...

I just bought the Samsung 840 EVO SSD, I'm sure it will boost the performance on my oldie HP6730s. Specially because I need to use Photoshop with RAW files.

Thanks again!

Erik

[ebraga80]

Hi again Dean,

Do you know if this model has a SATA 1 or 2 type? On HP's website says only SATA without any further info.

THanks

Erik

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@Huffer wrote:

Your laptop uses DDR2. That is how the memory slots are keyed so there is no way to put DDR3 in it. 

Yes, an SSD will provide quite the upgrade even and perhaps especially, for older laptops. SATA-II, SATA-III makes very little difference in real life application. The problem is the cost. 240 gig SSDs are down to about $135 now but even that is a bit much to spend on a laptop with a fair market value of less than $200. I think that is the reason you do not see more people do it. 

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[Huffer · Accepted solution]

3 gb/s SATA so SATA-II. 

The GM45 chipset can be used when configuring a motherboard with support for DDR2 or DDR3. This was an early GM45 implemenation so HP chose to use DDR2 at the time because that was what was available. So the motherboard does not support DDR3 and it is a moot point anyway because the memory slot can only take DDR2, which is more expensive I understand. 

[ebraga80]

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@Huffer wrote:

3 gb/s SATA so SATA-II. 

The GM45 chipset can be used when configuring a motherboard with support for DDR2 or DDR3. This was an early GM45 implemenation so HP chose to use DDR2 at the time because that was what was available. So the motherboard does not support DDR3 and it is a moot point anyway because the memory slot can only take DDR2, which is more expensive I understand. 

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thank you very much! I think the SSD upgrade will make the PC snappier than paying 150€ for more 4GB (I already have 2x2gb installed)...

my next upgrade will be the processor. I have a Core 2 Duo T5870 2.0Ghz and will get on Ebay the 2.53 T9400, which I think is worth.

[Huffer]

If you do the SSD install, you may just decide you do not need the CPU upgrade.

[ebraga80]

thanks once again for your help.:smileyhappy:

I have already ordered the SSD few days ago (Samsung 840 EVO), hopefully it will arrive today and I will be able to install this weekend.

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@Huffer wrote:

If you do the SSD install, you may just decide you do not need the CPU upgrade.

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[ebraga80]

Hi Huffer!

Just to let you know that I installed the SSD and the notebook feels like new. I am still considering the CPU upgrade to a core 2 duo T9400 - here in Germany costs only 25/40€ used with warranty...

Here is a comparison between the two processors http://cpuboss.com/cpus/Intel-Core2-Duo-T9400-vs-Intel-Core2-Duo-T5870

Regards,

Erik

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@Huffer wrote:

If you do the SSD install, you may just decide you do not need the CPU upgrade.

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