I need a second opinion on RAM

[Tdata]

Okay the question is:

My laptop supports DDR2 PC2-5300 SODIMMs.  HP says that each of the 2 slots support 1gb SODIMMs so my max is 2gb.  Yet all of my local Computer stores tell me that since it is PC2-5300 it can support 4gb as there are 2gb sticks available now which weren't available when the laptop was made last year.  I don't know who to believe.  Any ideas? 

 

[Grandor]

If you have 2 slots, there is no problem with installing 2 2GB RAM sticks (one for each slot) If you really need a better opinion, go to Crucial.com and click Scan My System. It will give you a better look at your RAM options.

 

[Noliander]

I deal with hp and they have 4 gigs out now. 2x4 equals 8. If you need more then that , well damn. Oh I think they have 8 gigs also.

 

[4StarGeneral]

32-bit Windows systems can only use up to 4 gigs of memory so 8 gigs would only be a waste of money.

 

[Tdata]

I just wanted to know if, even thought hp says each slot supports 1gb, i can plug in 2 2gb sticks and get my 3.34gb in ram.  Or will it only see the 2gb it is rated for?

 

[___]

It's a matter of what your BIOS supports.  If the BIOS doesn't know how to address more than the 2gb HP says it supports it will not, whether or not your slot architecture should support it.  I've had this happen quite a few times working on laptops particularly. The best thing to do is to check forums about your specific model, and check for BIOS updates that might address the issue, as a simple update should correct any limitation there may have previously been.

Failing that see if you can find a friend that has a 2gb stick that meets your specs, plug it in and see if your computer reports having the full 2gb.