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Name: Steve Hopper
My VAIO's spec sheet lists the laptop as 512Mb RAM capacity, but it actually has only 448Mb RAM.
No real issues with the os, just concerned about one of my programs I just updated which prompted me of one area of non-compatiblity (RAM req'g 512Mb).
Since the os has always displayed actual 448, its conceivable that there will always be a difference in RAM capacity and actual RAM, but is there anyone that understands this enough to advise as to whether or not I should be looking at the BIOS and maybe reset it for 512 RAM and if so, what might be the reasons why the os was set up for 448 and again would it be advisable to change the BIOS to 512?
Regards and hap-e-trails, Steve Hopper
You don't need to do anything. The elusive 64mb (512 minus 448) is traditionally allocated to video by Windows XP.
i_Xp/VistaUser
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The BIOS allocates a portion of your RAM to your on-board graphics. The amount allocated can usually be changed, but I'd say anything less than 64MB would be undesirable.
This is a function of the BIOS, not Windows.
For educational purposes:
64mb = 64 milli-bits
64MB = 64 Mega-BytesPlease let us know if you found someone's advice to be helpful.
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I stand corrected it's just that I knew the 64MB is allocated somewhdere from reading too many posts about it in the past :-)
i_Xp/VistaUser
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Thanks for the info. The program squalking about it seems to work okay, but was hoping if able/possible, to have made some adjustment.
I do have couple of empty PCM card slots on the laptop, maybe RAM can be added thru the PCM card slot(s).
This's the first time I've ever been prompted by any program of a potential issue with the os.
Not even Google earth or maps and streets brought up a RAM issue, so its kind of surprising something a minimal as SUPER would.
Regards and hap-e-trails, Steve Hopper
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http://www.crucial.com have a on-line memory scanner tool which will ascertain your installed physical memory and any upgrades available.
The slots are "PCMCIA 32bit Cardbus" and no they are not for memory sticks but for expansion cards
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For educational purposes:
64mb = 64 milli-bits
64MB = 64 Mega-Bytescorrection:
64mb = 64 Megabits
64MB = 64 Megabytes
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Megabit
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MegabyteImagine the power if you knew how to internet search
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If your system already has 2 memory modules installed the only cure is to replace with larger ones, however current systems typically do not use 256MB sticks so having 512MB usually means a single stick. In any event either add a 512MB or 1GB one to the system, update the swap file allocation and note the program memory prompts will go away.
Richard
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[Quote]
correction:
64mb = 64 Megabits
64MB = 64 Megabytes
[/Quote]Correction to the correction:
64mb = 64 millibits (sic)
64Mb = 64 Megabits
64MB = 64 MegabytesUpper case M = Mega
Lower case m = millihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milli
and
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Megabit
Please let us know if you found someone's advice to be helpful.
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Thanks everybody.
I've since come to find reports that for my 2004 VAIO's memory chips (2 each 256Mb) that I have little actual recourse than to (as mentioned-thanks again) purchase larger memory chips and install in the Sony VAIO afforded bay.
Fry's is telling me I can have them install a Gb of memory for about $50. I suppose that means they're paying around $20 for the chip(s) and labor about $30.
As simple as opening the bay, unsnapping the slide in/out chip card, I think I'll pass on the labor deal and install it myself as I don't believe there's anything needed to be done than pop-out and pop-in to get the job done, right?
I'm assuming its a plug and play sort of thing and nothing's needed like maybe restoring the default swap file size before installing the larger chip(s), right?
Regards and hap-e-trails, Steve Hopper
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