3
1
Possible Duplicate:
What limits a motherboard from supporting more memory?
I have a netbook (HP Mini 110) with limited RAM. It shipped with 1 GB and according to HP that's all it can handle. Yet I've read here that it's possible to upgrade at least some models of the series to 2GB.
This raises a question: How can one determine the true hardware- and/or BIOS-imposed limit on the amount of RAM, and what factors contribute to said limit? I'm specifically excluding OS-imposed limits, as such issues can be worked around for people who are willing to switch OSes as necessary. Please also bear in mind that I don't know too much about hardware; I'm a software guy.
EDIT: According to the comments, the motherboard is a potential limiting factor here. Why? What makes the motherboard (or some other component) consider a 2 GB stick to be OK, but not a 4 GB stick? Basically, I'm trying to understand the technical reasons behind memory limitations.
Info about my specific situation: I'd like to upgrade to 4 GB if possible, but I don't want to waste money. However, this question isn't really about my specific hardware; it's more general than that. While I'd be interested in hearing any personal experience with my particular hardware, I think that kind of stuff is best for the comments, as this question is the one in bold above.
It would be based on which motherboard they used. Can you tell us how many memory sticks it currently is using? – Ramhound – 2011-11-28T15:48:15.857
You will want to purchase a single 2GB stick of PC6400 which is the max your netbook will support. – Ramhound – 2011-11-28T16:45:59.173
@Ramhound: Thanks for your comments. I haven't opened the case, but judging from the size of the RAM compartment, it appears that there's only room for a single stick. – Scott Severance – 2011-11-28T23:23:11.473
@Ramhound: I'm updating my question to clarify it a bit. See above, please. – Scott Severance – 2011-11-28T23:23:50.863
Found a similar question: What limits a motherboard from supporting more memory?
– Hand-E-Food – 2011-11-29T23:07:34.650@Hand-E-Food: That's exactly what I was looking for. If you put it into an answer, I'll mark it as accepted. – Scott Severance – 2011-11-30T00:39:54.920