Which is more efficient for upgrading the speed of my Notebook: Upgrading RAM or Buying an External HDD?

Question

I'm looking at Upgrading my Notebook (Compaq Presario CQ62) and I was wondering would it be more efficient to upgrade my RAM card (from 2x1gb to 2x2gb) or to just by an external Hard Drive (500gb or more). I'm only looking to spend about $50-60 here so no over-the-top upgrading will take place.

Thanks for your time,
Tyler

Answer 1

Go with more RAM... Adding another hard drive wont really speed up your system (unless your dangerously low on space)...

Answer 2

Having more RAM will definitely improve performance but other factors have to be taken into account before upgrading the RAM do you have a 64 bit system which can handle 4GB of RAM if you don't then your going to need to upgrade your OS i would also say that upgrading your hard drive doesn't always improve system performance simply clearing your system of unused programs and files is a good way to speed the system up but i would recommend that you backup important files before you start deleting files just on the off chance you will need them again. in my opinion upgrading the RAM will be the better option but do your research before you go out and buy it and make sure you clean your hard drive of any unused programs etc.



Hope this helps.

Answer 3

If you have only 2 GB of RAM, upgrading to 4 gigs will significantly improve multi-tasking performance.



For significant improvements in speed overall, you might want to try an SSD upgrade, however this is only recommended if you can put up with small drive capacities because SSD's are bought for their speed, not for their capacities.



SSD's are quite expensive as well, and it'll cost you $120+ for a 60 gigabyte drive.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/753815-REG/OCZ_OCZSSD2_2VTXE60G_60GB_Vertex_2_SATA.html



SSD's are many times faster than HDD's -- no moving parts. With an SSD your laptop will open applications, open files and start up/shutdown much faster than with a HDD.

Answer 4

confident, you are able to. motherboard as 4 slots so at a later date whilst u discover the money for only purchase 2 x 2GB of memory then stick all 4 into your computer. memory enhancements are the least perplexing and maximum inexpensive procedures of upgrading your equipment. only open the case up and slot them into the motherboard. No messing around with furniture and fittings. its a 2 minute job

Answer 5

RAM without a doubt, an external HD will be USB which will be slower than the internal SATA one.