I am confused by something.

[TheL]

So, there's a game I want.  I have no room in my home for a desktop computer at all; my only computer is an HP Pavilion g7 laptop.  If my laptop can't run it, and it isn't on the Wii, I'm not playing it, essentially.

So I'm on Steam, looking at a game.  Under minimum requirements, it says this:

Memory: 2GB RAM (XP)/3GB RAM (Windows 7 / Vista)


Why does the exact same game require more or less memory just because I have a different version of the OS?  Is this a 32-bit vs. 64-bit issue?  Is it really that necessary that I find some way to install another GB of RAM just because I happened to get a machine that runs Windows 7?

[Kradorex Xeron]

As said on IRC (For the record):

Basically, the amount of memory quoted isn't what the game takes up between OSes, but rather what the computer requires total.

Vista and 7 both won't run comfortably on anything less than 1 GByte RAM, so it's safe to for this arguements sake to assume Vista/7 take up ~1-1.5 GByte RAM, while XP can run on as little as 256-512 MBytes. As such, the game likely itself requires 1.25-1.75 GBytes minimum on top of the operating system

[Cloud3514]

Besides, installing an extra GB or two of RAM isn't hard, even on laptops. The only questions you need to know are how much RAM can your motherboard carry and what configuration is your current RAM (one 2GB stick or two 1GB sticks).

[Napoleon the Clown]

Because Vista and 7 both eat up more resources than XP.

[TheL]

Besides, installing an extra GB or two of RAM isn't hard, even on laptops. The only questions you need to know are how much RAM can your motherboard carry and what configuration is your current RAM (one 2GB stick or two 1GB sticks).

I actually tried this once years ago, attempting to add an additional 256 MB to the laptop I had at the time.  Unfortunately, the little notch in it was about 1-2 mm too far to one side, and it wouldn't fit.

So I'm somewhat hesitant to try it again, even though I know Beast Buy will give me my money back if it doesn't fit right.

[Captain Jack Harkness]

Besides, installing an extra GB or two of RAM isn't hard, even on laptops. The only questions you need to know are how much RAM can your motherboard carry and what configuration is your current RAM (one 2GB stick or two 1GB sticks).

I actually tried this once years ago, attempting to add an additional 256 MB to the laptop I had at the time.  Unfortunately, the little notch in it was about 1-2 mm too far to one side, and it wouldn't fit.

So I'm somewhat hesitant to try it again, even though I know Beast Buy will give me my money back if it doesn't fit right.

You have to get the right kind.  I think laptops generally take SO-DIMM.  Do you know if it's like, DDR3 or whatever?

[MaybeNever]

So I'm somewhat hesitant to try it again, even though I know Beast Buy will give me my money back if it doesn't fit right.

There have been several times in my life when I could have used a guarantee like that.

[Cerim Treascair]

Holy smokes! Krad, you made it! Dude, welcome! *waves and is a Siraj*

[TheL]

Besides, installing an extra GB or two of RAM isn't hard, even on laptops. The only questions you need to know are how much RAM can your motherboard carry and what configuration is your current RAM (one 2GB stick or two 1GB sticks).

I actually tried this once years ago, attempting to add an additional 256 MB to the laptop I had at the time.  Unfortunately, the little notch in it was about 1-2 mm too far to one side, and it wouldn't fit.

So I'm somewhat hesitant to try it again, even though I know Beast Buy will give me my money back if it doesn't fit right.

You have to get the right kind.  I think laptops generally take SO-DIMM.  Do you know if it's like, DDR3 or whatever?

I have no idea what those letters mean.

Holy smokes! Krad, you made it! Dude, welcome! *waves and is a Siraj*

He's been on our IRC for ages.  Considering that there is a dearth of drama there lately, I don't know why you haven't come back.

[Captain Jack Harkness]

Besides, installing an extra GB or two of RAM isn't hard, even on laptops. The only questions you need to know are how much RAM can your motherboard carry and what configuration is your current RAM (one 2GB stick or two 1GB sticks).

I actually tried this once years ago, attempting to add an additional 256 MB to the laptop I had at the time.  Unfortunately, the little notch in it was about 1-2 mm too far to one side, and it wouldn't fit.

So I'm somewhat hesitant to try it again, even though I know Beast Buy will give me my money back if it doesn't fit right.

You have to get the right kind.  I think laptops generally take SO-DIMM.  Do you know if it's like, DDR3 or whatever?

I have no idea what those letters mean.

Holy smokes! Krad, you made it! Dude, welcome! *waves and is a Siraj*

He's been on our IRC for ages.  Considering that there is a dearth of drama there lately, I don't know why you haven't come back.

Oh.  Well, knowing what KIND of memory your computer uses is pretty important, so could you check and get back to us?  If you need help, find someone who DOES know.

[TheL]

Besides, installing an extra GB or two of RAM isn't hard, even on laptops. The only questions you need to know are how much RAM can your motherboard carry and what configuration is your current RAM (one 2GB stick or two 1GB sticks).

I actually tried this once years ago, attempting to add an additional 256 MB to the laptop I had at the time.  Unfortunately, the little notch in it was about 1-2 mm too far to one side, and it wouldn't fit.

So I'm somewhat hesitant to try it again, even though I know Beast Buy will give me my money back if it doesn't fit right.

You have to get the right kind.  I think laptops generally take SO-DIMM.  Do you know if it's like, DDR3 or whatever?

I have no idea what those letters mean.

Holy smokes! Krad, you made it! Dude, welcome! *waves and is a Siraj*

He's been on our IRC for ages.  Considering that there is a dearth of drama there lately, I don't know why you haven't come back.

Oh.  Well, knowing what KIND of memory your computer uses is pretty important, so could you check and get back to us?  If you need help, find someone who DOES know.

I looked up the exact kind for the Toshiba system I had last time around, and it still didn't fit.  I used the exact brand name and model Toshiba recommended.   Forgive me if I'm less than eager to go through the process again.

[Mantorok]

Post the exact model number of your laptop here and people can advise you on what RAM to buy.

[TheL]

HP Pavilion g7.  Windows 7, 2 GB RAM.  451 GB HDD capacity.  I can't remember how to view the rest.  I thought it was My Computer --> right-click on C:\ --> Properties, but apparently that's not it.


Since I'm not sure if they've used that model number in other years, I'll also point out that this one was purchased in May 2011.

[Mantorok]

HP Pavilion g7.

That's just the series. To find the model number, follow these instructions.

[TheL]

OK, none of this says "Model Number" so I'm going to post what seems relevant.


Product number LF181UA#ABA
BIOS  F.33 - 08/18/2011 (0594100000204610000620100)
Total memory 4.00 GB
AMD Athlon IIP360 Dual-Core Processor



Wait, if I have 4 GB of memory, then why won't the game's free demo run?  Is it something weird to do with dual-core processors or something?