I did that with my MacBook, and it hangs up less and maybe loads programs faster.

Well, I had 4GB on this machine and one of the DIMMs died so now I have only 2GB and I've been too lazy/cheap to replace it and I've definitely noticed a difference in the responsiveness of everyday applications.

The only cautionary word I would give is that, this being a new computer, you'll invalidate any warranty by taking the cover off it.

I'd recommend it, but if I may piggyback on your question, I recently got a cheap desktop to use primarily as a DVR with Windows Media Center (which I'd done for 4 years on a 'puter that recently died) and to plug a MagicJack into for my home phone (hey, it works!). With Windows 7 instead of XP, this 2GB unit is generally slower than the old one was, so I'm definitely going for more memory, but maybe cheaping out and only adding 1GB to bring it to 3. Would that do much (and would there be a problem with 'unmatched pairs' of memory chips)?

this being a new computer, you'll invalidate any warranty by taking the cover off it.

This isn't true. The first thing I do to any mac is buy and install 3rd party memory. I've also changed the hard drive to a bigger one. I've never had apple care denied. As long as it's a serviceable part, you're fine. Yet for some reason these false rumors continue to exist.

I haven't bought a PC in ages. I'd check with the maker. But voiding a warranty for working on parts that are serviceable and upgradable is silly and I'd avoid any computer maker that enforces such nonsense.

That's pretty standard in Europe. Maybe it's different in the States.

It's an eMachines computer.

You're both sort of right.

I just had a chat with one of their customer service reps; She said that the simple act of taking the cover off will not invalidate any warranty BUT if I should happen to damage anything inside the computer, THEN the warranty is void.

jason's_planet: you'll definitely get better performance out of your PC by upgrading - most benchmarking tests show that more memory gives better performance than updating the processor. Especially, with the newer operating systems (MS Vista or Windows 7). With each generation of computing, Intel giveth and Microsoft taketh away ... Doubling the memory will decrease the load-time of applications noticeably and mean that multitasking (having multiple applications or functions running at the same time) is less visible. Don't be scared of doing this - you are *highly* unlikely to damage anything (but always "earth" yourself by touching the metal case, before you touch any of the electrical boards or components).

oneswellfoop: the amount of memory you should upgrade to depends on (again) your OS. If you are running Windows XP, it can only address (use) 3GB of RAM, so there is no point in upgrading to 4GB. If you are running Vista or Win 7, I'd go for 4GB - there is really not that much price differential unless you are using really fast memory. The matched pairs stuff is not critical - many sellers recommend that you match the chip latency, but this is not really essential.

[Note: the only versions of Windows that can see more than 4GB are the 64-bit versions. So unless you are running 64-bit Vista or Windows 7, there is no point installing more than 4GB of RAM.]

The main thing to look out for is to match the type of memory before you buy new RAM. It's worth opening up the RAM cover (which is normally user-accessible on a laptop) and taking note of the type of RAM. You will get better performance by matching the speed, latency, and bus-access speed of the RAM. Before you buy, Google your make and model to find out what sort of memory you need. There is also a nice RAM checker utility downloadable from Crucial (who are a trustworthy RAM supplier). That will tell you exactly what is installed and what you need to buy, to match your existing RAM. I've had good luck buying on eBay (check the seller feedback) and Amazon, for good prices. Crucial direct also look a good deal ...

Make sure your BIOS is up-to-date before you upgrade. I had a problem when upgrading RAM on my Lenovo (PC freezing) that was resolved by a BIOS update.

She said that the simple act of taking the cover off will not invalidate any warranty BUT if I should happen to damage anything inside the computer, THEN the warranty is void.

Yeah, that makes sense. If I install memory or change the hard drive on my mac it doesn't cancel the warranty, But if I damage something doing so, it would, just as if I dropped it on the ground, that's not their fault. I think that's fair.

And they recommend taking it to an authorized dealer, but on most serviceable parts, at least with macs, I don't see how you could hurt anything (not saying it's impossible, but highly, highly unlikely). I have no idea how easily emachines are upgraded.

If it's XP, I would not bother. If it is Vista or 7, I think it would be worth it.

It's a Windows 7 machine so . . . yes, it can make a difference.

Thank you all very much for helping me with this.

This sounds like a good project to explore when I have a little bit of money in my project.

Thank you and (USians, at least) enjoy your three day weekend!

I'm no expert, but my rule of thumb is to always max out the RAM.