I haven't seen any reports yet of anyone actually upgrading it to 4GB, which would be the maximum WHS could support. I also agree with MitchSchaft; it's unlikely you'd discern any real performance difference.

macster said: Well... it was a question of time before someone decided to sell a EX485 unit with 4GB DDR2 upgrade pre-installed on ebay. Link: http://cgi.ebay.com/New-HP-MediaSmart-EX485-Windows-Home-Server-750GB-4GB_W0Q...

I'm not sure what a person is going to get when they buy that system as it also claims to be *new* and *Sealed in Box" as well.  I know that HP isn't selling them with 4GB of RAM, so which statement is wrong?  Is it the amount of memory or that it is new/sealed?

ROFL

HP EX485, 2GB RAM, Intel Celeron E3300 2.5GHz Dual-Core Processor, 4 x 2TB WD Caviar Green

I know that HP isn't selling them with 4GB of RAM, so which statement is wrong?  Is it the amount of memory or that it is new/sealed? ROFL

My guess would be both.

HP approved memory upgrades in the EX470x series and said it wouldnt void the warrenty. I don't see what the EX48x series would be any differant.

I've confirmed with HP that they have never shipped a MediaSmart Server, in any country, with a stock 4GB module.

pardizzone said: It says right on the page: Box was opened for memory upgrade only !

I don't know if you're getting my point.  It is NOT *NEW* nor is it *SEALED IN BOX*, if it has been opened for any reason!!!!  Buy a car and go get the windows tinted, install neon lights on it and try returning it to the dealership.  They sure won't call that car new.  Sorry, things just don't work that way.  :-)

Now; let's say your OK with them calling it *new* and *sealed*.  Then are we to believe that they pulled the system all apart which isn't easy by any means to put memory in it and put it back in the box.  I wouldn't be comfortable about them going through such disassembly without some form of testing afterwards.  Hence, again this does not qualify calling the unit *new* and *Sealed in box* anywhere?

Another point is why upgrade the memory???  First, most people would argue whether you would even notice a difference in performance by adding more memory.  Second, have you price a 4GB memory module.  It isn't cheap!  They typically go for around $150.

So if they can afford to put that kind of money into the system, why not do what others are clearly doing to increase performance and add value by upgrading the CPU.  It is cheaper than the memory and shows immediate performance gains for a fraction of the cost.

 I would be cautious of this sale for the reasons above.  I'm cannot or would not stop anyone from buying it.  I do believe that is false advertising to call it *NEW* and *SEALED IN BOX*.  Only when you look into the full description do you see them mentioned that the OPENED the box which negates the other two statements.  It is an unethical selling practice. Should we also discuss what a buyers chances are of getting HP warrantee service on one of these *NEW* systems?  I think HP would consider any system opened and modified in anyway terms to void the warrantee.

A person would be spending a lots of money for an upgrade that most likely won’t notice and without any form of warrantee.  Where is the deal in this?

HP EX485, 2GB RAM, Intel Celeron E3300 2.5GHz Dual-Core Processor, 4 x 2TB WD Caviar Green

If the stock memory was 512MB, then you will notice a huge difference with the upgrade.