Is there a way to upgrade my computers maximum RAM capability without replacing the whole motherboar

My friend just bought a PC that he really liked, but forgot to look at the max. RAM capability and really wanted one that would go up to 8GB instead of the 4GB capability that comes preloaded. I know a fair bit about computers, but I'll admit I am at a loss in this realm. I know the motherboard pretty much factors in on this, but is there any other way to get it up to 8?

Is there a way to upgrade my computers maximum RAM capability without replacing the whole motherboard?downloads

Just cause i have nothing better to do. What operating system is he planning on using? And what is he planning on doing with 8 GB of ram?

As for your question, no there is no way to go past 8 gigs, unless your using vista and use a flash drive to add the other 4 gigs. But thats just a waste.

Ooh wait there is also a chance the manufacture of the motherboard can update the bios in the future for 8 gigs support. But thats just a chance not a sure thing.

Is there a way to upgrade my computers maximum RAM capability without replacing the whole motherboard?house call

No u can't. You have to replace you motherboard. See you motherboard has limited slots and each slot can hold certain amount of ram. If you need more speed, my suggestion is either buy a new motherboard with memories and just use your previous processor, or add a graphic card, which works like a second processor, bye giving you better video quality and faster performance.
To put it simply, NO. As the last guy mentioned, it could happen with a BIOS update, but that is HIGHLY unlikely. If I were you, I would advise your friend that right now 2GB is plenty, and there will be no need for 8GB for at three years. And by that time, DDR2 memory will have been replaced by DDR3 memory, which means he will want a new motherboard ANYWAY, so really he has nothing to worry about.
yes, you can upgrade it without replacing the motherboard, just buy additional RAM card and install it. But know your processor clock speed first. Pentium 3 processors with clock speed of 800megahertz can use a maximum RAM of up to 256 MB only. Pentium 3 processor clock speed are likewise upgradeable up to 1.2 gigahertz only. Pentium 4 can use 512MB-3GB RAM, while dual core processors can use a RAM of up to 8GB, so maybe your pc can qualify for that.