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Laptop RAM upgrade?

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8 replies

by wompai

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I'm trying to upgrade the RAM of a laptop. It now contains 2 x 2GB DDR3 1033MHz 204-pin SODIMM modules. I want to upgrade to 2 x 4GB DDR3 1600MHz 204-pin SODIMM modules. The memory voltage is now 1.5V. Does it matter if I use 1.65V modules? Or do I have to use modules with the same or lower voltage? What happens if I use modules with a higher voltage?

8 replies

by seanferd

will not work or work properly. If the board is capable of supplying 1.65v, no problem.

by oh smeg

It will tell you what models form a particular maker will work in your system

http://www.crucial.com/

Other makers have a similar service all you need do is enter your compute Make Model and it will tell what Memory that the system can use.

Col

by thechas

What operating system are you running?

If you are running a 32 bit version of Windows, forget the upgrade. It does not mater what your hardware supports, the 32 bit versions of Windows only support 4 GB of addressable memory space. The additional 4 GB you would add would just draw power and add no performance.

If you are running Windows 7 64 bit or Vista 64 bit, then the upgrade makes sense. But, as advised, make sure that you use RAM that is fully compatible with your laptop.

Chas

by wompai

I did the memory scan and this was the result: http://www.crucial.com/systemscanner/viewscanbyid.aspx?id=77A1517631D926C3

It says that the highest voltage I support is 1.5V. So I was looking at a Mushkin memory kit which has the same specs but is 1.5V, will this work?
And btw I'm running Win7 64-bit so a RAM upgrade is useful.

PS: I'm dutch and I buy all my stuff at a local tech store. They didn't have any Crusial memory kits, but the Mushkin kits seem to be cheaper and have the same stats. It's just easier to return them if something isn't working.

by peconet tietokoneet

And place in the memory that is compatable to your laptop and do a test. If it does not work you do not have far to walk to get a refund. Make sure you have the correct screw drivers to do this :)

by merlin the wiz

I agree with wompai. But first I would check the specs on the laptop. If the CPU and Motherboard do not support 8 Gbytes or more The laptop will not be stable.
Also, unless you are running programs that are considered memory intensive, you will not see much improvement in performance.

by wompai

My MoBo and CPU are capable of supporting 16GB. Also I'm a heavy duty gamer and I use programs like Photshop CS5 and 3DSMax. So the extra RAM will always come in handy.

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