5102WLMi Memory..what would you buy?

Hi guys
I'm upgrading the Memory on my Aspire 5102WLMi from 1GB to 2GB. (It came with two 512MB modules installed, so I'll be replacing both of them with two 1GB modules).

Here is one link I found, and there are some user comments about how this particular Memory worked great with the 5102.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820145097

(In fact, I've seen the price as low as 37.00 per module in the past, so I'm keeping my eye on them...like I said, I'll need two).

Are there any better deals, or different memory that you guys would recommend instead of the one I have the link to?

Thanks for any comments or suggestions.
(Obviously, I'd like to keep the cost down as low as possible, while still getting some quality Memory).

 

As you can see in my sig I have 2 x 1Gb of crucial ram. I did just like you want to do and removed the 2 x 512mb modules that came with the notebook. Anyway the crucial memory works great in my 5102 but if want to find better deals (if possible) you can take a look at the ram deals thread.

 

Thanks for the reply and the link Evolution...I wasn't even aware there was a "Ram Deals" thread!

I'm wondering about something else now.
I see in your Sig, you have "Crucial 2GB DDR2-667Mhz" Memory, where as my newegg link is for "DDR2 533 (PC2 4200)".

Would I notice a big difference in performance between the two?

I don't do any serious gaming, but do often run several programs at the same time...some requiring a fair amount of memory.

Would I notice a definite difference between the speed of the two Memory types? (I imagine the DDR2-667 is more expensive than the Memory in my link).

Thanks again.

 

i got 2gb of corsair at 667 mhz and it is performing flawless. it was $89 with shipping from newegg.

 

Be carefull what memory you use in Acer's laptops, they are very picky and Acer will not support 3rd part memory

 

Yes this seems to be the case this is why I stick to crucial for any upgrades on either or my acer notebooks. I'd also recommend corsair as well.

As for the 533 vs 667 issue it is up to you really. If the 533 is cheaper go for it but it is down to personal preference. We don't live in a benchmark world therefore the very slight difference between the 2 is almost nonexistent for everyday stuff. I haven't noticed any difference, the 533 has lower latency(faster response time) but the 667 is has higher memory bandwidth. These 2 cancel each other out in everyday task.

Not to get too technical here but a little known fact about AMD systems is the ram will only actually run @ 667mhz based on the processor you use. This is all because of AMD's integrated memory controller on the processor. For the 1.6 turion x2, it will run at 640mhz when 667mhz ram is installed however with 533mhz ram the ram will run @ 533mhz this is why acer usually sells the 5102 with 533mhz ram.
For a greater insight into this phenomenon you can read here

 

Really appreciate the replies guys....

Would you happen to have an exact link for that Memory deltafx1942?
(No worries, I can probably find it if I look around).

Yes, I've read that a lot too.....this is one reason I was considering the Ram in my link. (Not that I put a whole lot of confidence in newegg user reviews, but several people mentioned specifically that the Crucial performed great in their 5102WLMI, after having problems with other brands).


And Evolution...

Thanks for that excellent explanation and the link you provided!
I've always had good luck with Crucial Memory (and I've heard corsair is good too...although I've never used it myself).

I'm not going to worry a whole lot then about the difference between 533mhz vs 667mhz.
Sounds like either would be fine for my purposes.

Instead, I'll go for the best price I can find for which ever Memory has been shown to run great in the 5102.


Thanks again folks!

 

thenut, here's the link for my memory:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145157

 

Thank you for the link deltafx1942!

I see between your link and mine, they are just about the same cost.
(Your link includes the whole 2GB, where mine would require buying two 1GB Modules, but it ends up about the same).

And I'm sure now that either would work just fine...(thanks to you and others trying them out!)

As I said, I've seen some discounts (I receive the newegg newsletter with some discount codes now and then), and I've seen the Ram in my link as low as 36.00 per stick, so I'll probably just kick back for a while and see if the price comes down at all on one or the other.

I know I'm nit-picking here, but what the heck!

If I get too impatient, I just go ahead and order one of them.

Thanks again.

 

I’ve put into as5601 two of this almost year ago:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227110

 

make sure you upgrade the bios to 3.05. i think that might've gotten rid of some earlier memory issues. plus you can up the dedicated graphics mem to 256. not that it'll help too much, but some games seem to run a little better.

 

Thanks for the info deltafx1942.

To be honest, I've flashed the Bios on a ton of Desktops over the years, but this is the first Laptop I've owned in ages.

Is it pretty easy to do? (Can it be done within Windows these days, or is it still done before Windows loads and you pray something doesn't go wrong in the process which makes your machine a brick?).

Heheh....if you happened to have a link to the latest Bios, and could offer some easy step by step instructions on how to upgrade it, I sure would appreciate it.

Thanks again for your help!

 

I've been fine with the 2.73 bios and 2gb of corsair 667 for a year. It even gives you the option for 256mb of video ram.

And upgrading the bios is easy, just run an .exe in windows followed by a reboot.

If you want the latest bios, go to the acer driver downloads and search for your notebook. Really not that hard, and all you need to do after is double click the downloaded file, that's it.

 

Thanks for the additional info, adinu!