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    Dell M1530 RAM Upgrade

    Discussion in 'Dell XPS and Studio XPS' started by endi25, Jul 5, 2009.

  1. endi25

    endi25 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hi everyone,
    So I've learned that the M1530 can now support 8GB of RAM and has been able to for a while now. I'm thinking of upgrading sometime in the next few months because i plan on getting the x64 Windows 7.

    I realized that the RAM installed in my laptop now has a speed of 667 Mhz. When i upgrade, will I be able to install 800 Mhz RAM? I have the T9500 processor, so why does dell install the 667 mhz instead of 800? Unless it can't support 800mhz...

    I'll appreciate any feedback, thanks.
     
    endi25, Jul 5, 2009
    #1
  2. hooligan001

    hooligan001 Notebook Evangelist

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    You can install 800MHZ RAM, however it will run at the 677MHZ. I believe it is something to do with the chipset the laptop uses.

    Anyhow good luck and let us know how you get on! Hope this is helpful.
     
    hooligan001, Jul 5, 2009
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  3. Eambo

    Eambo Notebook Evangelist

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    As said, due to the chipset used (I think it's PM965) it will only run at a speed of 667MHz. And again as mentioned, you can install an 800MHz fine but it'll downclock to 667MHz =-)
     
    Eambo, Jul 5, 2009
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  4. Fragilexx

    Fragilexx Get'cha head in the game

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    It is indeed the Intel 965PM chipset, and it is this chipset that limits it to 667MHz. As said in above quote, you can buy faster RAM, but it will downclock to 667MHz, so no benefit really; especially as DDR3 is now entering the mainstream; it's not like you can buy the 800MHz knowing you'll put it to good use in your next machine.

    Sources:
    Dell M1530 chipset
    Intel 965PM chipset
     
    Fragilexx, Jul 5, 2009
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  5. Koer

    Koer Notebook Deity

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    i would recommend you save some money, and get the 667 mhz RAM.. ( although i dont know what the price difference is in RAM these days.. the 800mhz might even be cheaper! )

    it will still downclock to 667 mhz, but at least you got the best for the money :D
     
    Koer, Jul 5, 2009
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  6. endi25

    endi25 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Thanks everyone for the prompt responses. 667 it is!
     
    endi25, Jul 5, 2009
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  7. hotrent1

    hotrent1 Notebook Consultant

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    I run vista ultimate x64 on one hard drive and windows 7 x64 on another. The 8 gb of ram i have probably never gets used, but it is nice to know it it there.
     
    hotrent1, Jul 7, 2009
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  8. 7oby

    7oby Notebook Evangelist

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    Didn't you get those cheap G.Skill ones for US$ 129,99 each 4GB? Well in that case you didn't loose money either. You could still sell them for more I guess.

    These 4GB SO-DIMM modules are currently one of the very rare computer parts that actually don't lose value.
     
    7oby, Jul 7, 2009
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