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    true max memory of the 7801

    Discussion in 'Gateway and eMachines' started by flclkun, Feb 27, 2009.

  1. flclkun

    flclkun Notebook Enthusiast

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    i've read in some places that due to the 1066mhz fsb that this laptop should be able to handle 8 gigs of ddr3 mem. Although impractical and expensive, is it true that this laptop top can handle 8 gigs

    and if that is the case whats the max mem speed that this lappy can handle?

    thanks in advanced!
     
    flclkun, Feb 27, 2009
    #1
  2. Greg

    Greg Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    It won't benefit you to get more than 4GB unless you are running some very memory hungry programs...

    However, you can install 8GB of RAM in the laptop. But not because it has a 1066MHz FSB...
     
    Greg, Feb 27, 2009
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  3. jdpatt

    jdpatt Notebook Enthusiast

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    Sometimes the RAM is limited by the BIOS, if not the processor, motherboard, etc. I know I have an older Dell laptop that was limited to 1GB of RAM in the first several versions of the BIOS, but a later one allowed 2GB. Specifically, it's an Inspiron 5100 which allows 2GB of RAM with the A32 BIOS. Everything I've read from official Dell publications is that it's limited to 1GB, but I've personally verified that 2GB will work.

    As I understand it, this can happen for several reasons. The bigger RAM sticks might not exist when the BIOS was written, and depending on what support the company offers for the product after it's discontinued, they may or may not continue to update the BIOS. Not updating the BIOS can happen due to limited support, or as a designed obsolescence, preventing older models from competing with current offerings.

    So again, I'd double and triple check before buying the memory...preferably with users who have done the upgrade successfully (like posters here), rather than with customer support who seem to be somewhat clueless, or so I've heard.

    Dave
     
    jdpatt, Feb 27, 2009
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  4. motherpuncher22

    motherpuncher22 Notebook Consultant

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    I thought our bios limited it to 4GB? I think that is the case
     
    motherpuncher22, Feb 28, 2009
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  5. Kazeari

    Kazeari Notebook Consultant

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    It is limited to 4GB for now.
     
    Kazeari, Feb 28, 2009
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  6. PopRoxMimo3

    PopRoxMimo3 Notebook Deity

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    i thought the chipset/motherboard limits how much ram it can have
     
    PopRoxMimo3, Feb 28, 2009
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  7. Greg

    Greg Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    It does, but in this case the chipset supports 8GB. I'm pretty sure the motherboard will support 8GB as well, I've never seen a motherboard not support what the chipset could.
     
    Greg, Mar 1, 2009
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  8. TANWare

    TANWare Just This Side of Senile, I think. Super Moderator

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    I have, usually though this is the manufaturer and bios support they provide........................
     
    TANWare, Mar 2, 2009
    #8