2 X 8GB ram modules in 2 X 4GB sockets

I have an old laptop with bad memory (failed memtest) and I happen to have 2 X 8GB sticks lying around at a frequency of DDR3 1600 mhz. Here is my problem, the old computer has a ram speed of DDR3 1066 mhz and only supports 2 X 4GB sticks.

It does not bother me if only 8GB is recognized and if it operates at 1066, will this ram work in the computer.

Thanks in advance,
Jake

 

First thing is try to reseat the RAM (remove and replace) then test again.

Then the speed and amount depends on the chipset/memory controller. What CPU/chipset is it using?

 

It's using an i7 720QM with an intel PM55 chipset.

also thanks for the re-seating idea, I'm going to try that when I get home.

 

If no other limitation were implemented on your laptop model, that chip supports 16Gb but @1333Mhz max.

 

I had a Dell 1747 that had i720 + PM55 and the RAM ran at 1333. The 1600 RAM should work fine at 1066 anyway.

 

Just a warning that I have seen some Dell XPS not take 8 GB sticks, so there might be something preventing you form using 8 GB sticks in your laptop (or not), you'll have to take a chance if no one did it yet.

 

there are w510 with i720 using 32gb of ram the chip and the chipset should take 8gb dimms

 

The CPU and chipset definitely can, but sometimes there are some weird limitations in the bios, for example, the fujitsu laptops that couldn't take more than 3 GB of RAM while the CPU and chipset were capable of doing 4 GB a while ago. The OP didn't mention what laptop he had. The mobile workstations will take 32 GB with a first gen core i7, but other laptops may or may not. Most should, but there are always exceptions like the XPS i mentioned which was the XPS 1640 I think. I'd have to dig up the thread in the Dell forums.

 

Just an update, the system is a Lenovo IdeaPad y550p, I have tried reseating the RAM and it did not work, I have not tried the 8 GB sticks yet.