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    2x512 vs 1x1024 Mb Ram

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by wanner, Aug 7, 2006.

  1. wanner

    wanner Notebook Guru

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    I am buying a Dell XPS M1210 with 1024Mb Ram. I assume Dell will put in 2x512Mb. Is there any difference in 1x1024 vs 2x512? Cause otherwise i would prefer 1x1024 for future upgrades.

    Do you think it would be possible to tell Dell to put in 1x1024 instead?
     
    wanner, Aug 7, 2006
    #1
  2. Percybut

    Percybut Notebook Consultant

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    DELL will put in 2*512 because it says 'dual channel' in the specs.

    Dual channel is a mother board technology that enables faster memory access, but it requires more than one memory sticks on the mother board.

    Also, 2*512 is generally cheaper than 1*1GB (so why doesn't dell do that)

    Here's the deal with 2*512:
    Pros: Dual Channel support
    Cons: When you want to add more RAM, you may end up throwing one of your 512mb into the trash can.

    So if you do not plan to upgrade your RAM, stick with 2*512, it'll give you better performance.
     
    Percybut, Aug 7, 2006
    #2
  3. Tiger-Heli

    Tiger-Heli Notebook Evangelist

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    Dual channel is highly over-rated.

    Dell might put in 1x1024 for you, but will probably charge more to do so. Can't hurt to ask, though!!!
     
    Tiger-Heli, Aug 7, 2006
    #3
  4. Gautam

    Gautam election 2008 NBR Reviewer

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    Also, it was noted sometime before that less sticks mean less heat generated (lower temps) - maybe trivially so, but still. Plus, the expandability.

    Don't trash your unneeded 512 stick. Sell it. Lot of people need RAM, and throwing it adds toxic waste in landfills.
     
    Gautam, Aug 7, 2006
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  5. ICDragon

    ICDragon Notebook Enthusiast

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    they won't, because they want to rip you off and force you to upgrade to 2gb of ram with them...
     
    ICDragon, Aug 7, 2006
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  6. sureshot

    sureshot Notebook Geek

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    Is all Dell RAM of the "Hynix" Brand? I ask because I may end up purchasing 2 X 1Gb sticks -- 1 from Dell (don't ask) and 1 from Newegg, and I am worried about compatibility issues. Although of course I would make sure it is the same speed and everything, but I can't find any clue of who the manufacturer is of RAM that Dell sells in it's "Dell Certified Memory" section of Electronics and Accessories.
     
    sureshot, Aug 7, 2006
    #6