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    8GB Max RAM for i7-720???

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by msf12555, Apr 15, 2010.

  1. msf12555

    msf12555 Notebook Evangelist

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    I was reading this intel spec sheet and it states "Max Memory Size
    (dependent on memory type) 8 GB". What does the dependent on memory type mean? From what I was reading, this was assuming that the mobo only had two RAM slots, but, for example, the G73JH has four memory slots, so can it use 16GB? I know this is processor uses direct memory (or something like that) instead of an external memory controller, but...why are four slots available on certain laptop mobos if the processor can't handle over 8GB?
     
  2. sgogeta4

    sgogeta4 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Don't worry, it will support 16GB.
     
  3. Angelic

    Angelic Kickin' back :3

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    So maybe if they ever make 8GB memory sticks, it would work. >.>
     
  4. Yuxi

    Yuxi Notebook Consultant

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    No, the G73 has 4 memory slots so hypothetically you can put 4x4GB sticks in there.
     
  5. msf12555

    msf12555 Notebook Evangelist

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    That's what I thought too, but then I read this...

    http://ark.intel.com/Product.aspx?id=43122

    It says:

    Max Memory Size (dependent on memory type) 8 GB

    What the heck does that mean? I know the spec sheet is a little old, but I really want to know if it supports 12 or 16GB, or if it really is limited to 8.
     
  6. newsposter

    newsposter Notebook Virtuoso

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    also depends on whether or not the maker has support for 16Gb in the BIOS.
     
  7. msf12555

    msf12555 Notebook Evangelist

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    I would assume they do, since it has four RAM slots, but that a guess, not a fact.
     
  8. Greg

    Greg Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Considering the source is Intel, I would be more inclined to say that 8GB is the maximum supported.
     
  9. SomeFormOFhuman

    SomeFormOFhuman has the dumbest username.

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    Hard to tell unless if you try it. The PM/GM965 Santa Rosas are said to be capped at 4GB max, and even Dell says it maxes at 4GB. But 6 and 8GB works as seen in my machines, as I have took an attempt to test it - and yep it's proved successful.

    Other than the motherboard, it all depends on BIOS support as well. Well in my theory it should support 16GB, for what reason why would Asus capped each SoDIMM slot max to 2GB? ;)

    Another example is the Dell Precision M6500; it has 4 SoDIMM slots and has access up to 16GB (4 x 4GB) with the same chipset.
     
  10. Pitabred

    Pitabred Linux geek con rat flail!

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    Problem is that HP will sell you an i7 system with 16GB of RAM. It works.
     
  11. Greg

    Greg Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Then I will shut up.
     
  12. msf12555

    msf12555 Notebook Evangelist

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    Very confusing. Greg, in their spec sheet for the i7-920 (mobile), they also say that it has an 8GB memory cap:

    http://ark.intel.com/Product.aspx?id=43126

    But I swear I have seen 920 laptop setups with more than that...

    Besides... An extreme edition processor that costs north of a thousand bucks with an 8GB cap seems odd to me...
     
  13. Trottel

    Trottel Notebook Virtuoso

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    Maybe by memory size, they mean the actual size of the memory module, and not the total capacity of memory?
     
  14. msf12555

    msf12555 Notebook Evangelist

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    Good point. That would definitely make more sense to me.
     
  15. Angelic

    Angelic Kickin' back :3

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    Could they make this any more confusing. >.>
     
  16. DetlevCM

    DetlevCM Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Just to pitch in.

    The "Old Vaio Z" - some people wanted 6GB or 8GB on it, and it would work for some, and not for others.

    Why: Only worked for low Voltage/Wattage RAM "sticks".

    They might really refer to different RAM modules, and the difference is power efficiency.
     
  17. sean473

    sean473 Notebook Prophet

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    it depends on the number of memory slots... if u have 2 , 8GB is supported.. if u have 4, 16GB is supported.. as for 8GB RAM sticks being supported , well that i don't know... but i do know , that with 4 Slots , 16GB is supported...