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    About RAM Upgrade

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by coolguy66, May 12, 2007.

  1. coolguy66

    coolguy66 Notebook Enthusiast

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    I have a Toshiba Satellite A100 series notebook with 1GB 533MHz DDR2 Ram.
    I would like to upgrade my RAM to 2GB.....

    I want to use a 667MHz RAM.....Will it work in dual channel mode with my current 1GB (533MHz) ? Or should I replace my current 1GB too?
    Or should I put another 1GB stick running at 533MHz?

    Does 667MHz RAM make a big difference when compard to 533MHz? If so I will replace my current 1GB RAM....

    What is the standard cost of a stick of 1GB RAM?
     
    coolguy66, May 12, 2007
    #1
  2. uGuru

    uGuru Notebook Enthusiast

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    First you have to check to see if your laptop will support the faster ram (more than likely will). If you want to use 667 with 533, you might have some instability issues - you want your ram to be running at the same speeds, I would just get another stick of 533, just make sure the timings are the same and you should be good. Dont think you will be able to notice the difference between 667 and 533.

    Newegg.com - search there it should give you an idea on the current prices of ram.
     
    uGuru, May 13, 2007
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  3. coriolis

    coriolis Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    RAM prices are dropping rapidly, you can pick up a 1gb stick for $30 after rebates, perhaps less.

    You can use a 667mhz stick fine, but since your motherboard can't use 667mhz, it'll clock itself to 533mhz.
     
    coriolis, May 13, 2007
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  4. John Ratsey

    John Ratsey Moderately inquisitive Super Moderator

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    I have had no problem mixing RAM modules with different speeds. Each module has built-in timing data for use at different speeds.

    The BIOS should automatically use the slowest speed supported by both modules. See the attached screens from CPU-Z as an example of what happens.

    John
     

    Attached Files:

    John Ratsey, May 13, 2007
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  5. coolguy66

    coolguy66 Notebook Enthusiast

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    My laptop does support 667MHz RAM...But the 533MHz RAM just came preinstalled by default...

    The manual states that I can use 667MHz RAM.....I thought it was more faster.......

    If it really dosent make a big difference compared to 533MHz, then I dont mind buying another 1GB Stick of 533MHz
     
    coolguy66, May 13, 2007
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  6. FREN

    FREN Hi, I'm a PC. NBR Reviewer

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    Yeah, for older computers like your A100, the difference between 667 Mhz and 533 Mhz is minimal, since the increased latency on the 667 Mhz RAM cancels out most of the advantage from the increase in memory bandwidth.

    Also remember that your RAM will only run at its highest designated speed. It's like the weakest link - a team will only be as strong as the weakest player. Well, if you buy 667 Mhz RAM and put it in with the 533 RAM, the 667 RAM will downclock to 533 Mhz.
     
    FREN, May 13, 2007
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