Dell Inspiron 1720 RAM

I currently have 3GB RAM running with Windows 7 Home Premium 32 bit. I have a new hard drive on the way and am looking to do a clean install of Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit. I would like to upgrade to 6GB RAM so need a 4GB RAM module to compliment the 2GB one already in there. Just worrying about the compatibility and where I can get hold of one. Cheers.

 

You need DDR2 PC5300 or PC5400 SODIMMs. They should be available at any electronics or computer retailer, or you could always go with the online option.

 

I would go on Newegg, most retail stores overprice their RAM (like mine )

And if you have a Inspiron 1720 you have either a GM965/PM965 chipset so you can go up to 8 GB DDR2 667 (unofficially).

 

Does Newegg ship to the UK? Do note his location.

 

Oops missed that, Newegg does not ship to the UK.

 

Thanks for the replies. I've managed to get 8GB (2 x 4GB) for £100 on Amazon. Fingers crossed!

 

Ah well that's a good deal. Good luck, and let us know the results!

 

DDR2 ? That is a steal.

 

agreed.. its safe on amazon so don't need to worry... as long as its not from the marketplace.

Panther214

 

First off, while it isn't that much of a big deal (i.e. performance hit) then do remember the recommendation to always install laptop memory in pairs. I suggest you take a look at dual channel - making the most out of laptop memory (at the bottom of this page) just so you're up to speed with what dual channel is, why you would want to use it and so forth.

Secondly, your Inspiron 1720 laptop uses the AMD M690G chipset and supports up to 4GB of PC2-5300 (667MHz) DDR RAM (at least officially). Installing more will very likely cause a) your laptop to not boot up or b) to not report more than 4GB of installed RAM anyway.

Thirdly. You can buy any brand of RAM. You certainly don't have to buy it from Dell and over pay (unless you really like Dell In the UK you can buy the RAM at any number of online stores, in fact the above link also points to a number of these stores and gives you suggestions (take your pick). A lot of people tend to choose either Crucial or Kingston, at other times Corsair and rarely Hynix.

Given the above I think the best bet is 2x2GB, or take the risk with 6GB if you feel like experimenting, but I'm pretty sure it will still only report 4GB max in your laptop.

 

Uhh I think you are thinking of a different notebook because the Inspiron 1720 is the same thing as a Vostro 1700 which uses a GM965/PM965 chipset..

 

Yes, indeed, my mistake. I was sure it was an Intel platform laptop but checked online just to be sure and it came up as an AMD platform. Thanks for spotting my error almost instantly.

Anyway, if it's a PM965 then all what I said about the 6GB part is wrong. A PM965 chipset laptop will take up to 8GB (2x 4GB sodimm's), it was only the PM945 chipset that didn't have memory remapping hence the a practical limit of 3GB.

Luckily all else I wrote still applies. I would go for 2x 4GB (just like to keep dual channel enabled even though it's not as big as difference as it used to be on older platforms).