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    Is it worth it to get less RAM?

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by Naws, Dec 24, 2007.

  1. Naws

    Naws Notebook Enthusiast

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    I don't know if i should go with 1gb or 2gb of RAM on a new laptop, i have a few questions

    Is it economically worth it to get 1gb instead of 2 on a new laptop, then upgrade it with after market RAM?

    How easy is it to install RAM on a laptop, can I do it myself?

    Can RAM be upgraded on all laptops?

    Will I void my warranty if I upgrade RAM?

    It would be great if i can get these questions answered, thanks
     
    Naws, Dec 24, 2007
    #1
  2. knightingmagic

    knightingmagic Notebook Deity

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    It's best to get the minimum amount and upgrade it yourself, saving LOTS of money. In almost all cases, it should be easy. There's exceptions: like when the RAM upgrade requires removing the CPU first or when you get a bad stick of RAM and have to wait for a replacement. 99% of the time, you remove a screw, pop off the RAM compartment cover, "click" out the old RAM and "click" in the new.
     
    knightingmagic, Dec 24, 2007
    #2
  3. MYK

    MYK Newbie NBR Reviewer

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    What is the notebook you had in mind and how much would 2GB cost you if you order it through the manufacturer?
     
    MYK, Dec 24, 2007
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  4. Vizel

    Vizel Notebook Consultant

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    Answers
    1) Yes, money saved ranging from usually 40-100 dollars
    2) Most of the time it is just screw pop it on and pop it back on, but some of them are really hard and risky to get. the general way to tell this is if manufactures charge you extreme (200+ dollars) for ram upgrade or not Cause they know you can't easily upgrade it yourself (example : dell Latitude D630)

    3. Except Asus Eee cheap version or some extreme... UMPCs or Cheap Chinese brand (sorry for all the Chinese here, I don't mean to be racist, and lenovo is an exception, guys) laptop, yes it can be

    4. Most of the time it won't, but you should check with manufacturer's policy
     
    Vizel, Dec 24, 2007
    #4
  5. SillyMan

    SillyMan Notebook Consultant

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    I upgraded my vaio to 2gig it cost $75 for the RAM and took maybe 5 minutes and thats because I was scatching my head for 3 thinking "it can't be that easy am I missing something"
     
    SillyMan, Dec 24, 2007
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  6. knightingmagic

    knightingmagic Notebook Deity

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    I don't know if there's anyone who custom orders a laptop with 4GB of RAM. When you can find 2x2GB for ~$60, $700 to upgrade from 1GB to 4GB is crazy.
     
    knightingmagic, Dec 24, 2007
    #6
  7. powerpack

    powerpack Notebook Prophet

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    Look at the price, you can usually get cheaper even if you have to scrap all the OEM RAM. Some people sell the original 1GB (2X512MB's) on EBay to defer the cost.
     
    powerpack, Dec 25, 2007
    #7