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    Question abour RAM for 1720

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by laptop23, Jul 9, 2008.

  1. laptop23

    laptop23 Notebook Consultant

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    Hey this is my first post here. I have just ordered a Dell 1720 with 2GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 at 667MHz memory and I was wondering what the basic process of upgrading the RAM to 4gb is. Is it like on desktops where there are open slots for RAM sticks to be put in? Or is it that you have to remove the 2GB Ram and put in the 4gb ram? I am confused about laptop ram because they seem to come in packs of 2.
     
    laptop23, Jul 9, 2008
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  2. Zero

    Zero The Random Guy

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    Welcome to NBR, laptop23. :)

    Notebooks come with only two RAM slots. Some even have one. The Inspiron 1720 has two. If you get it configured with 2 GB, its likely it will come with two modules of 1 GB density each. That means to upgrade to 4 GB, you will need to remove both and install two 2 GB modules. Installing RAM modules is simple. They are usually under a panel on the underside of the notebook. Two clips hold the module in place. Once the clips are undone, the module can be removed.

    If you have a 32-bit OS, the machine will only be able to use 3 to 3.5 GB. This is a limitation of a 32-bit OS. So, installing 4 GB will be a waste. Most people install 3 GB.
     
    Zero, Jul 9, 2008
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  3. laptop23

    laptop23 Notebook Consultant

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    Thanks for your reply Zero. I heard somewhere that Vista SP1 fixes the 4gb issue and that all 4gb is available. Is this true?
     
    laptop23, Jul 9, 2008
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  4. wywern209

    wywern209 NBR Dark Knight

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    yes what zero said but u will get true dual channel benefits though 4gb. and it isn't that windows 32 isn't using all 4gb it is but allocating about half to1 gb to other things like video card ...
     
    wywern209, Jul 9, 2008
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  5. laptop23

    laptop23 Notebook Consultant

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    Even if it has a dedicated 8600M GT?
     
    laptop23, Jul 9, 2008
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  6. Zero

    Zero The Random Guy

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    I'm not sure on that. I don't use Vista, so I can't be sure. But, I think Vista will show that the system has 4 GB, but it cannot actually allocate the whole 4 GB to be used by programs. In ther words, it knows that there is 4 GB, but it is still limited to 3-3.5 GB.
     
    Zero, Jul 9, 2008
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  7. laptop23

    laptop23 Notebook Consultant

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    Oh I see. Thanks again for the replies.
     
    laptop23, Jul 9, 2008
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