Upgrading the RAM on my Dell Inspiron 1520

I just ordered an Inspiron 1520 with the following specs:

1. Intel Core 2 Duo T7500 (2.2GHz/800Mhz FSB/4MB cache)
2. 1GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 at 667MHz
3. High Resolution, glossy widescreen 15.4 inch display (1440x900)
4. 256MB NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT
5. Windows Vista Premium Edition
6. 120GB 7200 RPM hard drive
7. Bluetooth capability
8. CD/DVD writer
9. Dell Wireless 1390 802.11g Mini-Card

I want to upgrade the RAM on it and I want to order the RAM now so I can install it the day I receive the computer.

What are my options here as to upgrading? I'm going to be using the computer for schoolwork, web browsing, and gaming. Should I just get 1 x 2GB stick of ram for a total of 2.5 GB, or would I really see any benefit from going to 3GB+?

I know that on Inspirons one of the RAM slots is under the keyboard and that's OK, I looked up the directions on how to change it and it looks easy enough.

 

i think 2gb is plenty for everything today unless you are heavy photo editor/video editor/autocad user.

 

2.5gb will be enough

 

2GB is probably enough for anything you plan to do probably

 

So would it be a good idea to get 1 x 2GB stick to replace one of the 512s, and end up with 2.5GB total, or do you have to have the same amount in each stick of RAM?

 

Ya, just take out one of the 512MB sticks and place the other 2GB stick in there and you'll be good to go.

 

After canceling my order and adding bluetooth, I've ordered the exact system as you and had the exact question. I asked in the 1520 lounge and was told the system will run faster if they match, or it won't recognize it correctly.

On Dell.com during the build stage, if you scroll down in the fine print it says *Dual-channel memory: Dual-channel memory requires 2 each of the same capacity memory DIMMs.

I was going to get them to upgrade it to 2GB because I found they sell the 1GB chips for 49.99 each, but after I talked to customer service on chat they pawned me off on the dept that "changes orders". I tried to make my point that I want them to CUSTOMER SERVICE me and give me the lower price but no go. I'm so not calling them again because I can't understand them on the phone.

So I'm just going to use 1GB until I can get another company's (cheaper) RAM and figure out how to install it.

But back to my point, I'm going to buy two of the 1GB sticks instead of one 2GB sticks.

 

OK, so the Inspiron comes with: "1GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 at 667MHz "

That means if I order a 2GB stick of RAM it also has to be DDR2 at 667MHz, right? Are there any other requirements that I have to make sure it meets to work in my Inspiron?

Also, are all brands pretty much the same?

 

Make sure you its 200pin So-dimm(laptop memory) DDR2-667(PC-5300/5400) and you should be fine. I wouldn't worry about brand... just go for the cheapest stick with a lifetime warranty(most if not all of the major Ram companyies have lifetimes warranties )

Look at the hot ram deals for great prices on ram(look at the first and the last couple of pages).

 

More RAM > Dual Channel

So just get a 1x2GB stick and have 2.5GB of RAM, instead of having to buy 2x1GB sticks [which I think is more expensive?] just to get 2GB of RAM in Dual Channel.

 

Will this work?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227236

It's the only 2GB DDR2 667 that NewEgg has. Some of the comments say it will make your computer run hot though, is that something I should be concerned about?

 

Anyone know?

 

Try this out (someone just posted this link in another thread)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231135

 

Whoever you heard that from doesn't know what they're talking about.

 

I get an error when I click that link.

 

You mean the heat issue?

 

Okay, well check the thread in this same section called "4GB of RAM for $89"

 

Yes. Adding more RAM will not "make your computer run hotter". That's nonsense.

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...1309121116+1309221136&name=DDR2+667+(PC2+5300)
Thats the ram thats compatiable with your laptop.