Vostro 1500 4gb Ram Upgrade

Hello everyone, I was contimplating upgrading the ram I have on my Vostro 1500. I currently am running 2x512 PC5300 667Mhz on my laptop, but I want to upgrade. I am wondering whether or not it is worth it to upgrade to 4gb dual channel. I'm looking at getting 2x2gb of Kingston memory, but would this amout of ram simply be overkill?

I can get this kingston memory for around $65, would it be worth it to upgrade to 4gigs, or would 2 gigs cut it.

p.s Would you reccomend avoiding ebay when purchasing ram, or is it trustworthy?

 

You can get 4gb ram for $65 from regular online shops. And you will see an improvement over 2gb ram.

 

I've bought a few bits of RAM from ebay without much problem. For the most part just make sure the seller has a DOA or some form of return policy so you CAN return the thing if you're not satisfied.

 

But why buy from ebay, when a store has the same price?

 

At that price I say go for it. I will assume you know about 32bit OS limitations and also a 3GB config has benefits if cheaper.

 

Not always for older SD and DDR memory.

 

I am unaware of 32bit OS limitations, can you please explain?? Would it be better to buy 3GB, or stick with the 4gb.

Is it possible to get 4gb from a store (In Canada) rather than Ebay?

 

32bit OS can only address 4GB memory (addresses) the OS needs to use some of those (4GB) for hardware such as video card. So it will only end up being able to see (Windows) about 3GB of the 4GB you install. It will work just will only use about 3GB of RAM. 64bit will see the entire 4GB's.

No drawback to having 4GB except cost. 3GB would be better if cost is an issue, if not get 4GB's. Will work very very slightly faster (doubt anyone could tell) than 3GB config even if Windows only sees 3GB's

 

Being a rookie when it comes to installing ram on laptops, it would be nice to avoid removing the keyboard. Would there be a significant decrease in performance if i simply put a 2gb stick in the bottom slot, and leave the 512mb in slot A?

 

Using a 512MB and 2GB sticks would give you about 6% reduction in memory bandwidth on an Intel in a benchmark vs matching sticks. That difference would be insignificant in my opinion. So go for it.

 

Yeah that set-up is fine.

 

My Vostro 1500 has 2x 1GB 667Mhz of Memory, but I want to upgrade as well. I'm using Vista Business 32bit, so can you tell me what is the best (fastest) option for me:

1. - Upgrade to 2x 2GB 800Mhz with 32bit OS
2. - Upgrade to 2x 2GB 800Mhz with 64bit OS
3. - Upgrade to 2x 2GB 667Mhz with 32bit OS
4. - Upgrade to 2x 2GB 667Mhz with 64bit OS
5. - Upgrade to 3GB 667Mhz (keep one of the sticks and install 1GB more)
6. - Upgrade to 3GB 800Mhz (replace both sticks)


And one very important question - If I install Vista 64bit will there be any drawbacks - like some programs not running, not finding appropriate drivers, etc. I have no clue what's with the 64bit OS.

Thank you very much.

 

For noobs, stick to 32bit os's.

No offense, you will run into problems and it will be a pain if you aren't experienced.

 

How much more problems? I mean if I am looking at windows XP64??

 

If you aren't slightly tech savvy 64-bit can create more headaches than the standard 32-bit will, that's all that I think he is implying. And Cyper, I would choose the lowest configuration and then upgrade it yourself when you receive the machine to save yourself some money.

 

If you read my post carefully you'll see that I got the machine already. I just wonder what memory to buy (how to set it up).

 

Hey, can anyone tell me if there is an even noticible speed difference between PC2-5300 ram, and PC2-5400 ram??

 

Yes I can tell you. No there is no difference as they will run at the same speed unless you change your FSB or something else. They are the same!

Edit: One rounds down one rounds up. Some 5400 say they have tested at that speed, big deal, I have run my PC5300 @ over 600Mhz. No difference they are the same.

 

FireFromHell

I have a vostro 1500 that came with 2X 512mb ram, and I bought a 2 gig stick, and stuck it in the bottom slot, for a totall of 2.5 gigs, exacly what you mentioned on page 1 of this thread. There definitely is a difference, especially when gaming, but generally vista runs alot smoother, boots up faster, and for about 40 more bucks you can upgrade to 4 gigs

I say go for the 2 gig stick, see how u like it, and in a year when the 64 bit vista has (hopefully) been tooled out in terms of drivers, compatibility, reliability, etc... upgrade to vista 64 w/ 4 gigs. That's what I'm planning anywho.

 

With 4GB you will only be able to use about 3GB with 32-bit OS. For as cheap as memory is any more you're better off getting the 3GB of useage and true dual-channel speed.

 

Not to be a basher but what are you really going to need 3gb or even for the matter 4Gb of ram?
I think 2 GB operate is just even with vista.

 

I have seen my system use more than 2 gigs of ram, when playing crysis for instance or when running BOINC, Azureus, various IEs, solidworks, windows side bar and some background programs.

 

XP can get by on 2GB without much issue. Vista on the other hand, has quite a bit more memory overhead. Vista's 3GB is like XP with 2GB.

 

Would all PC5300 667mhz ram models be compatible with my Dell Vostro, or is there a specific module that must be purchased. Is there a difference between ram for Apple computers, and Ram for PCs?

 

Anything which is 200 pin DDR2 SODIMM should work. I have seen some modules listed as being for Apple, but they now have the same Intel hardware inside as PCs and the same RAM should work, but I have never tried. The big memory companies such as Crucial have an on-line memory advisor.

Check the RAM deals thread for the current best RAM prices.

John

 

And to add to what John said, all RAM that claims to be something is following JEDEC standards. There is no diff, Apple, orange, g****! It is all the same.

 

I bought a Vostro 1500 about 2 months ago. I ordered it with 2GB of RAM because Dell wanted WAY too much money for 4GB. I have since bought 2x2GB of RAM from Newegg and it works wonderfully in my Vostro.

FYI...Vista 32-bit recognizes about 3.5GB when 4GB of RAM is installed. I have the 64-bit version and I know that there are 64-bit drivers for everything, either on Dell's website or elsewhere on the net. I want to upgrade to 64-bit, but not sure if there is any performance gains in doing so.