Which Slot to Put RAM In

That's a terrible title for my post but I can't think of anything better.

My Vostro came with 2 512MB sticks. I took one out when it first arrived and I've had my 2GB stick in the slot on the underside of the laptop since that's the easiest one to get to.

My 1 GB stick arrived today and I'm about to put that in but since one module is on the underside of the computer and one is underneath the keyboard, I was wondering which slot would be better for the 2GB stick and which would be better for the 1GB stick. Maybe it doesn't matter but I can't seem to Google for a solid answer.

Thanks!

 

I really doubt it matters.

 

My guess is you MIGHT have to put it in the slot under the keyboard. Try the bottom one to just see though.

 

This used to be critical for RAM to function properly. No more. That said I think someone, maybe K-T posted, Whoever did stated a reason why you want the larger in the 1st slot ever so slightly improves performance (theoretically) I have my doubts ever since dual channel. You know two separate channels would not have a primary slot? You know dual? But to err on the side of caution download CPU-Z (free). Which SODIMM is in the 0 Slot? Put the larger in that. I honestly have no idea what I am talking about. I am using theory so if anyone really knows please answer. If no one does follow my advice.

 

i doubt it matters much anyway. Just incase, put the biggest RAM in slot 1

rtr, you could have just ordered 4gb ram even if your only on 32bit. Its a cheap upgrade anyway

 

I just want to clarify. Since slots are refereed to by for example CPU-Z as 0 and 1. And we like to say slot 1 and slot 2. You are saying slot 0? Or no?

 

Yeap i meant Slot 0 (or first physical slot)

as the memory controller might put better priority on that slot

 

It is better to put the higher capacity card in the first slot. Reason being, is that the memory slot 0, is the first pitstop from the chipset, and then the next pitstop is memory slot 1.
The 2gb memory card will have double the memory density as the 1Gb memory card, given that the same number of black memory cells on the memory card are the same. The memory controller on the chipset, will address and use the first memory slot, slot 0 before using slot 1. A higher density memory card does yield slightly higher bandwidth, so it is advised to put the higher capacity card in slot 0.
PP mentioned how to find which one is slot 0. Use cpu-z. In the stp tab, you will be able to toggle between the two memory card bays. Then make a mental note, of which one is slot 0, from the capacity of the memory card in that slot.

K-TRON

 

As you already said you doubt it matters. And I agree. And how can one slot have priority if dual channel? That is where I get my doubts/confusion? Just thought I would throw in the mix. As I don't know any of this for certain. To OP I think we all agree it does not matter, but to be safe, do as said above.

Edit: Hi K-T, I knew it was you who said it. Thanks for coming on and explaining it!

 

Okay, got it. CPU-Z is calling Slot #1 the one underneath the keyboard (to clarify, CPUZ does say "Slot #1" and not 0 on v. 1.44.2 if that helps). It says "Slot #2" is the one on the underside of the laptop.

So 2GB stick is underneath the keyboard now and the 1GB stick is on the underside of the laptop.

flipfire, I almost ordered a 2GB stick from what everyone said. I was just about to order it and noticed with a coupon I had and a $5 rebate I could get the 1GB stick for $10. I couldn't find a good enough deal on the 2GB stick again like I had before and lack of patience got the best of me.

 

Yes rtr, I am embarrassed, I will now run and hide. I guess I mixed up my apps! My gosh I messed up! Sorry flip! Sounds like you did good rtr! Congrats!

 

Yes, I'm totally appalled powerpack. What's a little one number difference anyway? Thanks for the help!