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    What RAM configuration is better/faster?

    Discussion in 'HP' started by TRAFFICBLOWS, Feb 11, 2010.

  1. TRAFFICBLOWS

    TRAFFICBLOWS Notebook Geek

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    My HP dv6500t doesn't return from standby and/or randomly crashes when I have my 2x2GB 800MHz OCZ RAM installed. I'm not sure if it's the size (4GB) or speed (800MHz) that is the issue, but it's something, so I need to make a change.

    Which of the following RAM configurations would be better/faster? I don't get errors configured with them.

    1x2GB 800MHz (single channel)

    2x1GB 667Mhz (dual channel)
     
    TRAFFICBLOWS, Feb 11, 2010
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  2. process

    process \( ಠ_ಠ)/

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    fwiw, I would use what ever configuration your laptop is set up to use. If you're set up for dual channel at 667 then do that, it'll be faster than 800 single.
     
    process, Feb 11, 2010
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  3. 2.0

    2.0 Former NBR Macro-Mod®

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    As Altoid says, the Santa Rosa chipset that you have in the DV6500 is designed to use 667mhz RAM. It downclocks 800Mhz RAM to 667mhz. Doing that changes the CAS latency of the RAM.

    Best configuration would be 2 x 2GB 667mhz RAM.
     
    2.0, Feb 11, 2010
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  4. TRAFFICBLOWS

    TRAFFICBLOWS Notebook Geek

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    I just looked at my RAM and I guess I forgot what I had (it's been a while)... currently running with PC2-5400 (not PC2-6400 800MHz). memtest86+ shows me running at 667MHz even with the 5400. OEM was 2x 1GB PC2-5300.

    You mentioned downclocking will affect latency. With board spec'd at PC2-5300, would using 5400 affect latency? I previously thought that they were interchangeable. :confused:




    dv6500 manual with PC2-5300 667MHz RAM spec'd:
    http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c01295877.pdf
     
    TRAFFICBLOWS, Feb 11, 2010
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  5. 2.0

    2.0 Former NBR Macro-Mod®

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    PC2-5400 requires 1.9v whereas PC2-5300 requires 1.8V. Therein probably lies the problem.

    PC2-5300 and PC2-6400 have the same electrical requirements and are interchangeable for the most part. But not PC2-5400.

    Best to go out and pick up some cheap PC2-5300. You can find 4-4-4-12 and 5-5-5-15 timing. Won't notice any difference in speed though, so get the cheaper 5-5-5-15.

    You can just get a 2GB stick of PC2-5300 and run 3GB total since you're using win7 32.
     
    2.0, Feb 11, 2010
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  6. TRAFFICBLOWS

    TRAFFICBLOWS Notebook Geek

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    My OCZ 4GB 5400 kit, OCZ2MV6674GK, does take 1.8V at 5-5-5-15. I'm gonna take your suggestion, though, and replace it with a 5300 stick. Losing stuff when the laptop freezes is unacceptable and I can't believe I've put up with it for so long already!

    Thanks for the insight and quick reply!
     
    TRAFFICBLOWS, Feb 11, 2010
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