[W520] RAM upgrade

I just placed my order for my W520, and I only put in 2X2GB RAM (what came for free)

I am going to upgrade it on my own. I have a few question before I buy my memory.

I have a 2720 processor. I would like to know:

What type of RAM can I add?
10600, 10660, 10666 any difference?
Can I use 1600 over 1333?

Should I get 2X4GB or 2X2GB will 8GB be enough or should I buy 12 just in case? I will be programming and running engineering programs.

 

If you have the Core i7-2720QM processor then you can use the 1600MHz rated RAMs over the 1333MHz ones. The Quad Core processor will be able to take advantage of the extra speeds on offer. Though there isn't much wrong going for the 1333MHz RAMs if outright speed is not important to you.

For most cases 8GB RAM should be plentiful, I have this amount in my T420 and rarely use more than 1/4 capacity. But everyone have different requirements, I say try out the 8GB RAM first to see if it meets your needs - if it's a bit low then you can always buy more later on.

 

ok that's what I thought I read somewhere.

Now the only question I have is about the other number, the 10600, 10660, 10666 one. I've read it is only a manufacture thing and it doesn't mean anything, but I would like the get more opinions on it or find someone who used something other than the 10600 Lenovo uses.

Thanks

 

Those slightly different RAM ratings will be caused by slightly different timings. These may have a small effect on the results of a memory bandwidth benchmark but won't be noticeable in everyday performance. I would get whatever gives best value in the 10600 range.

2 x 4GB is plenty unless you are running several virtual machines.

John