Brand of DDR3 RAM used in T500?

4GB of RAM is pretty expensive for the T500; $55 for another 2GB of PC3-8500.

What brand does Lenovo use for the 1x 2GB RAM that comes with all T500 laptops?

I figure I can buy my own RAM because its cheaper?

 

Yes, buy your own ram. You don't need to worry too much about mixing ram as long as the speed is the same (even then the faster ram will just clock down).

And I think Lenovo is using samsung modules? Doesn't matter too much.

 

Ok, thanks.
Does Cas Latency matter? It's 204 pin right?

 

7 for latency. Sodimm ddr3 is 204pin, yes.

 

The brand does not matter as long as the specs are the same. But I do believe Lenovo uses, for at least some laptops, Elpida RAM.

 

I don't think Lenovo sticks to just one manufacturer for memory. Latency and speed really don't make a difference in real world performance. Just make sure you get 204-pin DDR3 SO-DIMMs. I personally suggest just getting the cheapest name brand w/ lifetime warranty and you will be fine.

 

Mine came with Samsung (but that was almost a year ago). I suggest you buy your own (it's much cheaper, and the quality is just as good).

 

Yeah, Lenovo, and probably all the other OEMs, use whatever memory happens to be cheapest at the moment rather than stick with a single parts supplier.

 

+1

My new T500 came with an Elpida module. I bought a Patriot module (PSD32G10662S) for about $40. Everything runs fine.

 

I just wanted to say this. Everyone so far has considered the working system. At times your system may develope problems and if lenovo has not sold the part it won't be looked at as part of the problem although it may be. The only way to get around the "here Lenovo, you fix it" is to buy the parts from lenovo.
Renee

 

Wait what?

 

If you do indeed have problems, which are almost never with the memory modules in the first place, it's probably easier to get Corsair or OCZ, for example, to replace it than Lenovo.

 

And you could always just keep your original memory.

 

So.. buy all the RAM and SSDs and other user-replaceable parts from Lenovo.. got it!

 

If you want to save money, buy it aftermarket and just keep your components to swap in case you need to send it in. Most companies will still repair your notebook but won't do anything for the parts that were replaced (if you don't swap the components back).

However, if you damage other components while replacing your aftermarket upgrades, then it's a different story. But this is rare as usually memory and HD upgrades are very easy and compartmentalized away from other components.

Hopefully you won't need to use their warranty (but it's nice to have just in case), so I would opt to save money and get better components.