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    Memory Type for Upgrading

    Discussion in 'Lenovo' started by raydabruce, Jul 15, 2010.

  1. raydabruce

    raydabruce Notebook Carnivore

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    If I were to upgrade to 8GB in my X201, would I want the PC3-8500 (which it came with) or would I want the PC3-10600? The 8500s have lower CAS latency numbers.

    Also, any brand recommendations? (I'm looking at Newegg's offerings.)
     
    raydabruce, Jul 15, 2010
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  2. sgogeta4

    sgogeta4 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    The first question is why do you need more than 4GB. If you do have programs that will take advantage of more than 4GB, the 620M will not support the PC3-10600 (DDR3-1333) and will automatically downclock to PC3-8500 (DDR3-1066), so don't bother wasting money on timings and frequency. That, and it's mostly marketing.
     
    sgogeta4, Jul 15, 2010
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  3. raydabruce

    raydabruce Notebook Carnivore

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    That's YOUR question, not mine.

    It's not about need, it's about re-sale value. A lot of engineering, video editing and graphic design people want the extra RAM for their huge files and the massive programs that they use.
     
    raydabruce, Jul 15, 2010
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  4. metalzo

    metalzo Notebook Enthusiast

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    I presume the same is true of the 540m then?
     
    metalzo, Jul 15, 2010
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  5. raydabruce

    raydabruce Notebook Carnivore

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    Since these new CPUs don't use the old FSB (front-side bus) and have the memory controller right on the same die, it may be that they can't be overclocked beyond the built-in "turbo boost" -- I don't know. There may or may not be an advantage to buying the PC3-10600, this would require more research. I had a Lenovo IdeaPad Y560 with the Core i7-720qm and it came with the 1333MHZ (PC3-10600) memory.

    It's my understanding that the latency matters more than the highest possible clockspeed of the RAM. So, personally, I'd be inclined toward the PC3-8500 since it is CL-7 rather than the CL-9 PC310600. But here again, others who are more knowledgeable than I, may tell you differently.
     
    raydabruce, Jul 15, 2010
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