Memory upgrade question - Lenovo W520

I decided to buy the W520 - 2720 QM with 4 GIGS RAM ( 1 DiMM) but I have few questions before I do that..

1)How easy is it to install the new Ram , I am planning on buying another 3 x 4 gigs?

2) The one that I have installed is at 1333MHz, so would it matter if I decide to buy the rest of the ram at 1666MHz, and would they perform at 1666Mhz even tho one of them is 1333 ( the original one) ?

3) Which is the most recommended brand should I buy? I have no clue since I have seen alot of threads mentioning different brands..

4) Would upgrading the memory and adding an SSD void the warranty?


Thanks!

 

1) It's very easy to install. 2 screws to add 2 modules, 2 more screws for the other two. It's the little panel on the bottom of the laptop that has little memory-chips pictured beside the screws.

2) The only stable and reliable ram that a) will work, and b) runs faster than stock, is this: Newegg.com - Kingston HyperX 8GB (2 x 4GB) 204-Pin DDR3 SO-DIMM DDR3 1600 HyperX Plug n Play Laptop Memory Model KHX1600C9S3P1K2/8G

If you mix sticks of different speeds, they will only run as fast as the slowest module -- 1333.

3) No. Neither voids your warranty.

Lastly, you won't notice much if any speed improvement with faster memory. Only slightly higher framerates while using the integrated graphics for something intensive like gaming. In terms of bang for your buck, you're fine just getting 1 extra stick of 1333. The SSD, on the otherhand, will blow your mind. The intels are quite reliable.

 

Thanks alot! Should I get the SSD from Lenovo.. they have 128 gigs at $280 or buy it from newegg and which one to buy?

 

Do NOT get a hard drive, ssd, or memory from lenovo. Buy them separately, they're much cheaper that way. As for which ssd to get, that's a whole other issue. Lot's of googling and reading reviews might help.

I do know that lots of w520 users have complained about issues using the intel 510 series. The intel 320 series is very fast and reliable though. If I bought one today that's what I'd pick. Supposedly some of the other (nominally faster) brands have had firmware issues.

Like I said though, google the different models and read reviews - and enjoy your new laptop!

 

I bought 16 GB of Kingston memory for $120.00. Lenovo wanted $480.00. The memory I bought was Kingston KTL-TP3B/4G RAM Module - 4 GB (1 x 4 GB) - DDR3 SDRAM. This is on Kingston's approved list for the W520. The hyper X memory is not on the list because people are still reporting that W520's wont restart from suspend mode if I recall correctly. There is more info on this in the W520 owner's thread. I agree with the previous comments about it giving better graphics frame rates with the integrated graphics.

Adding the memory is easy. Two of the four simms go under the keyboard. Follow the lenovo instructions for removing the keyboard. The only problem I had is that I could not get it to lift up. Once I used a credit card to pry an edge up, then I was able to lift it up carefully. There are cables on the bottom, so go slow.

 

The 1866 causes problems. Everyone who uses the 1600, myself included, has had no problems whatsoever.

So, to be clear, the hyperx 1600 works great but doesn't do much.

 

excellent advice!

 

If you get 1600 MHz RAM, they'll still run at 1333 MHz if there is a 1333 MHz module installed. I personally got this when it was on sale for $24.99, this here is $25.99 currently.

 

Forgive me for beating a dead horse, but this needs to be made clear for the prospective buyers out there.

The w520 does not play well with Kingston's HyperX 1866 PNP memory -- it prevents resume from sleep when in Optimus or Discrete graphics modes. This issue is mentioned here and discussed elsewhere in this forum. Just save yourself money and buy something else, like an ssd.