My new computer! Now, what memory for upgrade?

I just ordered a new T43 for college today using the EPP discount, and I can't wait to see it! I decided to go with some of the "lower" specs to save money, but I figure I really didn't need the best for what I do (I don't game at all or anything really intensive).

Anyway, I'm getting:

14.1" XGA screen
Integrated Graphics
Fingerprint reader
1.6Ghz P-M
60GB 5400RPM HD
256MB RAM
CD-RW/DVD-ROM
IBM 11B/G
Windows XP Pro
Microsoft Office Small Business

all for just $1095!

I decided just to get 256MB RAM because IBM/Lenovo's upgrades are so much more expensive than adding more myself. However, what kind of memory should I get. I've looked on crucial.com and 1GB would be $140, but on newegg I can get 1GB of Kingston ValueRam for about $100. Is the extra $40 worth it? Or should I be spending even more and getting Kingston's normal stuff, or another "better" type of RAM?
Thanks-

 

I would check corsair's website and see what their system select memory for your notebook is. As far as your question goes, the difference between the value lines and regular lines of notebook memory is timings and latency. I would check the ram you have in the notebook right now (cpuz should help) because unless you plan on taking out the memory you ordered to put in new memory it makes sense to order memory with timings similar to what you already have, which will probably be closer to the value lines than the performance. Both value and performance lines from the major ram manufacturers usually carry lifetime warranties and the differences between them seem to be mostly user preference, rather than anything concrete relating to quality or performance (as I already said, I prefer corsair).

 

I like Crucial, but Kingston and Corsair are good alternatives. Don't buy house brand or generic though.

 

Okay... well I know that the RAM that will be in the machine is DDR2 PC-4200 CL4. I was thinking about just adding a 1GB stick of ram, but now I'm reading something about dual channel... would the T43 support that, and is it better to just buy 2 512's, put them in there, and just get rid of the 256?

 

On one of the other threads here one of the posters said he saw a 6% increase in performance by going to dual channel. It really depends on your future plans however, if you plan on upgrading to 2gb in the future, get the one 1gb so-dimm. If you plan on leaving it at 1gb then I would get the 2 512's.

 

So, what is the dual channel thing exactly? To do that do I need to get a certain type of RAM, or does it just happen by using 2 of the same sticks of RAM? And I know I'll never upgrade past 1GB of RAM (or 1.25GB if I get just one 1GB stick), so it doesn't really matter if I just get 2 512's (although then I would not be using the 256 I already have). Also, I have integrated graphics, so that will be taking 64MB or something... would that change what you think I should do?
Thanks-

 

If you aren't going to upgrade past 1gb, and you have the money to spend on 1gb of ram, then I would go with the dual 512s. You almost certainly aren't going to use more than 1gb of ram and the dual channel boost will be nice. What dual channel is is exactly what it sounds like, the ram you have installed has two separate channels to the processor, rather than sharing a channel. In order to use dual channel you order two identical sticks of ram and install them, most of the major manufacturers ship them in two packs specifically for dual channel. You may want to poke around on some of the other threads though, because I have heard that dual channel isn't as big of a deal on Intel systems because of the higher frequency the memory runs at.

 

So when I do the "RAM finder" thing on crucial.com, it comes up with the compatible RAM. None of the ones it lists say it's specifically for dual channel use. But if I just get 2 512MB sticks, will they operate in dual channel? I guess I just don't want to buy it and not have the dual channel thing even working, because otherwise I should have just put in one 1GB stick.

 

If you buy 2 sticks of the same brand/type (PC4200), you will definitely be in dual channel mode when installed. The sticks need to be identical, and this would insure that.

 

Okay, sounds good.... so I've looked around a little, and here are the different options I've come up with so far. On crucial.com, the 512MB sticks are $83.73 each. On newegg.com, there is a Samsung 512MB stick for $62.07 ( http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820147116), as well as a Kingston 512MB stick for $64.49 (this one says it's for Dell Inspiron systems, but wouldn't it still work? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820172112). The Samsung and Kingston do not appear to be a "value" type RAM, and either of them would save me about $40 to get 1GB instead of buying from crucial. Which do you think I should purchase? I should mention that all of the the options are DDR2 PC2-4200 and CL 4.

 

FYI: Don't quote me, but with some (most?) ThinkPads only one SODIMM is accessible via the panel on the underside of the notebook; the other can only be accessed by removing the keyboard and some other stuff.
Probably something good to know if you are planning on removing the factory-installed 256 MB module.

 

I think I'm planning to buy 2 sticks of the Samsung ( http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820147116#DetailSpecs). Does this look like it will work with my T43? I'd go the crucial route, but it would end up being almost $50 more to do that, and I'd like to save money if possible! This says it is 200 pin SODIMM, DDR2 PC2-4200, CL4... please let me know if you think this will work, as I just found out my laptop has shipped and I want to order this so it gets here quickly!
Thanks-