Ram Specs for DDR3 (T400)

I have a T400 on the way (specs in sig) and for now, i'm going to pick up a 2GB stick for one of the DIMM slots, bringing my total to 3GB. All i know is that it has to be DDR3, but since i have to order it from a store here in town, i want to make sure its exactly the right stuff. In an email i had Lenovo send me with specs, "1 GB PC3-8500 DDR3 (1 DIMM)" was listed. What should my 2GB DDR3 Numbers look like?

Also, later on i was thinking about upgrading the HD from 80 -> 250 or so. are there any specific brands of hard drives which dwarf most others (similar to ThinkPads)? I'm leaning toward 7200 rpm.

thanks

 

It should be a 2GB PC3-8500 or a 2GB DDR3-1066, they're interchangable terms, so it depends on what the store calls it, pretty much. Just make sure you make it clear that you want a single stick (or DIMM).

 

Here http://shop.lenovo.com/SEUILibrary/controller/e/webca/LenovoPortal/en_CA/catalog.workflow:item.detail?GroupID=38&Code=43R1988&current-category-id=9B7E41BDCE704020B8E567C67D3FA082 is a link to Lenovo branded DDR3.

 

By the way, let me ask a question about RAM in Lenovo T400: Since the CPU and RAM both have the bus 1066 MHz, does dual channel mode of RAM increase the system's performance?

 

perhaps it will increase the performance slightly

 

I would also like to know if dual channel increases performance or is it a gimmick to sell at a higher price. I always assumed that it had some sort or performance boost cause it cost more. How much of a performance does it really give you I'm not sure.

 

In the old days (DDR memory and Intel P4 era) it provides a small 2-3% boost. But with modern processors with much larger cache sizes, the difference should be minimal. And if you want a picture...

 

Dumb question perhaps - I ordered my T400 a few days ago with 2g memory (1 Dimm). I want to add a compatible 2g RAM stick which can be had cheaper from other vendors than from Lenovo. The questions: Exactly where are the dimm slots and How do I access them to add ram? And, how many dimm slots are there? I heard 8g memory is possible, but it seems only 2 dimm slots - hmm? Many thanks for the help

 

Look on the bottom of the laptop and there will be a little picture of a chip and it will say RAM usually. Typically these have 2 little screws holding the door shut, unscrew and open the door, then just follow a regular ram install procedure (Google "Install RAM", and look for a video for an even better idea)
It has only two slots, but for the 8GB that is how much the version of Vista you bought will support, I have no clue what the actual chipset in the laptop will support but it's safe to say 4GB of RAM will last you for awhile.

To get the 8 Gigs, you would have to use two 4GB DIMMS, which I don't think they make now, and if they do, I'm sure they are $500 a pop.
In a regular desktop you might be licky and have 4-6 slots, in which you could stick some cheapo DDR2 2 gig sticks and get some real numbers.

 

Thanks - I also found the diagram to remove the 4 screws on the bottom which releases the palmrest, underwhich are the 2 dimm slots. I need to use Win XP for business. I hear that Win XP only recognizes up to a max of 3g memory, is that right?

 

yes dual channel increases performance. however, you cant run dual channel on the new T400 or T500 series.

 

Yes, the 32-bit version of XP recognizes around 3GB of memory. 64-bit XP can recognize more memory but 64-bit XP is not supported by Lenovo (and many other manufacturers).

 

I just got this ram from Newegg. Installed it in a few minutes and it works fine. I have Vista 64 so I am enjoying 4GB, now. I live in CA, so they charged me tax...grand total was $70.


http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...A-Approvel-_-Content-_-text-_-N82E16820148192

 

On my desktop, XP recognizes 3.5GB (I have 4 GB in the machine).

 

USE SPP or CPP account to buy the DDR3 RAM. It's on sale for ~$67 (2GB). This memory is far better and more reliable since is made by Samsung and is the official that Lenovo uses on their systems

 

Lenovo uses Qimonda also. That's my T400's stock RAM. PC manufacteurs normally use 2 suppliers for any part.

 

"Far better" and "More reliable" may be a bit of an overstatement, when comparing RAM by reputable manufacturers, like Crucial or Kingston or OCZ amongst the many others?

 

It largely depends upon your hardware. Some computers can recognize a little more or a little less than 3 GB with 32-bit XP. Luckily for you, your desktop reads 3.5 GB. Although you still need a 64-bit OS to utilize all 4GB of memory.

 

yea i remember when i installed 4 gigs on xp-32bit it read 3.5.

and regarding ram... its pretty much all the same. compare specs, if they are same go for the cheapest. i got 2bg from lenovo on my laptop. and with vista and all the lenovo stuff i decided to keep i ordered 2gb more from newegg. my gskill 2gb is on the way so i will post about it when its installed later this week!