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    X201i with i3 (Arrandale) memory question: 1066 vs 1333

    Discussion in 'Lenovo' started by lenardg, Jul 2, 2012.

  1. lenardg

    lenardg Notebook Evangelist NBR Reviewer

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    Buying matching memory is always to hard :) Does anyone know if the Arrandale Core i3-330M processor can drive 1333Mhz DDR3 memory?

    When I tried to look up what sort of memory I might need for this system, the Kingston website suggested either a 1066Mhz or a 1333Mhz memory module. But when I look at the Intel specs, it says this processor supports either 800 or 1066Mhz memory.

    Now I can buy either 1066 or 1333, and they both cost the same (and I mean exactly the same), so I would rather buy the 1333Mhz version, just in case I end up putting it in some other system as well :)

    But will the i3-330M support 1333 memory, and is there any reason I should not go for the faster memory?
     
    lenardg, Jul 2, 2012
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  2. Tsunade_Hime

    Tsunade_Hime such bacon. wow

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    Arrandale CPU's can only utilize 1066 RAM, only generation 1 Clarksfield i7's support 1333 RAM, and only if your manufacturer allows for 1333 RAM in the BIOS.
     
    Tsunade_Hime, Jul 2, 2012
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  3. lenardg

    lenardg Notebook Evangelist NBR Reviewer

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    Ok, so what you are saying is, that I shouldn't even try to go with the 1333, because it would not work at all?
     
    lenardg, Jul 2, 2012
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  4. Tsunade_Hime

    Tsunade_Hime such bacon. wow

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    Correct, it will automatically downclock to 1066, unless 1333 is the same price as 1066, save your 2-3 dollars and just buy 1066.
     
    Tsunade_Hime, Jul 2, 2012
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  5. lenardg

    lenardg Notebook Evangelist NBR Reviewer

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    They cost EXACTLY the same, down to eurocents (Finland). As they have 1333 in stock and 1066 not, I am tempted to just buy 1333 :) I don't mind if it downclocks, it should just work. :)
     
    lenardg, Jul 2, 2012
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  6. unreal25

    unreal25 Capt. Obvious

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    I use G.Skill 2x4GB 1333 MHz on X200t and Alienware M17x, and on both it is downclocked to 1066 MHz. I should work in the same way on X201i.
     
    unreal25, Jul 2, 2012
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