X220 Memory Upgrade Questions

I am soon going to be ordering an X220, probably with the i3-2350M processor. In this country the base memory offering is "2 GB PC3-10600 DDR3 (1 DIMM)", and I intend to upgrade this to 8GB myself.

I was planning to use this kit (DDR3-1333/PC3-10600, CL=9, 1.5v). Is this suitable?

Also, when I look up the X220 on crucial.com, other options are available:

1. DDR3-1600/PC3-12800, CL=11. Would there be any benefit in choosing this faster RAM for the X220? I have read conflicting reports.

2. Lower voltage modules (1.35v). Presumably these consume less power and produce less heat than the 1.5v parts. Is the difference significant?

 

That DDR3-1333 kit will work in the X220, though you can choose higher rated modules if you want as its said to be more beneficial for the integrated graphics performance ( source).

 

Uhhh...the link shows that memory speed makes almost no difference in graphics performance...the AMOUNT of RAM makes MUCH more difference to graphics performance and whether it is in dual-channel mode or not.

Just compare the scores from the 8GB 10666 line to the 8GB 12800 line - almost identical.

 

The OP asked whether there is benefits of DDR3-1600 over DDR3-1333 assuming all is equal (the same 8GB kit), John's analysis shows that there is an increase in video bandwidth performance yielding an increase in integrated graphics performance which is in line with what I said earlier. Yes it may not be large but it's still an increase no less, whether the OP find it worth going for these modules is at his/her own discretion.

In the end cost is going to be a factor, if the difference is too great then I would say don't bother but if its a few cents extra (or cheaper) then for sure I would go for them. BTW OP, if you're in the US you can get the DDR3-1600 modules by G.Skill cheaper than the DDR3-1333 kit by Crucial via Newegg ( link).

 

I am using a 1600MHz Kit with my X220i. (8GB Kingston HyperX). The difference towards normal 1333MHz RAM is not really noticeable in Games. If you plan on getting the 1600MHz Kit, you might as well pay a little bit more and get the 1866MHz Kit.

You will be just as happy with the normal 1333MHz RAM though. Just to warn you.

 

At most, you'll see single-digit-FPS benefits. Personally, I'd rather keep the money in my pocket: go with the more economic option.

 

X220 IGP will benefit from faster RAM, but most people cannot tell the difference. Lower voltage RAM will help battery life, but probably noticiable vs replacing the mechanical drive with an SSD.

 

So. I'm looking to max out the RAM in my machine.

I'm also looking for the fastest (and right) configuration.

1600 seems to be the only speed I see available on new egg, for 8X2=16. I'd spring for the 1866 stuff if I could find it...

What about CAS Latency? 9 /10 ??

 

CT2KIT102464BF1339 works fine for my X220. Not sure about 1866MHz modules though.

 

This thread sort of addresses something I was curious about: even though Lenovo specifies a specific frequency (e.g. 1333 MHz) for memory modules in the PSREF, it's alright AND possibly beneficial to use RAM of higher frequency?

If true, is this the case across all 2011 ThinkPads?

 

Yes, you can use 1600MHz RAM sticks with a Sandy Bridge motherboard, and the RAM is accessed at that speed. This pair is very good. I understand that the HD 3000 integrated graphics does get some boost in performance with 1600MHz dual-channel memory.

I took a quick look at Intel Graphics Control Panel panel and noticed the min, max and current memory allocation:

 

I can confirm that the Corsair 1866Mhz memory doesn't run at full speed in the X220. It doesn't even run at 1600Mhz.

I'm stuck at 1333Mhz with this memory.

 

That's a shame! I am glad you mentioned this though because I was considering waiting for a 1x8GB 1866MHz module since I only have one RAM slot. Missing out on that dual channel goodness!

 

Sandy bridge doesnt support low voltage ram. It'll just run at 1.5V which is fine for the ram. Ivy bridge supports ddr3L.