X220 memory config - battery life vs. performance

How much difference in battery life might one expect from having 4GB (1 DIMM) versus 8GB (2 DIMM)?

I prefer better memory performance from populating both memory channels, but if the additional 4GB stick significantly reduces battery life, I may just go with a single 4 GB DIMM.

I think most of the battery life estimates are based on the X220 config with a single 4 GB DIMM.

Available X220 memory configurations:

2 GB DDR3 - 1333MHz (1 DIMM)
4 GB DDR3 - 1333MHz (1 DIMM) [add $80.00]
4 GB PC3-10600 DDR3 SDRAM 1333MHz SODIMM Memory (2 DIMM) [add $80.00]
6 GB PC3-10600 DDR3 SDRAM 1333MHz SODIMM Memory (2 DIMM) [add $160.00]
8 GB PC3-10600 DDR3 SDRAM 1333MHz [add $240.00]

 

I would expect better battery life from more RAM. The extra used by the RAM is insignificant in relation to the extra reads from the hard drive.

 

Probably not much in real world usage. I think I read here on this forum somebody saying 8gb shortens battery time.

If you really want 8gb, you can buy from 3rd party, like newegg, it will be much cheaper.

 

The amount of RAM is not going to make much of a real world decrease in battery life at all. If you ran nothing but benchmarking utilities you might see a slight difference dependent on how much the HD was being accessed vs accessing data stored in RAM, but this is a minor nitpick.

Put in as much RAM as you nedd/can afford. It's not going to make a big difference in battery life.

 

You will notice no battery life difference with more/less RAM--in fact, if more RAM prevents unnecessary page file usage, you may even get a slight boost in battery life (again, unnoticeable).

 

Just quick question, I ordered my x220 with 2GB memory. Can anyone recommend a good place to order additional memory? Brand/Model as well.

I read some where that they ordered from Amazon that fit the x220. I can't track down the post now because hundreds of pages on different thread for x220.

Thanks!!!

 

Any DDR3 1333 (PC 10600, 10660 or 10666) RAM will work. I prefer G.Skill, though others like Crucial, Kingston, etc.

Here are suggestions, based on the best rated ones on Newegg:

2GB Kingston (1x 2GB)- $24 Newegg.com - CORSAIR 2GB 204-Pin DDR3 SO-DIMM DDR3 1333 Laptop Memory Model CMSO2GX3M1A1333C9

4GB G.SKill (1 x 4GB) - $40 Newegg.com - G.SKILL 4GB 204-Pin DDR3 SO-DIMM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600) Laptop Memory Model F3-10600CL9S-4GBSQ

8GB G. Skill (2 x 4GB) - $83 Newegg.com - G.SKILL 8GB (2 x 4GB) 204-Pin DDR3 SO-DIMM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600) Laptop Memory Model F3-10600CL9D-8GBSQ

(For whatever reason, buying 2x 4GB is cheaper than buying the 8GB kit with the same RAM).

The x220 only has 2 memory slots, and if you ordered 2GB it means you have 1 slot in use with a 2GB stick. If you buy another 2GB or 4GB, you can just add it to the empty slot to get 4GB or 6GB respectively. If you buy 2x 4GB, you would have to remove the 2GB stick and replace it with a 4GB to get you a total of 8GB.

 

My recommendation for RAM is to get the cheapest RAM with the required specifications and a good (lifetime) warranty. RAM very rarely gives you any issue, and even DoAs are rare--you won't notice any difference between the brands. Besides, most of them share the same few memory chip manufacturers.

I got my 2GB stick for my X120e for $14, as a refurbished Lenovo Outlet RAM stick (Samsung memory chips).

 

Thanks Epsilon748 and MidnightSun!!!

I probably will check out Amazon since I am in CA so ordering from newegg mean paying for taxes.

 

Yes, I noticed that too. 2 of the 4GB is cheaper than the 8GB kit which also carry 2 x 4GB as well.

 

I just tested 2gb vs. 4gb (2x2gb). Both sticks are OEM Samsung. Browsing forums, it's 6.8-7W on 2gb, 7.2-7.4W on 4gb.

 

Any issues pairing this one with the single 4GB that comes with the x220?

Amazon.com: Corsair 4 GB DDR3 Laptop Memory CMSO4GX3M1A1333C9: Electronics

 

When I used kill-a-watt to measure my desktop computer, I noticed there were bigger differences in power consumption. For laptops, you'll definitely notice higher power drain for more ram if you put it to sleep on battery power.

For example, keeping it on standby on battery over night, you'll see only 90% of battery left when you are expecting 95%. But I don't think it's too much to worry about since you'll have more benefits. Put at least 4gb, or 4b+2gb, or 4gb+4gb.

I'm planning to put ssd in my x220t, and also upgrade ram to 8GB. I'm going to leave the superfetch enabled since ram is way faster than any ssd.

 

Anyone know? I'm looking at the same model also.

 

It's RAM. It meets the specs. It should work.

 

What are your power usages when you're just idle with different memory configurations? Depending on what ads are displaying on the forum at the time, that could skew your results...