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    Adding 'Matched' RAM to SZ

    Discussion in 'VAIO / Sony' started by SkrunchaMunch, Apr 23, 2006.

  1. SkrunchaMunch

    SkrunchaMunch Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hi all,

    I was poking around my SZ today and looked at the RAM that was installed. I ordered an SZ1VP which comes with 1G and I was surprised (and a bit peeved) to find a _single_ 1G stick instead of 2x512. From what I've read on this forum and elsewhere, the dual channel memory controller needs 2 matched sticks to be effective.

    So, my question is... how 'matched' do the memory sticks have to be? Is it adequate to purchase another stick of 1G that has the same 533MHz speed rating, or do the sticks need to be matched closer than that, i.e. purchasing 2 sticks from the same manufacturer (preferably from the same batch)?

    I've looked a bit for info on how dual channel mem controllers work, but haven't found anything technical enough to help me answer this question.

    TIA
    Skrunch.
     
    SkrunchaMunch, Apr 23, 2006
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  2. 12q

    12q Newbie

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    To be honest, if it far preferable to be supplied with 1 stick of 1024MB than 2 of 512. In fact some manufacturers charge a premium for this.

    Even though you do not get the benefit of dual-channel this leaves the option of upgrading to 2GB much easier. Just imagine if you had two 512MB sticks, you would have to chuck them away to upgrade.

    Also with you having the SZ1VP, I expect you have 1GB of 667Mhz, not 533Mhz. I have the SZ1HP and am planning on sticking 667Mhz in mine. I only have 512MB so is quite an urgent upgrade as I am finding it struggles with a couple of applications going.

    For matching the memory, it is true that if you bought a matched pair you are assured that dual-mode will work, however, if you do buy a further 1GB, matching the speed of your memory, you should get dual-mode functioning.

    Hey, with 2GB, a cheap upgrade at £70-100, your Sony will fly no matter what.

    Anyway, do a bit more digging into what memory speed yours is at the mo, go to crucial.com/uk and run the memory scanner (download), it might show you what you need.

    Tom
     
    12q, Apr 23, 2006
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  3. mitbac

    mitbac Notebook Enthusiast

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    ok...12q...I'm not sure but I've talked to technically inclined people and they have said that it is ideal to have the memory from the same batch...but what i would suggest is to see if you could buy from the same batch or atleast find out what the batch was and match the timing and set-up of the memory....I do agree tho...you're still going to be flying with 2gb of mem in UNideal situation
     
    mitbac, Apr 23, 2006
    #3