2 x 2GB or 1 x 4GB Ram in a Laptop?

macfanuk · 28 Jan 2011 at 10:47

I've got a Dell Latitude D630 Laptop with the following spec:

Intel Core 2 Duo 2.5Ghz
1GB DDR2 PC2-5300 Ram
500GB 5400rpm Hard Drive
256MB nVidia Graphics

I was looking to upgrade the ram from the current 2 x 512MB sticks to 2 x 2GB sticks but after looking on the bay, there are some 4GB sticks available for the same price as 2 x 2GB Sticks.

Would I be better of with 2 x 2GB or 1 x 4GB (with the view of upgrading to 8GB in future)? Is there any need for 8GB Ram in a laptop?

Laptop will be running Windows 7 and CS5 as I'm a web developer.

arknor · 28 Jan 2011 at 11:29

probably no need but i guess it cant hurt..

is the 4gb stick the same speed as the 2gb?

macfanuk · 28 Jan 2011 at 11:45

arknor said:
probably no need but i guess it cant hurt..

is the 4gb stick the same speed as the 2gb?

Yeah. According to crucial's website, I need PC2-5300 ram.

cmndr_andi · 28 Jan 2011 at 11:52

You would be better with 2x2GB - as this would run in dual channel mode, offering you much more memory bandwidth.

Getting a single 4GB stick would make an upgrade to 8GB easier - but until you do it will only be running in single channel model.

macfanuk · 28 Jan 2011 at 11:59

cmndr_andi said:
You would be better with 2x2GB - as this would run in dual channel mode, offering you much more memory bandwidth.

Getting a single 4GB stick would make an upgrade to 8GB easier - but until you do it will only be running in single channel model.

Is there much difference between single channel and dual channel perfomance wise?

cmndr_andi · 28 Jan 2011 at 12:03

The difference really is quite small in most tasks, but it is there - also a 2x2GB kit is most likely cheaper than a 4GB stick.

macfanuk · 28 Jan 2011 at 12:07

cmndr_andi said:
The difference really is quite small in most tasks, but it is there - also a 2x2GB kit is most likely cheaper than a 4GB stick.

Thanks. The 2 x 2GB is £4 cheaper than the 1 x 4GB but I think it would be more sensible to go for the 1 x 4GB for future upgrade possibilities.

macfanuk · 28 Jan 2011 at 12:21

Another quick question - The ram I'm looking at is advertised as 'Hynix' ram but looking at the image, it appears the chips are branded 'Hynix' but the actual sticks aren't branded. Should this be ok or should I spend a bit more on branded ram?

cmndr_andi · 28 Jan 2011 at 12:23

Hmmm, is it offered with a lifetime warranty?

macfanuk · 28 Jan 2011 at 12:26

cmndr_andi said:
Hmmm, is it offered with a lifetime warranty?

It does but it's ebay so ya know. I can get 2 x 2GB (new) Crucial for £5 more than the 1 x 4GB that's on ebay so that's why I'm asking.

cmndr_andi · 28 Jan 2011 at 12:31

Ah, I really wouldn't suggest buying RAM on ebay - you most likely won't be able to make use of warranty if it does die down the line.

Have you had a look at reputable retailers for 4GB modules?

macfanuk · 28 Jan 2011 at 12:33

cmndr_andi said:
Ah, I really wouldn't suggest buying RAM on ebay - you most likely won't be able to make use of warranty if it does die down the line.

Have you had a look at reputable retailers for 4GB modules?

Yeah that's what I was thinking. 4GB modules are £30 more at online retailers.