Help buying laptop RAM

AlexLegg · 25 Jan 2011 at 20:19

I want to upgrade my laptop RAM from 4 to 8gb and would like some advice on the best/fastest RAM I can get. And any recommendations on what to purchase is appreciated!

What makes some RAM better than others? Is it mostly judged on speed?

What part of the RAM indicates the speed? for instance: DDR3 PC3-10600
is the '10600' the speed?

I ran a scan and it stated: Each memory slot can hold DDR3 PC3-8500, DDR3 PC3-10600 with a maximum of 4GB per slot.

Two types of memory are stated, does this mean that I can run either? In which case I should go for the '10600' (over the '8500') as it will be faster?

Many thanks

Alex

Here's the results of the scan (in case that helps!):

Maximum Memory Capacity: 8192MB
Currently Installed Memory: 4GB
Available Memory Slots: 0
Total Memory Slots: 2
Dual Channel Support: Yes
CPU Manufacturer: GenuineIntel
CPU Family: Intel(R) Core(TM) i5 CPU M 520 @ 2.40GHz Intel(R) Core(TM) i5 CPU M 520 @ 2.40GHz
CPU Speed: 2400 MHz
Although the memory can be installed one module at a time, the best performance comes from using matched pairs of modules.

Each memory slot can hold DDR3 PC3-8500, DDR3 PC3-10600 with a maximum of 4GB per slot.

Blue160 · 25 Jan 2011 at 21:26

I think you need to edit out the competitor details before a mod sees this. You'll get a ban otherwise.

AlexLegg · 25 Jan 2011 at 21:45

Opps, didn't think that would have mattered as I was after recommendation for purchase from here!

Orcvader · 25 Jan 2011 at 22:01

Looking at the scan results, it seems you have to replace your current RAM.

Any RAM will do. Just make sure it's DDR3. And yes, the 10600 will be faster. DDR3 10600 speed is 1333mhz, with 8500 being 1066mhz.

You will need to look for 2x4gb kits.

Blue160 · 25 Jan 2011 at 22:10

In general RAM speed makes very little difference to system performance.

By the way, what are you running that will use 8GB? As far as I know only image/video editing and 3D rendering will use that much.

HangTime · 25 Jan 2011 at 22:59

Also make sure you are running a 64bit operating system, I know some 4GB laptops ship with 32bit Windows.

martynpd · 26 Jan 2011 at 03:33

you can get faster memory the laptop should scale it down if its not required but its best to find out what speed it uses to save a few notes

AlexLegg · 26 Jan 2011 at 08:45

Thanks for the advice guys.

I'm a 3D artist, and a lot of my software will use 8gb if not more!

And yep my system is 64bit.

Meaker · 26 Jan 2011 at 08:59

AFAIK you need 1066mhz DDR3 (PC8500).

If you go for faster stuff the latencies will be worse and the laptop will clock it down too.