Some basic questions on getting more RAM (Latitude E6400)

Am running Windows 7/64-bit, currently with 4gb ram:

1) I would like to go up to 8gb's; there are a number of people selling brand new RAM on ebay for very cheap. Am I looking for a certain brand or do the non-oem's work well too?
2) I hear its best to have both dimms filled with the same type/make ram. Is this necessary?
3)Possible for me to find out exactly what I currently have without opening my machine?

Thanks very much!

 

1) With RAM, either it works or it doesn't. RAM rarely goes bad over time which is why so many manufacturers sell modules with lifetime warranties. If there's a problem, it usually comes with the problem. When you get your new memory, run it through something like MemTest86 a few times to make sure there are no issues, and then you're set. Make sure the seller has a return policy in case the module happens to be bad.
2) Not necessarily the same model, but having modules with the same timings is good. (Having them all be the same model is a good way to guarantee this.) If the modules have different timings the machine may need to find and run at the "lowest common denominator" — or, a speed supported by all of the modules, which may not be the maximum speed supported by any of the modules.
3) Download CPU-Z and look at the "SPD" tab, it will tell you information about your current memory (timings, manufacturer, which slots are used, etc.).

 

Oh dear, that laptop comes with DDR2, no matter where you look for a 8GB kit, it'll be expensive.

 

Thank you Aaron-will do.
Edit: just did it...there are a number of "clocks" listed here.
Which of these do I need to match (if not all of them)?

Can you explain this a bit further?

 

You can confirm whether it is DDR2 with GPU-Z (but my research for Latitude E6400 returns that it's DDR2). DDR2 is the older standard, it is rarer and as such more expensive than DDR3. DDR3 and DDR2 are also not compatible with each other so you have to buy the right type. A 8GB DDR2 kit on eBay will likely be at 100$ or more, while a 8GB kit of DDR3 would cost half that.

Like Aaron said, download CPU-Z it will tell you for certain what RAM you have. I know that near the end of it's life cycle, the series 4 chipset did support DDR3 as well as DDR2, but which was used was up to the manufacturer.

 

You and Aaron are correct-it is a ddr2.
So now it seems I need to find a 4gb ddr2 stick that is compatible with what I have.

It appears that will rung me about $50-60.

 

Hi akwit,

The Latitude E6400 is designed to work with DDR2 800 MHz SODIMMs. There are two memory slots on the motherboard. Though each of the slots can have 8 GB module each, the maximum memory you may install in the system is 8GB. Means, you may install one 8GB module or two 4 GB similar modules to make it 8GB. To check the information about the memory that was installed in your system, you may send a Private Message to me with service tag. I can check the details and get back to you.

I hope this helps. Please do write back in case you need any further assistance.

Thanks and Regards
Swapnajan M C
#iworkfordell

 

Just a note, I'm using CPU-Z which is a different tool, but maybe GPU-Z also has memory info.

Anyway, yes, you will see a few different numbers which represent the speed of the module. For example, mine looks like:



I see from the "memory" tab that it is currently running at 800 MHz so that is the column that I pay attention to. The first four numbers (10, 10, 10, 27) correspond to the timings that I see on the product page where I bought the memory ("Timing" under "Details"). That's a common way to report the memory specs.

If you're buying on eBay, the specs might not all be listed, but you might be able to look them up elsewhere if you have the model number.

Anyway, you should try to match all of them if you can... But if you can't, just get as close as you can and it will probably be just fine.

And yes, unfortunately DDR-2 is quite a bit more expensive than DDR-3. :-\

 

Oops, i meant CPU-Z, GPU-Z's function can easily be deduced by the name.

Yup, it's the only reason i'm not running 8GB in my older N50Vn.

 

Ok, here is my CPU readout:

Jedec #3 (is this the correct JEDEC?)
400mhz
CAS# Latency: 6.0
RAS# to CAS#: 6
RAS# Precharge: 6
tRAS: 18
tRC: 24
SCREENSHOT ATTACHED

As for my current memory, I used Crucials system scanner:

Memory:
DDR2 PC2-6400
Memory Type: DDR2 PC2-6400, DDR2 (non-ECC)
Maximum Memory: 8GB
Currently Installed Memory: 4GB
Total Memory Slots: 2
Available Memory Slots: 1

Got it-thanks!