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    m11xr1 RAM question

    Discussion in 'Alienware M11x' started by stratocat0, Mar 4, 2011.

  1. stratocat0

    stratocat0 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hi all!

    I just ordered a m11x core 2 duo with 2gb of ram, I would like to buy some ram to upgrade it, however I am wondering if someone can help me.

    Does the 2gb come as 2x1gb sticks or 1x2 gb sticks?

    If i can just buy 1x2gb stick to compliment than that will be cheaper / work out better right?

    Along those lines, this is dual core RAM, right? meaning i need to upgrade it in pairs? so I would need to get 2x2gb sticks (matching), right?

    Any help would be greatly appreciated...

    Thanks,
    Dan
     
    stratocat0, Mar 4, 2011
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  2. anthonykit

    anthonykit Notebook Consultant

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    Good question.

    I have a 4GB i7 and want to upgarde to 8GB however I was told by Dell my 4GB is really 2 X 2GB.
    He said further that I cannot keep one of the 2GB and just add a 4GB to get up to 6GB because RAM works in like pairs.

    I remember 8 years ago I built a machine and for hyperthreading to work I should have identical RAm sticks.

    I wonder if this is correct or is this just a situation where he is trying to "up sell" me.
     
    anthonykit, Mar 4, 2011
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  3. anthonykit

    anthonykit Notebook Consultant

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    Here is a quote from Cruials website:

    You can mix different densities of modules in your computer. But if your computer supports dual-channel memory configurations, you should install in identical pairs (preferably in kits) for optimal performance.

    The R1 and R2 supports dual channel memory.

    The question now becomes how important is dual channel memory and does it make throwing out my 2 X 2GB sticks worth it.

    I have a feeling dual channel is extremly important since it cuts down on idle cpu waits while slow memory feeds it something.

    Remember the other question of if its even worth it to go from 2 to 4 or 4 to 8.

    You probably have 2 X 1G sticks.
     
    anthonykit, Mar 4, 2011
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  4. stratocat0

    stratocat0 Notebook Enthusiast

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    i guess its not really a big deal, as im sure it will work fine with 2gb for now... when i get it, i will pop off the back and see whats doing....

    my gut is telling me that i will need to order 2x2gb sticks, or 2x4gb sticks, but im not sure i will need 8gb of ram...

    Dan
     
    stratocat0, Mar 4, 2011
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  5. brndnbrlw

    brndnbrlw Notebook Enthusiast

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    I have (x2) 2G sticks of 1333 that I am ready to part with, any offers?
     
    brndnbrlw, Mar 4, 2011
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