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    Best memory config for M1530 + ready boost

    Discussion in 'Dell' started by ledderlappan, Jan 29, 2008.

  1. ledderlappan

    ledderlappan Notebook Enthusiast

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    So I am right now a bit confused on which memory configuration will be most beneficial for my new M1530 (Will receive it tomorrow :) ). I have ordered it with 2GB (2*1GB), since 4GB was way to expensive and the 1440*900 resolution screen with the 8600M gt card.

    In think I will start by listing my basic options:

    A) 32bit vista + 2GB memory (Dual channel) + 1GB ready boost

    B) 32bit vista + 3GB memory (Single channel) + 1GB ready boost

    C) 64bit vista + 4GB memory (Dual channel) + 1-2GB ready boost

    So it’s a Vista 32 vs 64 bit, dual channel vs single channel and if ready boost really has an effect if you have enough memory question?

    Regarding ready boost then I have understood it in such a way, that your system will benefit from the ready boost function/application even though you have enough memory available. Simply because the data stored on the ready boost drive would not have been stored in the systems memory had the system been without the ready boost drive. The data would have been stored on the hard drive in the page file. Off course the performance boost gets less when having more memory because of a smaller page file. Correct?

    Furthermore I’m still not sure if the ready boost drive counts in the total amount of memory allocated? If it does, then I guess option B) will be a bad idea since vista 32bit can only handle up to a maximum of about 3.5GB.

    Then there is the question of dual channel vs. single channel performance. From what I can understand the performance gain on such a laptop using dual channel is minimal and therefore option B) could be an option.

    Last but not least there is the 32bit vs. 64bit question and so far I would like to avoid using vista 64bit – though I have a friend who uses it without problems. I’m going to use the computer for surfing the net, using office, adobe Photoshop and a lot of games. STEAM, Crysis and so on. So I will not be connecting a lot of different external hardware to it and I do not have a lot of small programs that needs to be installed.

    And yes I have been searching this forum and Google before posting, so if I have missed something then please enlighten me and I do hope my post makes sense :rolleyes:
     
    ledderlappan, Jan 29, 2008
    #1
  2. Lithus

    Lithus NBR Janitor

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    Readyboost won't do anything, and obviously 3 GB of RAM is better than 2.
     
    Lithus, Jan 29, 2008
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  3. sko105

    sko105 Notebook Geek

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    3GB will be automatically configured as 2GB in dual channel plus 1GB in single channel. Or something like that.
     
    sko105, Jan 29, 2008
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  4. TrisTan 08

    TrisTan 08 Notebook Consultant

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    what? why not 3gb dual channel :confused2:
     
    TrisTan 08, Jan 29, 2008
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  5. FalconXtreme

    FalconXtreme Notebook Enthusiast

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    i'm assuming bc they dont make 1.5gb sodimms
     
    FalconXtreme, Jan 29, 2008
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  6. sko105

    sko105 Notebook Geek

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    Because the 3GB of memory is a 1GB module and a 2GB module. The Intel Flex Memory Technology takes the 1GB stick in one slot with half the 2GB stick in the other slot and operates it in dual channel. The remaining 1GB of the 2GB stick operates as a separate, single channel module.

    Google "Intel Flex Memory".
     
    sko105, Jan 29, 2008
    #6