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    D620 RAM Specs

    Discussion in 'Dell' started by zzzz73, May 29, 2006.

  1. zzzz73

    zzzz73 Notebook Enthusiast

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    I have a 512MB 533MHz DDR2 RAM and wanted to install another 512MB of ram inside this notebook.

    However, the RAM module that is installed s at the other side of the motherboard and I am unable to look at the prints on it.

    I am worried that the new RAM module that I bought may be incompatible with the current one.

    Anybody has any advice or information on the RAM module installed by DELL?

    Thanks.
     
    zzzz73, May 29, 2006
    #1
  2. carlislegeorge

    carlislegeorge Notebook Consultant

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    It could be any of a shole slew of manufacturers...but RAM is RAM so just match the specs (533MHz DDR2) and put in a 512MB or 1 GB stick from whoever you want...
     
    carlislegeorge, May 29, 2006
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  3. zzzz73

    zzzz73 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Does that mean that I can mix a 512MB DDR2-533MHz with a 1GB DDR2-533MHz RAM, to achieve 1.5GB RAM?
     
    zzzz73, Jun 11, 2006
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  4. Unreal

    Unreal Notebook Deity NBR Reviewer

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    Yes but it won't run in dual channel which doesn't really even matter on Core Duo setups.
     
    Unreal, Jun 11, 2006
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  5. Charles P. Jefferies

    Charles P. Jefferies Lead Moderator Super Moderator

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    On the Intel 945 chipset, there's a feature called Asymmetrical dual-channel - it allows two RAM modules, even if they are different sizes, to run in dual-channel mode. Symmetrical dual-channel requires two matching RAM sticks, there's a 2.5-3.5% performance increase under that mode. Asymmetrical dual-channel provides no real-world performance increase, it is limited to about the same bandwidth as single-channel RAM. It can actually negatively impact performance if you have integrated graphics.

    There's more detailed info in Intel's 945GM datasheet, page 331:
    http://download.intel.com/design/mobile/datashts/30921902.pdf
     
    Charles P. Jefferies, Jun 11, 2006
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  6. zzzz73

    zzzz73 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hi ChazMan421,

    Does that mean you do not recommend me to get a 1GB module as an add-on and 512MB module will be better?

    I am using the Intel integrated Graphics. No options during that period when I ordered mine.

    What is the requirement for 2 RAM sticks to be matching? So long as the RAM size is the same?
     
    zzzz73, Jun 11, 2006
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  7. drakematthew

    drakematthew Notebook Enthusiast

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    So are you guys saying that if someone already has 1GB of RAM on an Inspiron he can take that RAM and put it in a Latitude? So notebook memory are universal? :confused: Sorry if that's a stupid question.
     
    drakematthew, Jun 11, 2006
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  8. Unreal

    Unreal Notebook Deity NBR Reviewer

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    As long as they both use DDR2 533/667 yes. RAM is not machine-specific you can use DDR2 533/667 ram in any core duo laptop, and ddr2 533 in most pentium m laptops (the older ones use DDR memory).
     
    Unreal, Jun 11, 2006
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  9. drakematthew

    drakematthew Notebook Enthusiast

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    Cool. Thanks for the prompt response.
     
    drakematthew, Jun 11, 2006
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  10. Charles P. Jefferies

    Charles P. Jefferies Lead Moderator Super Moderator

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    I'd recommend matching sticks for best performance; you'll probably only see a decrease in performance if you running stuff that requires use of the graphics card.

    Chaz
     
    Charles P. Jefferies, Jun 11, 2006
    #10