Dell 1701x RAM upgrade

Hey, so im currently on 4gb ram which was standard on this machine, its around 7months old.

Anyways, im on 40% memory after startup, and i do game alot, which makes my memory usage around 70 - 90%

im thinking of upgrading to 8gigs of 1333mhhz, is this a good idea, would there be a huge difference in getting cheaper over expensive ram?

Thanks and if anyone knows any good prices 4gig sticks of ram 204pin, i would be greatfull!

 

You are not going to notice the difference between more or less expensive memory. Just make sure you get something with a lifetime warranty and you should be set. 4GB DIMMs are pretty cheap everywhere now... as long as you're not paying more than $60-80, you're not getting ripped off. Heck, you find pairs for $50 now on eBay.

 

Thanks, i will look, will i notic a difference between 4 gigs and 8 giggs?

 

What CPU does your laptop come with? Given Intel's mobile CPU's these days have the memory controller on-die it's key to know what CPU model/series you have to know a) how much RAM capacity it supports but also b) the specification of DDR3 SODIM's.

I'm going to take a wild guess and say you're has a i5 or i7 mobile chip in it yes? If so find your exact CPU model below:

Intel i5 mobile CPU DDR3 memory support

Intel i7 mobile CPU DDR3 memory support

Keep in mind that unless your CPU model supports the faster spec (frequency) DDR3 RAM then even if you install such SODIMM's the system will still downclock them to the speed supported. I.e. say you install PC3-10600 DDR in a PC3-8500 DDR capable laptop, it will downclock the the latter speed despite the SODIMM's being capable of running at the higher frequency.

Don't overpay for RAM unless you need to, just get memory from a brand name that comes with lifetime warranty.

 

I have an I7, its a pretty good machine, at the moment its 1333mhz DDR3

So i was thinking 8 gigs DDR3 133mhz, i have no idea on the Sodimm or anything though

 

If you're running Win7x64 then 8GB RAM is highly recommended by me and most review sites that concentrated on gaming 'benchmarks'.

I would also recommend you 'shrink' your HDD as small as possible for your C: drive and moving your folders inside your users folder to the new partition you'll make after you shrink C: drive.

If you also run PerfectDisk 12 Professional too - along with the 8GB RAM and the optimizing of your O/S partition - you should see a greatly improved platform to game/work on.

These will work (use part numbers for your own search):

See:
GSKILL 4GB PC3-10666 SODIMM for Notebooks at Memory Express Computers

or,

See:
Patriot Signature DDR3 4GB CL9 PC3-10600 SODIMM at Memory Express Computers

or,

See:
Corsair 4GB PC3-10600 DDR3 1333MHz SODIMM at Memory Express Computers

or,

See:
Kingston ValueRAM 4GB PC3-10600 DDR3 SODIMM for Notebooks at Memory Express Computers


See which is most readily available in your area and at the best price (search by part number).

Good luck.

 

Okay, like I said you need to be specific because depending on the model of i7 mobile Intel CPU your laptop has it supports from PC3-6400 to PC3-12800 DDR3 memory and you definitely don't want to be go installing the former if your laptop supports the latter. Given you already have PC3-10600 installed I take it your CPU model only supports up to this speed (1333MHz effective) or otherwise Dell has resorted to some corner cutting.

Double check on your CPU model, run CPU-Z or something similar, i.e. AIDA64 and act accordingly. In terms of SODIMM's you want two of the same so if you want 8GB in total then you either want 2x 4GB PC3-10600 or 2x 4GB PC3-12800. If you want to stick with the 1333MHz you currently have then just go with ordering a seperate 1x 4GB PC3-10600 SODIMM.