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    dell laptop RAM

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by Ironmankey, Dec 28, 2009.

  1. Ironmankey

    Ironmankey Notebook Enthusiast

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    I wanted to purchase a DELL laptop but the jump from 4 to 6 ddr3 1333mhz price wise is is an extra $185. is it worth it or is there a way i can buy the 2 gb RAM stick from dell then just install it myself for cheaper??
     
    Ironmankey, Dec 28, 2009
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  2. Judicator

    Judicator Judged and found wanting.

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    Depending on the laptop, it may not be that simple. Most current notebooks only have 2 memory slots, so to go from 4 GB (2x 2GB modules) to 6 GB, you need to actually buy a 4 GB RAM stick to replace one of the 2 GB modules. A few models actually have 3 or 4 memory slots, so for those it may be possible (assuming they didn't use 4x 1 GB modules). Still, yes, you can probably still get a 4 GB stick for cheaper than the $185 and install it yourself, but I'm just letting you know that you might not be saving quite as much as you think you would be.
     
    Judicator, Dec 29, 2009
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  3. sean473

    sean473 Notebook Prophet

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    i doubt your going to find a DDR 3 RAM stick for $185 outside... more like $300++... i would just take the dell upgrade if i were u...
     
    sean473, Dec 29, 2009
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  4. Partizan

    Partizan Notebook Deity

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    It kinda depends on what your using your laptop for...If its for gaming I wouldn't bother. I for example upgraded from 2 to 3 gigs (667 mhz)...made no difference at all in cod4. On the other hand 185 dollars seems like a bargain.
     
    Partizan, Dec 29, 2009
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  5. sean473

    sean473 Notebook Prophet

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    this isn't about RAM type.. its about more RAM... :)
     
    sean473, Dec 30, 2009
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  6. Bog

    Bog Losing it...

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    Unless you're running multiple virtual machines, doing intensive photo editing or running advanced CAD graphics (which most laptops can't handle either way), 6GB of RAM is completely useless.
     
    Bog, Dec 30, 2009
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  7. tilleroftheearth

    tilleroftheearth Wisdom listens quietly...

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    As pointed out: make sure you need the RAM before you jump needlessly. ;)

    This may help:
    See:
    http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?p=5611835#post5611835


    As to whether this is worth it? Well, this is a matter of simple math and a little bit of business decision making applied...

    You will be giving up a 2GB DDR3 1333MHz notebook RAM module - what is that price on the 'open' market (i.e. not from DELL)?

    You will be gaining a 4GB DDR3 1333Mhz notebook RAM module - what is that price on the 'open' market?

    If the $185 plus the cost of the 2GB DDR3 1333MHz notebook RAM module is less than the cost of a single 4GB DDR3 1333Mhz notebook RAM module, then we have a 'deal'.

    But, only if you need to use that extra 2GB RAM immediately. Otherwise, you are simply purchasing now for the expected benefit of some future time and/or software conditions (that may never happen with this particular notebook).

    Good luck.
     
    tilleroftheearth, Dec 30, 2009
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  8. Judicator

    Judicator Judged and found wanting.

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    Newegg has a pair of DDR3 1333 for around $180 right now, but yes, you're not really saving a whole lot except for having an extra 2 GB stick you could maybe sell.
     
    Judicator, Dec 31, 2009
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