vostro 1500 - ram update

hello, i have only 2 x 512mb ram in my vostro 1500 (1GB, DDR2, 667MHz 2 DIMM). i wanted to buy a single new 2 gig stick. so my question is now:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...E&N=2010260381 1309121116&bop=And&Order=PRICE

are all ram modules compatible with my vostro 1500 in the link above (because some are 5300 and some are 5400)??? if yes do u recommend me to buy the cheaper ones?

Also one dude recommend me this ram stick from frys:
https://shop1.outpost.com/product/5175606?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

so what do u think? which one is the best choice?
Or do u maybe know a cheaper offer??

thx in advance

sam solid

 

PC5300 or PC5400 should work without any problems and work alongside one of your 512MB modules. The BIOS checks the slowest timings supported by both RAM modules and uses those values.

I know that the Transcend module is OK because I've been using one for about 5 months and have tried it in several notebooks, but the other modules should be OK as well.

John

PS: Also look in the RAM deals thread.

 

By using one sodimm you will loose the dual-channel configuration and some performance. For the best performance you have to fill both RAM slots with modules of the same spec. I bought 2x1GB G.Skill brand for my Vostro 1500, works fine in dual-channel configuration (see the link below).

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231116

 

okay, but then i have to pull out my keyboard...is it very difficult to change the second ram?
And i will maybe lose some perfomance because it is no dualchannel but then i will have 2,5 gb ram and not 2gb...will it be noticable?? So will i notice the difference between a 2,5gb ram non dual channel ram and a 2gb dual channel ram? Or will it be pretty much the same
If there isnt gonna be a big difference...I think i am gonna follow your advice cause its much cheaper.

 

The need for two matched RAM modules for best performance is discussed in this thread. You may lose, at worst, a few % on RAM performance with two modules of different sizes.

John

 

You might not notice the difference between either 2.5 and 2 GB RAM or dual-channel and single-channel configuration, as John Ratsey pointed out. But, for me, I would never go with such an asymmetric configuration knowing that it is not optimal. I guess, this is my perfectionist side Besides, 2x1GB is cheaper, and pulling out the keyboard is no big deal. Just check the service manual, it takes only five minutes at most. You decide, and good luck.

PS: By the way, one advantage of buying a single 2GB sodimm could be the easier upgrade path to 4GB in future, if you ever need it.

 

I just changed the ram on my Vostro 1500 last week, no pressure but when you first opens it up it's gets a little scary. But I am here to tell you that don't worry just follow the steps. There is a guide here on the forum where it has a picture step by step guide to changing V.1500 ram. I can't find the link atm. Two gig is fine, even running crysis beta it doesn't completely use up all 2 gig while on Vista so, I am positive the 2.5 gig will not do much benefit, unless you multi-task like a mofo. *excuse my language*. it is NOT hard to pull up the keyboard, you just need to have some tools with you, and some gloves or plastic bags to prevent statics from damaging the components. Otherwise, it only took me about 30 minutes to change both RAM sticks, and I have the same ram config as your 512 x 2 to begin with.

 

okay i think i will go with the 2 x 1gb sticks now, but could you give me a link where it is explained how i can change the ram sticks in a vostro 1500, and could u recommend me a good offer for 2x1gb ram sticks?

sam solid

 

Here is a link to the Dell instructions.

As far as where to buy RAM check out RAM Deals in NBR or NewEgg should cost about $80.

 

okay ive been looking around for 2x1gb sticks now and i found these two offers? Which one is better?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231116 Its G Skill but costs a little bit more

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820141271 Is cheaper but i never heard of this brand...but its pc2 5400, i dont know what that means but the g skill sticks have only pc2 5300!

here is another excellent offer from frys, very cheap!!!
http://shop3.outpost.com/product/5001625 would u recommend me to buy it?

 

okay i bought the last offer from frys...is it compatible with my system and have these ramsticks good perfomance?

common guys i need an confirmation that this ram sticks are compatible with my vostro 1500...then i will confirm my order at frys!!!

 

Yes you bought the correct RAM. I will tell you I do not believe it is CL4 but that does not really matter as the norm for PC5300/5400 is CL5. Great price. Save the ad and when you get it and CL5 tell them you want money back, haha, at that price you should be very happy.

 

That Corsair RAM looks OK. It is a 2 x 1GB (I presume that's what they mean by "dual channel" in the heading) and I think the CL4 is at 533MHz. I''m sure it is CL5 at 667MHz (but so is all the other similar RAM I have seen).

It's very good value after that rebate.

John

 

can u explain me what the difference between CL4 and CL5 is?
And which is better?

 

CL = Clock Latency. This is the number of clock pulses delay associated with various memory functions (eg read and write). Smaller is better. Most (all?) 667MHz notebook RAM has a CL of 5 at 667MHz but CL of 4 at 533MHz. In micro-seconds that's the same amount of time delay.

John

 

There is another deal at Fry's for 54.99 2x1GB Patriot DDR2-667. Do you know if this Patriot is comparable in quality with Corsair?

Thanks,

 

I wouldn't worry about the brand. Most of that RAM comes out of the same factories. It's not as if we are talking of stability under overclocking or similar situations which favour selection of certain brands of RAM for desktops.

John

 

Thanks for the quick reply, I ordered it for a Macbook. $55 for 2GB !!

 

hello, My vostro 1500 have only 1GB of ram( 512MB x 2) and I just bought the Transcend DDR2 2GB x 1, so I will have 2.5GB. My question is if i should leaving the other Samsung Memory for more ram, or should I pull it out for better performance. Since with 2 different Ram memories, My laptop will lose about 10% on Ram performace.

Thanks

 

It will perform better if you leave it in. 1GB of the 2.5GB will function in "dual channel".