Adding Ram to my laptop question

I have a question. I want to add 2GB of ram to my laptop but I am wondering since the RAM I am adding is made by a different brand then the ones in my laptop, will this affect anything? Does 3GB of RAM make Vista a lot faster then 2GB of RAM? I previously had two 1GB memory sticks in my computer and now it will be one 2GB and one 1GB, does this affect anything? I know the RAM I am getting is the same thing just a different brand.

 

Check you current Memory Utilization in task manager. If it is near or above 60%, then it is worth upgrading to 3GB.

You can download CPU-Z, go to the SPD Page, it will show you the brand of the memory chips. You can then buy any module that uses the same memory chips.
In most cases, installing modules with different memory chips doesn't cause any problems.

 

I totally got lost on your last sentence. You mean I just have to get a chip that fits my computer and it does not matter what brand?

 

And what is Dual Channel mode?

 

From my personal experience with lenovo x61t
I found that when i installed ram from two different brands , there was more system hangs.. But then i had some hard disc issues too , so cant say for sure...

 

Can you upload a screenshot of the SPD page in CPU-Z, I'll try clearing it out for you there.

Dual Channel Ram Guide

 

On the other hand I think I am just going to replace both so I can get Dual Mode. Are these good RAM and do they work well/with the T61: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231135

 

Yes it is good RAM.
You can also look into the PC2-5300 CL4 RAM, which will be faster when you run memory-intensive tasks.

 

No.

For, let's say 80% of users, 1.5 gb of ram should be enough for 32 bit vista(64 bit is another story).

Brands does not matter. Quality of the ram do, however(buying no-name ram is not suggested).

Does it really worth it?

 

How about this:

http://shop1.frys.com/product/5503990

shipping's free too.

 

Is the Lenovo RAM CL4?

 

I believe it is worth it, if you run memory intensive tasks. The lower timings definitely help in improving data fetch. The major bottleneck in memory performance with each frequency increase, was the increasing CAS Latency. So, RAM with a higher frequency rating, and a lower CL will run better. (Obviously, you won't notice the difference in CL when running tasks, that actually don't stress the RAM)

If you don't run intensive tasks, stick with the 5-5-5-15 timings, or look into this. DDR2-800 CL5, should downclock to DDR2-667 4-4-4-12.

Lenovo RAM CL4 --> Check in CPU-Z (Memory)

 

I am in Memory in CPU-Z, where does it say LENOVO RAM CL4? How do I tell if it's CL4?

 

I have the slower ram... I find it perfect for my use though so I am going to go with the slower one. Are G.Skill good quality, and do they have good quality control (defective percentage). Also if you find that faster RAM from a website that ships to Canada that would be great! How do I know if I have Santa Rosa platform? Will my RAM Dual Channel if I have the two 2GB sticks with a 32 bit operating system?

 

The T61 is based on the Santa Rosa Platform.
You can checkout PC Wizard 2008....

 

Will my RAM Dual Channel if I have the two 2GB sticks with a 32 bit operating system?

 

Yes, it will. Dual-Channel is a Hardware feature.

 

And it won't do that if I have one 2 GB stick and one 1 GB stick?

Is G.Skill good quality and how are there quality control in terms of defective products. By the way thank you very much for your help!!

 

Check out the Dual Channel RAM Guide. It includes one full paragraph explaining Intel Flex Memory.

I don't know. I have never used it, since I live in the UK. It should be good, as they do back their product with a life-time warranty. I haven't seen anyone complaining about G.SKill Memory yet.