Doubts: Upgrading from 512MB to 1GB

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princeatul · #1 Post by **princeatul** » Sun Nov 25, 2007 11:04 am

I'm planning to upgrade RAM for my T43 from 512MB (yea, 512 seems less by
today's standards

) to 1GB.

Never upgraded RAM, so a little apprehensive about the act.
Searched through the list, but couldn't find post that would answer all.

Here are some of my doubts:
0. What should I be wary about while buying a 2nd hand/repackaged RAM?

1. What specs should I match with my existing RAM:
FRU : 73P3843
Spec: 512MB PC2-4200 CL4 NP DDR2 SDRAM SODIMM

What I'm eyeing at are out of following boxes
- HP NC8430 (make: infineon, I can buy single module)
- Dell (make: ProMOS, I'll have to buy a 2x512 pair)

2. Where do I find more detailed spec, if I have to match them?

3. Would I see significant dip in performance if I (somehow) don't match the specs of 2 modules?

4. I trust I can use PC2-5300, just that it will run at PC2-4200's spec, without any adverse effects. Am I right here?

5. If I get a good deal, is it advisable that I take a pair, and keep my original module hmm... spare

?

Additional tips and watch-out-for's are most welcome.

#2 Post by **richk** » Sun Nov 25, 2007 1:28 pm

I buy whatever is cheapest, except I don't ever buy anything that says HP, because I have always had trouble with it. (things like error correction)

PC4200 can be replaced by PC5300, but will run like PC4200

You need memory that is 200-pin, or else you will have nice new desktop memory.

They don't need to be bought in pairs and I believe there is no advantage.

#3 Post by **Harryc** » Sun Nov 25, 2007 2:44 pm

This RAM is a good deal for that machine -

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6820145097

princeatul · #4 Post by **princeatul** » Sun Nov 25, 2007 10:32 pm

Thanks richk for your reply!

@Harryc, thanks a LOT for the link.
Looks like a pretty GOOD deal, is there something that I should be careful about? I've never shopped off newegg. I trust they should be reputable in replacement/returning policy, just in case.

#5 Post by **Harryc** » Sun Nov 25, 2007 10:45 pm

princeatul wrote:Thanks richk for your reply!

@Harryc, thanks a LOT for the link.
Looks like a pretty GOOD deal, is there something that I should be careful about? I've never shopped off newegg. I trust they should be reputable in replacement/returning policy, just in case.

Newegg is the largest online retailer for aftermarket computer parts and accessories. Very reliable with a great return policy. Beside that, it's Crucial RAM and it has a lifetime replacement guarantee from Crucial. That's a win-win combo.

princeatul · #6 Post by **princeatul** » Sun Nov 25, 2007 11:36 pm

Harryc wrote: Newegg is the largest online retailer for aftermarket computer parts and accessories. Very reliable with a great return policy. Beside that, it's Crucial RAM and it has a lifetime replacement guarantee from Crucial. That's a win-win combo.

Thanks a lot Harry for the pointer! I'm ordering it RIGHT AWAY!

ricerocket · #7 Post by **ricerocket** » Mon Nov 26, 2007 10:57 am

I have an IBM genuine 512 MB stick here (in Pittsburgh) that I'll sell you. That way, you'll have peace of mind that you can keep your warranty and all that for having all IBM parts.

davidspalding · #8 Post by **davidspalding** » Mon Nov 26, 2007 6:45 pm

I I think I also have an excess IBM stick, but "me, too" is lame. PM me if interested. I'm not using it.

My tip ... buy same size RAM chip to gain advantage of the dual-channel capability of the T43. It's not much of a boost, but every little bit is nice. If money's no object, go for the maximum (2 GB if I recall in the 43). I upgraded my system to 2 GB, and couldn't be happier. I usually only buy Kingston, Viking, or other top brands, and their prices on NewEgg aren't too much more than "white box" brands.

princeatul · #9 Post by **princeatul** » Thu Nov 29, 2007 4:16 pm

@ Harryc, ricerocket and davidspalding
Thanks a lot for your offers, but I had already ordered the RAM by the time you guys made an offer

Yes, I might not be able to get that coveted extra boost of 10% of dual channel, but it's ok!

And thanks a TON Harryc once again for pointing me to GREAT deal, I now have 1.5GB!

#10 Post by **Harryc** » Thu Nov 29, 2007 4:46 pm

You're welcome

Likvid · #11 Post by **Likvid** » Fri Nov 30, 2007 6:15 am

I noticed a slight boost in general performance when going from 1.5GB to 2GB in XP.

davidspalding · #12 Post by **davidspalding** » Fri Nov 30, 2007 11:42 am

princeatul wrote:Yes, I might not be able to get that coveted extra boost of 10% of dual channel, but it's ok!

And thanks a TON Harryc once again for pointing me to GREAT deal, I now have 1.5GB!

No problem, I think this was the first config I had in my T43 (adding a Viking/Kingston 1 GB to the stock RAM), then replaced the IBM 512 MB chip with a matching 1 GB. Change in perormance from 1.5 to 2.0? I don't think I noticed any, but I did start reducing my pagefile size with some performance gains ... sometimes. YMMV.

kyrotech · #13 Post by **kyrotech** » Wed Dec 05, 2007 10:19 am

Crucial is good. Consider getting 2GB of DDR2, memory is so cheap nowadays.

rhema83 · #14 Post by **rhema83** » Thu Dec 06, 2007 12:06 pm

I have 2GB of RAM in my T42 and that is the best upgrade I did (followed by a 7K60 HDD). While Windows XP is frugal with RAM compared to Vista, it never hurts to have more, especially when RAM is so cheap now.

Doubts: Upgrading from 512MB to 1GB

Doubts: Upgrading from 512MB to 1GB

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