Thinkpads Forum

Guys,

Can someone tell me what is the better configuration.

2 x 512MB 5300
or
1 x 1024MB 4200
1 x 512MB 5300

Just the machine ive just bought comes with the first configuration but i have a spare 1gb dimm but at the slower speed.

Thanks

I believe that the 2 x 512Mb set up for Dual channel would yield the best performance, but if you're short on available memory for apps you run regularly the 1.5 Gb config might be more realistic.

BTW 1Gb 5300 DIMMS are ~$100 at www.MemoryToGo.com

i would buy 2 x 1GB if i could but the shipping to UK is normally a bit expensive...

Try it. If it works, it should still be faster than just the 1GB because even slow memory is still much, much faster than hard disk swapping when memory gets tighter.

Got with 1.5GB over dual channel 1GB.

Dual channel is WAY OVERRATED in laptops.

Why? The caches on Core Duo (and ESPECIALLY Core 2 Duo) are so BIG and efficient at prefetching data from memory that dual channel gives you less than 5% performance improvement.

If you want to spend extra money, get a 7200RPM hard drive. That is BY FAR the best bang for your buck after you reach the 1GB memory level.

rscosworth wrote:i would buy 2 x 1GB if i could but the shipping to UK is normally a bit expensive...

PM me if you want 1GB sticks. I've got em and I ship internationally.

You want more RAM for Microsoft Vista which you'll be able to get free upgrade for if ordering now.

Dell is actually recommending 2 GB for Vista machines.

brentpresley wrote:

rscosworth wrote:i would buy 2 x 1GB if i could but the shipping to UK is normally a bit expensive...

PM me if you want 1GB sticks. I've got em and I ship internationally.

ill be speaking to you when you can also find me a t60 DVDRW-DL......at a reasonable price

rscosworth wrote:

brentpresley wrote: PM me if you want 1GB sticks. I've got em and I ship internationally.

ill be speaking to you when you can also find me a t60 DVDRW-DL......at a reasonable price

Don't hold your breath.
Because thinkpad drives are the smaller 9.5mm height, they have been and always will be expensive (just look a prices on eBay for comparison). DL will be even more (>$150).

The only drive I have is the 2.4X UJ-822B drive from my old T42. And at $80 it is quite reasonable (compared to the going rate for this drive).

brentpresley wrote: Dual channel is WAY OVERRATED in laptops.
...
If you want to spend extra money, get a 7200RPM hard drive. That is BY FAR the best bang for your buck after you reach the 1GB memory level.

I totally agree. The speed boost you get from a 7200rpm drive vs 5400 or, God forbid, 4200 drive is much more than the specs indicate.

the machine ive got 2637ah3 has a 60gb 7200