T61 memory compatibility & dual channel question.

[agarza]

Is this Kingston DDR2 module is compatible with my T61 8897-CTO machine:
KVR667D2S5/2G

Description: 2GB 667MHz DDR2 Non-ECC CL5 SODIMM
Detailed Specifications: Standard 256M X 64 Non-ECC 667MHz 200-pin Unbuffered SODIMM (SDRAM-DDR2, 1.8V, CL5)

or this one:

KGT KVR667D2SO2GR
http://www.circuitcity.com/ccd/productD ... oid=194799

And if I use non-symmetrycal DIMMS (2GB & 512MB for example) my T61 would run in dual channel mode?

Thanks in advance

[sarbin]

some have reported iffy results with kingston value ram. you might get sticks that work or don't. i've not had any problems, but i've only had one kvr stick and dorronto has it now.

as i understand it, you will not get dual channel mode unless the sticks are size and speed matched. real world performance may be unnoticeable in any case.

[Marin85]

To operate in dual channel mode the memory sticks only need to be of the same "speed", i.e. frequency, latency etc. That said, if the memory sticks differ only in their capacity, you will still get dual channel - so called asymmetrical dual channel. If both sticks have the same size, you will get the so called symmetrical dual channel. The performance difference is about 2% when operating equal amounts of memory load. That means the performance of your thinkpad in symmetrical dual channel would increase rather due to the greater amount of memory than due to the operating mode itself.

Cheers

Marin

[agarza]

Thanks for your accurate reply Marin:

I'm looking to buy a ValueRAM 2GB stick as pointed above, I think OEM is more expensive, or maybe I could try the Marketplace for a specific type memory for my T61, however it will need to ship outside US.

Anyways, the spec of the memory on my T61 are:



My guess is that any 667MHz DDR2 CL5 memory would work right away on my machine, even though ValueRAM is said to be randomly working.

[runbuh]

http://www.circuitcity.com/ccd/productD ... oid=194799

If you have the option, please have a look around on the web for memory prices. I was able to get a quality 2GB stick for my T61, from a reputable vendor, that was significantly cheaper than the link above.