Thinkpads Forum

I need another gig of ram in my X60s and was wondering which brands are compatible and trouble free. Any suggestions?

Hi,

I'm using 2 modules of 1 GB of SimpleTech memory. Till now everything is fine and no problems. They are running in Dual Channel mode.

Regards,
Miri

According to the tabook specs, the X60s system takes PC2-5300 (667Mhz) CL5 (CAS latency 5) DDR2 non-parity memory modules. Any module which is labelled as such, should work in the system, as it is a standard specification. That said, you will probably be safer sticking with the major memory module sources such as, but not limited to, Micron/Crucial, Samsung, Kingston, ProMOS (full disclosure: I am an employee of Mosel Vitelic, a ProMOS subsidiary), Elpida, Mitsubishi, Hynix). Be sure you get some guarantee (money back or exchange) from whatever source you buy from in case you receive a defective module.

When you install your new memory, run a diagnostic test such as memtest86+, available from here:

http://www.memtest.org

Let it go through at least two complete passes before accepting the module as good.

Is there a difference between "notebook" memory and "desktop" memory of the same specifications? I was unaware that laptops actually took a different physical sized stick than desktops until now.

jck8r wrote:Is there a difference between "notebook" memory and "desktop" memory of the same specifications?

Yes. Recent laptop memory modules use what is termed SODIMM (small outline, dual in-line memory module). They are 144 or 200 pin modules and are much smaller than the same spec'ed desktop memory.

Thanks RK, appreciate the reply

I think all the speciafications are the theroy.
the stable system is actually important .

I use a kingston ram .

As so far , the system is fine .

I am running this in my X60s, its fantastic. The 2nd review is mine.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6820231066

So any of these will work on the X60?
Newegg link

I don't know much about memory. Why are there large price differences between different ones? Isn't speed and capacity the same? Is it reliability or compatibility? Basically, from the product list above, how should I choose which one fits me best?

Moderator edit: Shortened URL to link to prevent left-right scrolling

spaznrq wrote:So any of these will work on the X60?

<best Yoda voice>
Hmm.. difficult to say it is...
</best Yoda voice>

Seriously, the wide price difference is typical for memory devices. Each company in that list, with the exceptions of Crucial (Micron-owned) and TwinMOS (subsidiary of ProMOS, of which, I'm an employee of another ProMOS company), does not manufacture its own memory components. They buy DRAM on the open market, where prices vary widely, then assemble (and hopefully, test) the modules. As each is trying to make a profit, they may attempt to reduce their cost by using cheaper printed circuit boards or cheaper components (capacitors, resistors, EEPROM) that are also placed on the module. The biggest cost-savings, however, is in reduced testing. Since each module company is probably not going to reveal what their testing procedure is, you're left making a buying decision based solely upon price and reputation.

As long as the module meets the specification that you need (PC2 5300 DDR2 CL5), then I would say buy the module that is neither the cheapest or most expensive, and which also has a lifetime guarantee. Out of that list, WINTEC and SUPER TALENT are the only ones that I've never heard of. Corsair, Patriot, Kingston, Crucial, Mushkin and PNY are well-known companies who have been in the module business for years.

Got two sticks of 1GB of Corsair running on my X60.

It's been good all the while, except that the sticks are rated for CL4, and the X60 is fixed to run RAMs at CL5.

Faster (lower numbered CL) is okay but like you say, it won't make the system run any quicker.

Comage wrote:It's been good all the while, except that the sticks are rated for CL4

So these are PC2-4200 sticks? I haven't seen any PC2-5300 modules with CL5.

I'm referring to the PC-5300 sticks. Apologies for the wrong information up there. I did a quick search again and found that the sticks from Corsair are rated at CL5, according to various online retailers.

I could've sworn I seen them from somewhere saying they were CL4...

Turbo Audi wrote:I am running this in my X60s, its fantastic. The 2nd review is mine.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6820231066

I just bought a stick of this. They are really cheap now. Memory has really come down in price recently.