Thinkpads Forum

If my X300 has a 2GB SODIMM preinstalled, what's a good memory brand I should look for to get an extra 2GB to max out the RAM?

On the X300, can Vista 32-bit access more than 3GB RAM (perhaps 3.5GB)? After excluding memory reserved for integrated graphics, etc...

Crucial is a very well known brand which I would suggest for your upcoming X300 and the maximum memory this machine can address under 64-bit OS is 4GB otherwise 3.x GB under 32-bit (exceptions Win 2003 server).

My X300 originally came with 1 stick of 2GB Samsung, I replaced it with 2x2GB Buffalo Select DDR800 sticks and they seem to be working well.

I replaced the stock 1GB with 4GB, under Vista and XP it has approximately 3GB usable. (FYI, with Vista SP1, this increased to 3.5GB, I am expecting the same with XP SP3 once it is released)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6820231154

Also, with this memory and a CAS latency of 4 (vs 5 for the standard RAM) my Vista Experience Index increased as follows, with RAM as the only modification.

--Before---
Base Score 3.0
Processor: 4.4
RAM: 4.5
Graphics: 3.0
Gaming: 3.3
HardDrive: 5.9

---After---
Base Score: 3.5
Processor: 4.4
RAM: 4.7
Graphics: 3.5
Gaming: 3.5
HardDrive: 5.9

Overall, I am very pleased with the memory, and it comes with a lifetime warranty, and I have had very good results in the past using G.Skill RAM.

Thought I would chime in - My Vista Experience Scores are identical to your After scores with my 4GB of Buffalo DDR800 on Vista x64.

agreed.   vista's WEI scores aren't going to change that much with a simple change in CAS latency.   the difference is only 3 ns per instruction and nets out to an overall system increase of 1~2% max -- not something you'll ever notice unless you're a robot.   besides, vista won't give you another tenth of an index number with only a 1~2% change.

I can't tell what's the best RAM chip to upgrade my X300 to 2x2gig. The RAM prices for laptops aren't good indicators either. Based solely on the prices, the DDR2 800 RAM chip with a 4 latency might be cheaper than a DDR2 667 5-latency chip!

1) If price were no concern, what's the best 2-gig module type to get? Manufacturer?
2) I noticed that on newegg.com, the voltage for the 667 & 800 are the same. Does that explicitly mean that the better RAM chip doesn't drain more battery?

Thanks in advance for your help! I just got my first ThinkPad 2 days ago!

i'm using two 2GB crucial DDR2-667 modules in my X300.   i will only use OEM lenovo or crucial memory in my thinkpads.   OEM modules are made by samsung, hynix, infineon, and micron.   crucial is micron's in-house brand and is just as good as OEM since micron is a memory manufacturer and not a repackager like most of the other brands.

OEM and crucial DDR2-667 modules are clocked 5-5-5-12.   you'll never be able to tell the difference between this and a module clocked 4-4-4-12 as the difference is only about 1% during normal tasks.   cheaper modules are typically clocked 5-5-5-15.

DDR2-800 modules will downclock to 667MHz and will be a waste in your X300.   unless the price is less, they aren't worth getting.

voltage for all modules will be 3.3v.   this is simply the power requirement for the memory bus on the system planar.

hopefully that helps answer your questions.   enjoy your new thinkpad!

Erik,

Thanks so much for answering all of my questions! I'm going to do the same as you and get the Crucial memory. This forum is awesome...I've spent the last 2 days reading all of the posts under X300!

4GB of Mushkin at newegg.com (item # N82E16820146697), about 75 bucks!

Crucial is good and I have used their memory time and again, but Mushkin is one of the *best* memory makers out there. Must be a reason all the gamers that enjoy overclocking and making the most of their hardware usually go with Mushkin.

With this kind of price on Mushkin... I didn't see a reason to go with Crucial.

P.S. Many of us have an extra, factory 2GB stick. Hint, hint.

I would just get the cheapest.

I haven't heard of a failed RAM module in over 5 years.

The timings make little difference. I think tomshardware has done pretty extensive benchmarks showing this. And given that we're talking about a non-overclockable laptop with a slow processor -- even less of a difference.

I'll take one of the 2GB sticks off someone's hands.