Thinkpads Forum

I am getting a new T 420si as above, the specs say the following about the memory:
MY NEW COMPUTER
Memory
type: PC3-10600 DDR3
frequency: 1333 MHz
size: 4 GB
maximum size: 8 GB

I have an old computer, the question is if I can take one of these chips from the old laptop and use them to
upgrade the new one. If so, is any of the two better than the other?

OLD DEFUNCT COMPUTER, R500
specs from old web
2 GB PC3-8500 DDR3

pic of my old memory chips


can I add one of these 2G chips to my new laptop? does it make sense? Is it not a problem that there is a 4Gig memory in the new laptop, and I would add another , older 2 G chip to the empty slot?
thanks a lot. Both seem to be DDR3 but I am confused about voltages and frequencies

Yes but it will run at 1066 instead of 1333 MHz. Not that it matters much...

The worst that can happen is that you lose a bit of performance when it comes to graphics and other intensive stuff. But since you're upgrading from one DIMM configuration (single channel) it's unlikely that you'll notice any drop at all and maybe even an increase. The only thing that I see is that 4+2GB uses asymmetric dual channel, so only the first (or last, depending on the chipset) 2GB runs on dual channel.

Unless you really need more than 4GB of memory (it's a HUGE amount of memory, even today), I would simply drop your old chips in there and sell or exchange the 4GB chip for something more useful.

thanks..I thought so. the seller was willing to equip the mc with extra 4G memory, for some 40-50 usd, but I peferred to leave the original Lenovo seal intact on the box...I will leave it as it is...cant wait to get the new toy.

On my current ideapad netbook Ideapad S12 I am always waiting for the sand clock to stop ticking...(processor almost always on 100%, even by using a desktop search indexer or antivirus downloading updates...)
I have some old Dell Latitude at work, but that is with zero admin rights cannot use it properly for private use.

$40-$50 for an extra for 4 GB? Around where I live 2x4 GB modules can be had for $35 on sale.

You are really going to enjoy the new machine. Especially if you pop in a SSD. Haven't used my T420 much as I'm used to using my "beater" T61 and T400 but I'm liking the T420.

I may have gotten the exchange rate to us dollarsp wrong. But electronics cost more in Europe than us