Thinkpads Forum

I hope you guys forgive me, I'm not extremely knowledgeable when it comes to computers. Don't get me wrong, I use one every day and can certainly work my way around one, but the hardware confuses me. There's just too many numbers!

I've just ordered a Refurbished Thinkpad T500.

Here's the specs:

Processor
Intel® Core™2 Duo T9400 (2.53 GHz, 6MB LS, 1066 MHz FSB)

Operating System
Genuine Windows Vista Business 32

Memory
3GB (1GB & 2GB) PC3-8500 DDR3 SDRAM 1067MHz SODIMM Memory

Video Card
AMD M86M Switchable Graphics 256MB

So, I actually decided to get the ThinkPad based on customer satisfaction, even though it had a gig less of RAM than the other models I was looking at. I am leaving the country for a year at least, so this is going to be my main computer. My work involves using CorelDRAW mostly and PhotoPaint at times. I know RAM is important with graphic programs, but I bought it thinking that upgrading RAM to 4 gigs wouldn't cost a whole lot more anyway.

But I have a few questions before I order more RAM...

1. Can I use any brand of RAM that is DDR3? Is it ok to have 2 different brands?

2. How much of a difference is 1 gig going to make? I've read that the 32 bit version of windows can only support 3 gigs? True?

3. Is installing RAM so simple that even I could do it?

Straight to your questions:

1. Yes and no. In theory there shouldn´t be any problems if only the brands differ. In practice there might arise compatibility issues.

2. Yes, it´s true that 32bit Windows can support only ~3 GB of RAM (apart from 32-bit Windows Server OS´s). With ThinkPad W500 and 32-bit Vista, some folks report even less than that, only about 2.5 GB... How much of a difference 1 GB of RAM can make, depends on OS, applications and the original amount of memory. With Vista, every GB of RAM makes a difference. With XP, there isn´t much of a difference between 1 or 2 or 3 GB of RAM (except for applications that consume good amounts of RAM and except for multitasking for the same reason). If you want to add 1 GB RAM and gain reasonable performance out of it, I would suggest you considering Vista x64 (and later on Win 7 x64).

3. Installing RAM is really not difficult. It won´t void your warranty (unless you break something), and there are excellent manuals/guides/example videos how to accomplish this.

A side note: to make it 4 GB, you will need to replace the 1 GB module with a 2 GB module.

Hope this helps,

Marin

Wow. Thanks for the detailed response! I really appreciate the input.

So, basically, unless I'm upgrading to Windows 64, I should just stick with the 3gigs for now...right?

Sure wish I could have found a refurb with XP

SignAmigo wrote:
1. Can I use any brand of RAM that is DDR3? Is it ok to have 2 different brands?

2. How much of a difference is 1 gig going to make? I've read that the 32 bit version of windows can only support 3 gigs? True?

3. Is installing RAM so simple that even I could do it?

Greetings & Welcome!
You've come to the right place for all your needs. Congratulations, you've chosen the perfect ThinkPad model for your work. I have used a ThinkPad everyday for years as my only computer and I could not be happier. To your questions:

1) Any brand of ram is fine. I might suggest Crucial, or Kingston as two of the better ones both of which are reasonable priced. What is important is that you buy the same type, the same specs.

2) As far as what the difference will be in performance. Frankly I would leave it at 3GB as it already configured. Having explained what you are going to use it for I'm certain you will have plenty of ram at 3GB.

3) Ram is very easy to upgrade on ThinkPads and you can do it later if you find you need to but I seriously doubt it. I do heavy resource intensive work in 3D design, modeling and rendering. Using Maya, and other grahics and design software and have done very well with 3GB. Even with my new fully loaded W500 I only use 4GB with Vista.
.
So I wouldn't worry about ram and just enjoy the machine, you are going to be very pleased with your purchase.
.
Cheers
posted via BlackBerry Bold

SignAmigo wrote:So, basically, unless I'm upgrading to Windows 64, I should just stick with the 3gigs for now...right?

Put shortly, Yes. However, one may want to consider 32-bit Server Windows OS if one really needs it to be 32-bit and to use 4 or more GB of RAM.

Once in awhile I my CorelDraw Graphics Suite X4 for projects, if one looks at the latest version you will note their system requirements are only 512MB, now as we know that's a minimum, but if you have a full 3GB you have more ram than you will ever need even with other apps open. I usually have at least four to six apps open at a time along with Firefox etc, and I can tell you from personal experience that 3GB makes everything fast and easy. So the bottom line is I cannot imagine you needing more than that. Use your computer for a week or two as it comes out of the box and you too will see that the last thing on your mind is more memory. It will be so fast and pleasant to use that you will leave it alone.

Cheers...

archer6 made here a good point. There is no reason to spend more money on RAM (and additionally throw out 1 GB module due to the upgrade) if you are not going to use that additional GB(s) of RAM. I too agree with archer6 that for the applications you are going to use 3 GBs are more than enough (good amount even for Vista).

Thanks for the assurance. I am excited. I'll be around once I start with my new ThinkPad.

Thanks all for the responses.