Adding Ram to a W520

[MikeM]

Howdy,

I'm pretty much settled on getting the new W520 but I have a few things to get squared away in my mind before I do the CTO ordering thing on the Lenovo web site. I'm trying to get this computer for the least amount of money as possible but still have the power to do what I want to do. I looked at the online ram offerings and you can order the unit with one 4 GB DIMM. If I go to 8 GB with 2 DIMMs the price goes up $160.00. If I have Lenovo populate all 4 DIMM sockets, the 3 additional DIMMs will cost me $480.00, as that first additional DIMM costs $160 and 2 more cost another $320 totaling $480.00.

I can buy PC3-10600 DDR3 SDRAM 1333MHz SODIMM units for about $40-$50 a pop at newegg. So I can spend $150 to go from 4 GB memory to 16 GB memory. This would save me about $320.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductLi ... 1&name=4GB

How hard is it to add ram to the W520? Do I need to remove the keyboard? I know that some laptops have 2 slots under the keyboard and 2 slots accessible under a plate on the bottom of the laptop, but I do not know how the W520 is set up. I'd like to save a few bucks here and would appreciate it if anyone could tell me where the memory gets parked on these computers.

Thank you,
Mike

[sarbin]

the w520 hmm isn't on-line yet, but maybe the w510 is similar enough in hardware build.
you can get that hmm here: http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... MIGR-74250

hth a bit.

[AMATX]

^ as pointed out above, is a bit early to have the layout of the W520. That said, thinkpads have always(?years, anyway) been easy to upgrade with ram. Popping a keyboard cover off is not really all that difficult. On others, it's just a matter of removing a faceplate/cover. None of the many thinkpads I've had ever required removing the keyboard itself; just the palm rest below on some. Not a biggie.

If new to this, just go easy, take your time and you'll likely be surprised at how easy it is...

And yes, ordering -one- 4G stick is the way to go. I, too, spec'd out a W520 the other day and saw the variety of configs. Assuming you want to eventually end up with 16G, then one 4G stick now + three more purchased elsewhere is the cheapest method.

[MikeM]

Thanks to both of you for the replies. I managed to find the W520 Maintenance Manual after viewing sarbin's link to the 510 offerings. I posted about that here:

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?f=48&t=95380

According to the new W520 Maintenance Manual, the DIMM sockets are easily accessed from the bottom of the unit and under the keyboard, so buying one 4 GB DIMM and then purchasing 3 more, so I can go virtualization crazy, will be the way to go for my needs.

Does anyone happen to know what brand and model of 4 GB DIMM Lenovo is stuffing into these units? I'd kinda/sorta like to stick with what the factory is using if at all possible. If I know before my W520 ships, I can snag the ram elsehere and try to get it here at the exact same moment that the laptop arrives. LOL

[sarbin]

i've had machines come with samsung, nanya, elpida and hynix labeled dimms.

[MikeM]

i've had machines come with samsung, nanya, elpida and hynix labeled dimms.

I could just about buy one of each and cover all my bases.

[erik]

the majority of 4GB 1333MHz SODIMMs i've seen from lenovo have been samsung M471B5273CH0-CH9.   this is FRU # 55Y3711.

there's no guarantee that the module(s) you receive will be this exact part number though.   if you want all four to match then your safest bet is to sell what comes in your system and buy four modules that match.

[MikeM]

the majority of 4GB 1333MHz SODIMMs i've seen from lenovo have been samsung M471B5273CH0-CH9.   this is FRU # 55Y3711.

there's no guarantee that the module(s) you receive will be this exact part number though.   if you want all four to match then your safest bet is to sell what comes in your system and buy four modules that match.

That's the plan. I had a gut feeling that they will be Samsung, but I can wait. I run Win7 64 with 4 gigs now on a much slower processor and it's plenty doable. Thanks for the reply!
When the machine shows up I'll see what is under the keyboard and see if I can buy 3 like it. If not, I'll buy 4 that match.