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RAM upgrade for E430 - 1.35V or 1.5V ?

Posted: Tue Jun 05, 2012 10:38 am
by larsknox
Hi,

I wanted to upgrade the RAM in my e430 from one 4GB SIMM to two 4GB SIMM's. Not sure if it matters, but I have the E430 with the i7-3612QM processor.

When I went to Crucial to check out the options: http://www.crucial.com/store/listparts. ... 30&Cat=RAM

I saw that the RAM came in two different voltages -> 1.35V and 1.5V

How do I chose? Any suggestions? Thanks ThinkPad community! (I did check out the technical documentation available at Lenovo but could not find any voltage info for RAM).

Re: RAM upgrade for E430 - 1.35V or 1.5V ?

Posted: Tue Jun 05, 2012 1:28 pm
by larsknox
I have a little bit of additional information in case anyone is interested. This is what the Lenovo rep had to say, although I got the impression he was guessing more than anything else.
Connected to _Ryan W
Please wait while we connect with you with a Lenovo Chat Representative.
You have been connected to _Ryan W.
<LENOVO> Thank you for choosing Lenovo sales chat. I’m Ryan, your sales chat representative. My rep id is 2900710106. What can I do for you today?
<LENOVO> how are you today?
<ME> Hi, thanks for helping me today
<ME> I wanted to upgrade the RAM in my e430 from one 4GB SIMM to two 4GB SIMM's. Not sure if it matters, but I have the E430 with the i7-3612QM processor. When I went to Crucial to check out the options: http://www.crucial.com/store/listparts. ... 30&Cat=RAM I saw that the RAM came in two different voltages -> 1.35V and 1.5V How do I chose? Any suggestions?
<LENOVO> great questions, let me check
<ME> Thank you!
<LENOVO> this is the memory you need in the PC
8GB max7 / PC3-12800 1600MHz DDR3, non-parity,
dual-channel capable, two 204-pin SO-DIMM sockets
* System automatically clocks down for processors with 1333MHz DDR3 memory controller
<ME> Ok, but should I get the 1.35V or the 1.5V version of that RAM?
<LENOVO> what is the 4 Digit machine type # on the bottom of your PC?
checking through machine type
Sorry the machine is in transit to my house, hasn't been delivered yet.
<ME> It's the latest e430 with the 3rd gen i7 cpu.
<LENOVO> can you re-send me that link
http://www.crucial.com/store/listparts. ... 30&Cat=RAM
I am not able to pull up the crucial
<ME> Did that work?
<LENOVO> get the 1.5
that should work
<ME> How do you figure? Why not the lower voltage 1.35v? What does the e430 actually come with?
<LENOVO> per the specs on the E430 the 1.5 is the voltage on that memory that is installed in the machine
so you should be good with the 1.5
<ME> Thank you so much!
<LENOVO> your welcome!
I also found this information on Crucial.com:

Code: Select all

What is Dual-Voltage RAM?

Voltage refers to the power consumed by a module. In the past, most DDR3 memory voltage ranged from1.5 - 1.65v. More recently, dual 1.35/1.5 voltage modules came available at Crucial.com.  While the lower voltage memory has some advantages over high voltage (namely lower power consumption), your system must support it in order to realize the benefits.
Will the dual voltage 1.35V/1.5V parts work with my original memory?

If your original installed memory is 1.5V and you are adding a dual-voltage 1.35V/1.5V module to an open DIMM slot, the dual-voltage module will operate at 1.5V, not 1.35V.  In order to run at 1.35V, all installed memory modules must be dual-voltage 1.35V/1.5V and the system must support DDR3L (1.35V low voltage) to enable the module to run at 1.35V.
Which is better; 1.35V/1.5V or 1.5V?

Generally, lower voltage is optimal as it consumes less power and in turn, may generate less heat.  However, it is important to note that the overall system must support DDR3L (1.35V low voltage) to enable the module to run at 1.35V.  If the system does not support DDR3L (1.35V low voltage), the module will run at 1.5V.
Which one should I buy; 1.35V/1.5V or 1.5V?

Purchase whichever of memory your system supports, but keep in mind the dual-voltage module will run only run at 1.35V if your specific system supports that voltage, otherwise the memory will run at 1.5V.
So if I had to guess, which is pretty darn ridiculous, I would have to say the 1.35V is the best bet and it will auto-adjust if you are running at 1.5V - This contrasts with what Lenovo tells me.

I just wish I didn't have to guess and that I could get a correct and definitive answer from Lenovo. I think part of the problem is both the Lenovo rep and I am working from an older tech spec doc. There is no updated one for the most recent e430.

Re: RAM upgrade for E430 - 1.35V or 1.5V ?

Posted: Thu Jun 07, 2012 12:05 pm
by lyansaine
Did you figure this out? I ordered the same machine yesterday and I'm trying to figure it out myself, but mine hasn't shipped yet. It sounds like you already have yours there - have you tried opening it up and looking at the module? Maybe it'd have the information there.

Re: RAM upgrade for E430 - 1.35V or 1.5V ?

Posted: Wed Jun 20, 2012 11:23 am
by larsknox
Yes, after opening the back of the e430 up, I see that the RAM stick is stamped with 1.5v

I think I'll just get a second 1.5v 4GB RAM stick (now on the way from Crucial). But if I didn't mind throwing away another $25 I suppose I would get the 1.35v RAM sticks just to try and save some electricity and further reduce heat. Oh well, everything can't be perfect. :)

Re: RAM upgrade for E430 - 1.35V or 1.5V ?

Posted: Sat Jun 23, 2012 2:18 pm
by lyansaine
I ended up paying the extra cash to have identical modules. Just didn't feel like figuring out the timings and all that. Got these 1.35V sticks from Newegg: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6820211568

Very pleased so far! Stable and fast and running at 1600 MHz like they're supposed to. Noticeable improvement in framerates when gaming, too.

Not sure what to do with this other 4GB Hynix stick though. Maybe I'll save it just in case.