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RAM upgrade question

T400/T410/T420 and T500/T510/T520 Series
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kpevav
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Posts: 59
Joined: Sun Oct 02, 2011 6:17 am
Location: Columbia, SC

RAM upgrade question

#1 Post by kpevav » Tue Feb 28, 2012 7:08 pm

Just bought a T420s to arrive soon, with i5/2520 processor, integrated graphics, 128GB SSD, and 4GB RAM. I want to add a second stick of 4GB RAM and am looking for advice about the best type to get. I just need something equivalent to what is probably coming in the machine, with a reasonable price. Is something like this suitable:
Patriot Signature 4 GB PC3-10600 (1333 MHz) DDR3 SODIMM Notebook Memory PSD34G13332S
or should I be looking for:
Samsung MV-3T4G4 4GB DDR3 Laptop SDRAM (1333MHz PC3-10600)

Or do you have exact product numbers that are best for the machine?

jayton4
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Joined: Mon Dec 12, 2011 9:00 am
Location: United States

Re: RAM upgrade question

#2 Post by jayton4 » Tue Feb 28, 2012 10:24 pm

kpevav wrote:Just bought a T420s to arrive soon, with i5/2520 processor, integrated graphics, 128GB SSD, and 4GB RAM. I want to add a second stick of 4GB RAM and am looking for advice about the best type to get. I just need something equivalent to what is probably coming in the machine, with a reasonable price. Is something like this suitable:
Patriot Signature 4 GB PC3-10600 (1333 MHz) DDR3 SODIMM Notebook Memory PSD34G13332S
or should I be looking for:
Samsung MV-3T4G4 4GB DDR3 Laptop SDRAM (1333MHz PC3-10600)

Or do you have exact product numbers that are best for the machine?
The late model Lenovo's that I have seen come with Elipda memory. I have not been able to see a difference between Kingston, PNY, Corsair, Crucial, or Centon sticks. Every stick that I have tested in all the different brands have given the exact same performance. Go with the 1333MHz memory that has the best price.
jayton4
Current models/upgrades:
T410 2518X01- 8GB, Corsair Force GT 120GB
T410s 2901A3U- 8GB, Intel 6300 WiFi, Crucial m4 256GB w/ mSATA>microSATA adapter
T420s 4174PPU- 16GB, Intel 520 180GB, Crucial M550 512GB mSATA, Intel 6300 WiFi
and a stack of classics in storage

redhook
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Posts: 57
Joined: Wed May 18, 2011 10:34 pm
Location: Citrus Heights, California, USA

Re: RAM upgrade question

#3 Post by redhook » Tue Feb 28, 2012 10:38 pm

It's best to use matching RAM sticks (same make/model) for compatibility. If the sticks have different timings/voltages it will cause instability problems, and an 8GB kit goes for $30-$40. In fact you could get a 16GB kit for around $100.

jayton4
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Posts: 619
Joined: Mon Dec 12, 2011 9:00 am
Location: United States

Re: RAM upgrade question

#4 Post by jayton4 » Wed Feb 29, 2012 4:22 pm

redhook wrote:In fact you could get a 16GB kit for around $100.

A 16GB kit for $100 would be a phenomenal deal at this point in time (Feb 2012). Prices are coming down, but the best that I have them at is around $150-160.
jayton4
Current models/upgrades:
T410 2518X01- 8GB, Corsair Force GT 120GB
T410s 2901A3U- 8GB, Intel 6300 WiFi, Crucial m4 256GB w/ mSATA>microSATA adapter
T420s 4174PPU- 16GB, Intel 520 180GB, Crucial M550 512GB mSATA, Intel 6300 WiFi
and a stack of classics in storage

kpevav
Freshman Member
Posts: 59
Joined: Sun Oct 02, 2011 6:17 am
Location: Columbia, SC

Re: RAM upgrade question

#5 Post by kpevav » Wed Feb 29, 2012 5:00 pm

The computer is supposed to be delivered today. I think I will look at what chip is in it now, and see if I can match it, or whether it is just the same expense to buy a 8GB kit.

jayton4
Senior Member
Senior Member
Posts: 619
Joined: Mon Dec 12, 2011 9:00 am
Location: United States

Re: RAM upgrade question

#6 Post by jayton4 » Wed Feb 29, 2012 5:20 pm

kpevav wrote:The computer is supposed to be delivered today. I think I will look at what chip is in it now, and see if I can match it, or whether it is just the same expense to buy a 8GB kit.
You must be pretty excited. I know I would be stoked.

It will be difficult to find an exact match, as manufacturer's will use the same part number for different batches. I have seen 1R modules and 2R modules with the exact same mfg model # and UPC.

If you are really concerned about it, I would go ahead and plan on an 8GB kit.
jayton4
Current models/upgrades:
T410 2518X01- 8GB, Corsair Force GT 120GB
T410s 2901A3U- 8GB, Intel 6300 WiFi, Crucial m4 256GB w/ mSATA>microSATA adapter
T420s 4174PPU- 16GB, Intel 520 180GB, Crucial M550 512GB mSATA, Intel 6300 WiFi
and a stack of classics in storage

kpevav
Freshman Member
Posts: 59
Joined: Sun Oct 02, 2011 6:17 am
Location: Columbia, SC

Re: RAM upgrade question

#7 Post by kpevav » Wed Feb 29, 2012 10:18 pm

Received the Thinkpad and have it installed now. I'm quite pleased, especially the keyboard, size and weight. The RAM is Samsung and it sells for about $30 for another stick, or I can get some Crucial or PNY or Kingston 2 x 4GB for about $40.

kpevav
Freshman Member
Posts: 59
Joined: Sun Oct 02, 2011 6:17 am
Location: Columbia, SC

Re: RAM upgrade question

#8 Post by kpevav » Mon Mar 05, 2012 5:42 pm

So, is it okay to add a second stick of Corsair or Patriot or Crucial to go with this Samsung? I haven't had problems before doing that, but it usually has been on Macs.

GREGG
Posts: 1
Joined: Fri Feb 10, 2012 4:16 pm
Location: Katowice, Poland

Re: RAM upgrade question

#9 Post by GREGG » Wed Mar 07, 2012 1:23 am

kpevav wrote:So, is it okay to add a second stick of Corsair or Patriot or Crucial to go with this Samsung? I haven't had problems before doing that, but it usually has been on Macs.
I bought my T520 with 8Gb RAM, original factory-supplied samsung 4Gb RAM and patriot 4Gb RAM added by the reseller - works just fine :) I don't think the manufacturer's name makes any difference, as long as the RAM parameters are matching

kpevav
Freshman Member
Posts: 59
Joined: Sun Oct 02, 2011 6:17 am
Location: Columbia, SC

Re: RAM upgrade question

#10 Post by kpevav » Wed Mar 07, 2012 6:26 am

I went ahead and ordered a matched pair of Crucial memory chips. An additional Samsung chip sells for about $30, and it wasn't too much more to purchase a matched pair of Crucial. Once I see that the RAM is working okay, I will sell the Samsung chip online.

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