Choosing right RAM stick for my laptop

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  1. Posts : 42
    Win 7 Home Premium x64 SP1
       #1

    Choosing right RAM stick for my laptop


    Hi,

    I want to order a second RAM stick for my laptop. I've checked the usual advice about how to get the right sort, and put the exact model of laptop into searches on sellers' websites. I trust their results are probably correct most of the time, but this leaves a few options, mainly the speed, I think. I also read that there can be issues to do with matching the frequency and latency...or something...

    One site, for instance came up with two sticks at the required 2GB, with specs identical other than:
    (1) Dimm Speed: DDR3-8500 (PC3-1066)
    (2) Dimm Speed: DDR3-10600 (PC3-1333)
    Toshiba Satellite A660-1F1 Laptop RAM Memory Upgrades
    Another gives:
    (3) DDR3 PC3-12800 • CL=11 • Unbuffered • NON-ECC • DDR3-1600 • 1.35V

    Crucial 2GB DDR3L-1600 SODIMM CT5628531 | Satellite C660-1F1 | Crucial UK

    Will it matter which I get (given it should match the one that's in)? Searching online for the numbers printed on my own, the results seem to come up both with PC3-1066 and sometimes with DDR3-10600.

    Would you recommend buying a pair so I know they're matched, and does this avoid any issues with them not matching the CPU?


    Do they stop working often?


    Any advice most welcome. Cheers.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 393
    Windows 7/8.1/10 multiboot
       #2

    I'm not sure whether you have the A660 or the C660, or what the differences are between the two. Their user manuals indicate they have different cases and port locations. IAC, it's probably not relevant because Offtek and Crucial each come up with identical SODIMM recommendations for both models -- just not the same recommendations between the two companies.

    The C660 User Manual specifies "DDR3-1066/1333" modules, so I would expect the A660 is probably the same, even though the A660 User Manual doesn't say anything about it. 1066 seems to be the minimum speed, though the faster 1333 and 1600 modules should be backward compatible.

    Have you examined the existing module to see if it has any label or markings indicating its speed? IAC, I'd probably opt for the 1333 just because it's in the manual.

    Both sites state the memory configuration is "2 banks of 1". That means the modules do not need to be the same size. Apparently you have one 2GB module presently, so I'd add a 4GB module rather than a second 2GB, giving you a total of 6GB. The price is certainly attractive enough.

    You could ditch the 2GB module and go with two new 4GB modules, but considering the age of the laptop I doubt you'd see much difference between 6GB total and 8GB total.

    The manual indicates the laptop supports 1GB, 2GB and 4GB modules, but I'm presuming your existing 2GB is not in the form of two 1GB modules.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 16,129
    7 X64
       #3

    Cex is the cheapest place for this stuff. second hand and guaranteed. They will mail it if no store nearby.

    ddr3 1600 240 pin

    ddr3 1333 204 pin
    Last edited by SIW2; 04 Jan 2020 at 17:18.
      My Computers


  4. Posts : 42
    Win 7 Home Premium x64 SP1
    Thread Starter
       #4

    Oh, yeah, well spotted, that first one was the wrong link. I've got the C660-1F1, not the A660. Checking again, it comes out to the same set of modules, though. I also forgot to say it was a 2GB module in one of the two slots.



    I actually had the user guide to check on here and forgot it! It does indeed say "DDR3-1066/1333", which means the search results look correct. I've 'googled' for some of the numbers on the one in there, with mixed results. Photo attached.


    I hadn't thought of putting a 4GB module in, thinking they should be the same. That would be a good idea, although I'm fairly sure even 4GB total would be fine now, there is the possibility I might 'upgrade' lol to Win10 (from Win7)...eventually...or not. It's an i3 chip, 2.5ish MHz so might cope, and a 120GB SSD.



    I'm still a bit unsure about the 'frequency' issue, which might be even more important if the two modules are different sizes. But thanks, that's a lot of useful tips and a typo catch! There might be more just to search about the frequency/latency issue - it might also just be a desktop DIM thing.


    Cheers, t.
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Choosing right RAM stick for my laptop-img_20200104_172723.jpg  
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  5. Posts : 42
    Win 7 Home Premium x64 SP1
    Thread Starter
       #5

    SIW2 said:
    Cex is the cheapest place for this stuff. second hand and guaranteed. They will mail it if no store nearby.

    I have had a few things from them. Right now posting from a machine with 16gb ram from cex

    ddr3 1600 240 pin

    ddr3 1333 204 pin
    Wow, thanks, that is cheap! Half the price of the cheapest 2GB one I'd found...if it's the right one for my machine.


    ...ETA, oh, cuz theyz uzed onez.
    Last edited by treehouse; 04 Jan 2020 at 18:56.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 393
    Windows 7/8.1/10 multiboot
       #6

    The "P000536220" and "PK053004Z10" references on the label point to a Samsung 2GB DDR3-1333 module:

    SIW2 said:
    Cex is the cheapest place for this stuff. second hand and guaranteed. They will mail it if no store nearby.

    ddr3 1333 204 pin
    Wow, at that price treehouse ought to just buy two 4GB modules and max out the laptop -- no need to fret over what's already in there.

    Don't worry about used. Memory doesn't "wear out" like mechanical parts do. And Cex says it's guaranteed.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 42
    Win 7 Home Premium x64 SP1
    Thread Starter
       #7

    dg1261 said:
    The "P000536220" and "PK053004Z10" references on the label point to a Samsung 2GB DDR3-1333 module:
    Wow, at that price treehouse ought to just buy two 4GB modules and max out the laptop -- no need to fret over what's already in there.

    Don't worry about used. Memory doesn't "wear out" like mechanical parts do. And Cex says it's guaranteed.
    Yes, I tracked down the Samsung part too. Hmmm, I'm still dubious about s/h memory. I know it doesn't exactly wear out like SD, but it can get damaged when people are ripping it out of their old machines and selling it to Cex, even if they test it. But I might risk it. It would be £15 for 2 * 4gig, with the postage. About £9 will get me 2 x 2GB on eBay, new (singles seem to be harder to pick up and cost more). Not sure I'd need 8GB. Ah well, options to think about. Cheap as chips. There's lively debate about mixing capacities on the two slots, and it depends on other concerns, but generally the consensus seems to be it's better if they're the same. The machine's not terribly slow, but nearly always 90+% memory and Firefox starts stuttering if there's too much going on or if I start video editing or something. Just having the second slot occupied with the same 2GB should increase the speed a lot.
    Thanks for your help. I'll post to say how I get on.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 16,129
    7 X64
       #8

    What is the risk? They will take it back. It is also likely there is a store near you
      My Computers


  9. Posts : 42
    Win 7 Home Premium x64 SP1
    Thread Starter
       #9

    SIW2 said:
    What is the risk? They will take it back. It is also likely there is a store near you
    Thanks again - I had no idea, there's one about 2 miles away, so 2*4GB will only be £12, and I might have a few bits and bobs from old machines I can flog them while I'm at it. So the risk isn't great, just a bit of bother if something doesn't work straight away, or has been badly handled and breaks after a while. Unlikely and not a large expense to do it again. I'll do that.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 16,129
    7 X64
       #10

    You can check online to see if they have what you want in your store. Enter your postcode under the item and it tells what stores have the items.
      My Computers


 
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