Solved Laptop Ram 2gb + 4gb? different type

[Smokes]

Hello
Ive 2 Dell 6410 laptops one with 2x4gb Samsung DDR3-1600 / PC3-12800 DDR3 SDRAM SO-DIMM

in the other 2x2gb Hynix DDR3-1333 / PC3-10600 DDR3 SDRAM SO-DIMM

These numbers are as clear as mud to me, I could not tell you if one is better than the other or if there is much difference between them.

Would I be able to use 6gb in each of my laptops or would I be better off buying 8GB and do away with the 2 x 2gb would there be much difference between 6gb and 8gb?

Thank you
Smokes

 

[mrjimphelps]

If you'll notice, one type of memory has numbers which are a bit higher than the other type. The higher numbers are potentially faster than the lower numbers. If you mix the two types in the same computer, the computer would go with the lower speed, so as to be able to use both types together.

You probably can mix the two, resulting in 6 GB for each machine. If so, then that would be a nice amount for each machine. I was unable to find the user guide for your computer, so I can't say for sure if you could mix the two. I suggest you call Dell and ask them that question. My biggest concern here is putting 2GB and 4GB in the same computer -- you may need to have the same capacity for both sticks. But that's not true with all computers. Some will let you mix and match. Hopefully yours is that way.

8 GB would be better than 6 GB, but not a lot better. 6 GB would be a good amount, and if you can achieve 6 GB in each machine, I would go with that. But if you can't combine it like that, then go with 8 in the one that now has 4.

 

[LMiller7]

In theory what you are proposing should work and in practice usually does. But not always.
And there isn't any way to know ahead of time if your specific situation will work.


In the real world any mismatch of module capacity or specifications can be problematic. Even modules with otherwise identical specifications but from different manufacturers may fail. The best assurance of avoiding problems is to use matched modules.


It is also worth noting that OEM computers are often picky about the memory modules they will accept. And they generally have few if any settings to deal with such problems.

 

[mrjimphelps]

I have worked with a lot of Dell computers over the years. Generally, what I have seen has been that they will let you combine memory of different speeds with no problem; to accommodate this, the bus operates at the speed of the slower memory. Sometimes it is problematic to mismatch memory on capacity -- in your case, 2 GB + 4 GB together. But that sometimes works as well.

The one thing which will definitely cause it to fail is when you have a mismatch on the type of memory. But all memory is DDR3, so it should work.

If it was me, if the owner's manual didn't tell me any different, I would put a 2GB and a 4GB into each computer and see what would happen. If you power up and it shows less than 6 GB, or if it locks up during the boot process, then power down and put all identical memory in each computer.

 

[AddRAM]

Don`t mix the ram, buy the fastest 2 x 4GB kit you can get for that particular laptop.

 

[RoasterMen]

We'll never know if it will work unless you install it in there.

For basic tasks 6GB of ram is fine.

 

[iko22]

The specs for the E6410 show that the laptop motherboard has only space for two RAM modules.

The computer will support up to 8GB over the two DDR3 slots, so one of your laptops is already at max capacity.

The other laptop can take 8GB (2 x 4 GB) with matched dual channel modules. However if you stick in a 4GB module along side a 2GB module, I think the computer will only allow you to access 4GB. This is because of the design of the memory controller. So, it would be better to do away with the 2 x 2GB and replace it with 2 x 4GB modules.

 

[mrjimphelps]

if you stick in a 4GB module along side a 2GB module, I think the computer will only allow you to access 4GB. This is because of the design of the memory controller.

What is it about the design of the memory controller that tips you off that he has to have matching sizes on the memory modules?

Thanks.

 

[iko22]

What is it about the design of the memory controller that tips you off that he has to have matching sizes on the memory modules?

Thanks.

Hello Jim, Id like to answer your question and I have two answers:

(a) Address (de)multiplexing, and (b) SPD tables

​

address multiplexing on dual channel RAM makes the address space interleaved across memory banks. And the memory controller always selects the lowest sized value when reading SPD tables.

 

[mrjimphelps]

Thank you.

 

[Megahertz07]

Don`t mix the ram, buy the fastest 2 x 4GB kit you can get for that particular laptop.

On one computer you have 2x4 = 8G and that is good for most applications. Leave as it is.

On the other you have 2x2 = 4G. Fist question: Is Win 7 32 or 64 bits?
If it is Win 7 32, leave as it is as Win 7 32bits can only deal with 3.2G and use the 0.8G for graphics etc.
If it is Win 7 64, replace the two sticks with 2x4 = 8G DDR3-1333 or DDR3-1600.

DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600), DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800), 8GB (2 x 4GB), Laptop Memory, Memory, Components - Newegg.com

 

[Smokes]

Hi
Thank you to all for replying, very informative. Both laptops are running Windows 7 & 10 both x64

I tried 4+2 laptop did see both modules using HWINFO wheather or not laptop used both Im unsure

I found some used Samsung 2 x 4gb DDR3-1600 / PC3-12800 DDR3 and settled for that. I'm unsure if there is better spec ram, but for what I want to do on this laptop this seems to be ok.

Regards
Smokes

 

[mrjimphelps]

I tried 4+2 laptop did see both modules using HWINFO wheather or not laptop used both Im unsure

Run File Explorer. Right click on Computer, and choose Properties. You will see an informational screen which will tell you how much memory is in your computer. If it says 6 GB, then your computer is using all six GB.