Need a RAM spec'ing expert

[gregrocker]

This is an Acer Aspire 5003WMLi laptop I've installed Win7 on to see if the display would render correctly in which case we'd go ahead and upgrade the RAM. RAM sticks are expensive for this RAM so thought I'd try adding a gig stick to the 518mb which is on there now. Then if owner wants another gig stick he can fork out another $25+ at the time. It runs well enough already w/518 and renders fine with the XP Display driver in Compat Mode that 1500mb may be sufficient.

Crucial Memory Advisor says it's this RAM:



But it won't drill down any deeper than Aspire 5000 series even though there's tons of sub-models.

Trying to match the specs to get a better price for New RAM I find this near match by searching the model number: Rakuten.com - 1GB DDR PC2700 200 pin 333MHz SO-DIMM RAM Notebook Memory for Acer Aspire 5000, 5002, 5003, 5010, 5012, 5014, 5020, 5021, 5022, 5024, 5030, 5033, 5040, 5043, 5044

This one matches more exactly the full model extension for same price but is on eBay: 1GB RAM Memory 4 Acer Aspire 5002LMI 5002LMI XPP 5002WLMI 5003LM 5003WLMI | eBay

Problem is there is some confusion about spec'ing it as explained in http://www.computerhope.com/forum/index.php?topic=118895.0.

For that reason I thought I should have any RAM experts look at the CPUID to see if it can be determined that the problem described above with the density can be resolved so I can order in time for Monday morning shipping. View attachment ACERASPIRE-PC.txt

The only time I've messed up on spec'ing RAM is on density so I want to be sure on it. Thanks!

 

[whs]

Last year I made a similar upgrade for a friend. It was a 512MB XP desktop and we added 1GB. That made a noticable difference. XP does well in 1.5GBs. We also reinstalled the XP and that gave it another push.

Now I gave her my HP desktop with 3GB and a much faster CPU, an Intel SSD and Windows 7 - she loves it.

 

[TVeblen]

Took a look. Can't be sure, but:

From CPU-Z we find the part # of the Original RAM stick: HYMD564M646CP6J
Which is Hynix RAM

Looking that RAM up we get the specs:
HYMD564M646CP6-J 512MB 200p PC2700 CL2.5 8c 32x16 DDR333 2Rx16 2.5V SODIMM RFB, Hynix, ABX, HYMD564M646CP6-J - MemoryTen
Note that this RAM is 2.5v. Do not get 1.8v RAM!

Looking up laptop specs we see that the system should support 2GB total RAM, so 2 1GB SoDIMM.
Acer Aspire 5003WLMi Specs (Turion 64 Mobile 1.8GHz, 512MB RAM, 80GB HDD, XP Pro) - Laptops - CNET Reviews
As always, it is a good idea to upgrade to the most recent BIOS top be sure.

The technical data sheet on the Hynix shows single sided and double sided RAM configurations, with 4 or 8 ICs. So it seems like a good bet:
HYMD564M646CP6-J datasheet pdf datenblatt - Hynix Semiconductor - 200pin DDR SDRAM SO-DIMMs based on 512Mb C ver. (TSOP) ::: ALLDATASHEET :::

Hope that helps!

 

[gregrocker]

Thanks Bob.

Would the Hynex 1gb [FONT=Tahoma, Genava, Verdana]033271[/FONT] listed on the same page work?

Is there enough info given to say either of these would work: Rakuten.com - 1GB DDR PC2700 200 pin 333MHz SO-DIMM RAM Notebook Memory for Acer Aspire 5000, 5002, 5003, 5010, 5012, 5014, 5020, 5021, 5022, 5024, 5030, 5033, 5040, 5043, 5044
or
1GB RAM Memory 4 Acer Aspire 5002LMI 5002LMI XPP 5002WLMI 5003LM 5003WLMI | eBay? Neither say 2.5v that I can see.

Are the complete specs 1GB 200p PC2700 CL2.5 16c 64x8 DDR333 2Rx8 2.5V SODIMM?

When I google them I get the same Hynex stick from several vendors also for $29.98. Can you find any cheaper for the same specs? Thanks!

 

[rvcjew]

all three of those look like it will work, is your current speed at 3200 or 2700?

 

[TVeblen]

Thanks Bob.

Would the Hynex 1gb [FONT=Tahoma, Genava, Verdana]033271[/FONT] listed on the same page work?

I would think so. The best bet is to use exact matching modules, so whenever mixing-and-matching different modules, the closest you can get to identical is best.

Is there enough info given to say either of these would work: Rakuten.com - 1GB DDR PC2700 200 pin 333MHz SO-DIMM RAM Notebook Memory for Acer Aspire 5000, 5002, 5003, 5010, 5012, 5014, 5020, 5021, 5022, 5024, 5030, 5033, 5040, 5043, 5044
or
1GB RAM Memory 4 Acer Aspire 5002LMI 5002LMI XPP 5002WLMI 5003LM 5003WLMI | eBay? Neither say 2.5v that I can see.

Yeah, that drives me crazy! The most important specification and they leave it out.
The best you can do is assume that since they are rated for that laptop, and that laptop uses 2.5v modules, that they are 2.5v. But it is a leap of faith. At least on Ebay you can ask the seller. Not that they will know either, but you can ask.

Are the complete specs 1GB 200p PC2700 CL2.5 16c 64x8 DDR333 2Rx8 2.5V SODIMM?

AFAIK yes. the 64x8 and the 2Rx8 describe the configuration of the ICs on the module, but these will be different when mixing and matching different size modules. It should not be a problem, but you can never really know if you are dealing with different brands of modules. Another plus point for using the Hynix module.

When I google them I get the same Hynex stick from several vendors also for $29.98. Can you find any cheaper for the same specs? Thanks!

If I see any I'll post back.

 

[TVeblen]

It looks like it is what it is Greg. $25 - $30 or more.
Memory PC2700 Memory Speed ,SODIMM Memory Socket ,1GB Total Memory Size at TigerDirect.com

200-Pin SO-DIMM Laptop Memory Laptop DDR Memory 200Pin Notbook Memories- Directron.com the Best Online Computer Store - Buy with Discount Prices from Houston Texas

Newegg.com - Computer Hardware, Memory, Laptop Memory, 200-Pin DDR SO-DIMM, 1GB, DDR 333 (PC 2700), 2.5V

 

[gregrocker]

Some of the specs are missing from the New Egg stick but they give a number for the vendor so I will call Mon a.m. to see if they think it will work.

I also sent an inquiry to the eBay vendor about voltage.

Did you think that paying $4 more + shipping for the [FONT=Tahoma, Genava, Verdana]033271[/FONT] Hynex 1gb stick which seems to exactly match every spec to the existing stick is the best choice overall?

Since I have you, here's the RAM i believe I made a mistake on due to it being High Density even though it matches every other spec: http://www.rakuten.com/prod/1gb-1g-...ity-memory/248929550.html?listingId=282347288. I discovered it within minutes but seller is unethical with disconnect phone, wouldn't cancel order, but I have Rakuten doing it for me - all from a reputable site!

I looked up the RAM part number for the Dell Service Tag here, just got 1gx2 used sticks for that exact part for $16.50 on eBay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dell-Memory-2GB-1GB-x2-SNPJ0203C-1G-99L0098-001-A00LF-Refurbished-/151194822086?nma=true&si=HalT6OZdo579MwQMxRu1gwjD7%252FY%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557#rpdCntId.

Don't know how that can go wrong except that its used, but this PC isn't worth much more.

 

[TVeblen]

As far as Hynix is concerned it's really just a comfort-level thing. All the RAM I looked at should work, but the Hynix is just a more-sure bet for playing nice with the stick you already have.

I've never dealt with the high density, low density problem myself. I've always been very conservative in replacing RAM. But I've done a few upgrades on laptop RAM and they don't seem to be as cranky about mix and match as desktops are.

 

[gregrocker]

Thanks again. Wish I could rep you but it won't let me yet.

I was leaning toward Newegg.com - Computer Hardware, Memory, Laptop Memory, 200-Pin DDR SO-DIMM, 1GB, DDR 333 (PC 2700), 2.5V which prices out at $25.95 with no tax and free shipping. However there's some of the specs missing when compared to the existing stick. And the customer reviews for the RAM are pretty bad. Would you chance it?

If I google the existing Hynix 528stick specs but for 1gb it brings me to this stick: 1GB 200p PC2700 CL2.5 16c 64x8 DDR333 2Rx8 2.5V SODIMM, Hynix/3rd, ABQ, GR1DS8BD-1GB333H0U[1]=Computer&gdftrk=gdfV24137_a_7c1396_a_7c4967_a_7c018523 What do you think, are the values a match except for the disparity in mb? Think it's a better bet than the New Egg?

If there's any question I could always go for the Crucial? They seem to be the most recommended.

Sorry but my head is spinning after digging through all this for six hours straight.

 

[Britton30]

Greg the Corsair Value Select from the Egg is also available from Amazon. Amazon.com : Corsair 1GB (1x1GB) DDR 333 MHz (PC 2700) Laptop Memory (VS1GSDS333) : Laptop Computer Internal Memory : Electronics

If it doesn't work, claim it's defective they will take it back and pay shipping.

I've never come across the density issue either. It may be something your model has an issue with.

 

[gregrocker]

Thanks Gary for the lead. Corsair site says that stick works for this laptop. That same stick is available for half the price if I buy it slightly used: Amazon.com : Corsair 1GB (1x1GB) DDR 333 MHz (PC 2700) Laptop Memory (VS1GSDS333) : Laptop Computer Internal Memory : Electronics . I just bought it for $19.99 with shipping. Done.

I got clued to the density issue in this post about another old PC I'm rehabbing: Acer Aspire 5003wlmi RAM upgrade, help please!

I had just ordered this: http://www.rakuten.com/prod/1gb-1g-p...ngId=282347288 and after reading that thread and studying density some I got scared off it, tried to cancel order with a dodgy seller on Rakuten, so they told me to refuse the package when it arrives. Do you think I overreacted?

Since then I won an auction on eBay for 2 used sticks for $16.50 which exactly match the Dell OEM part number for that model: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dell-Memory-2GB-1GB-x2-SNPJ0203C-1G-99L0098-001-A00LF-Refurbished-/151194822086?nma=true&si=HalT6OZdo579MwQMxRu1gwjD7%252FY%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675. l2557#rpdCntId.

Done and done. Now I wait.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/151194822086

 

[Britton30]

You're welcome Greg.
The RAM you ordered from Rakuten isn't for a laptop though unless it was for another rehab? No over reaction at all, if the seller is uncooperative I'd be suspicious too, yes refuse the package.

Getting a used one from Amazon I think you will have recourse if needed, their sellers are generally more honest and helpful than anyplace I think. eBay has a seller rating system which can be helpful. Sellers don't want a bad review.

For me I'm still foggy about the density issue. The boards I have used in the past two years or so do have a proviso that DIMMs under 512MB aren't supported.

 

[TVeblen]

And don't that feel good!

I think that older PCs and early RAM had more of a problem with the density thing. In the deep recesses of my creaky mind I seem to recall systems that would not use double sided RAM sticks too. But I think they made changes in DDR2 and DDR3 that overcame those incompatibilities. Like Gary said: it was probably just that PC.

 

[gregrocker]

It was actually a Dimension 3000 which I'd ordered the High Density RAM for from here: http://www.rakuten.com/prod/1gb-1g-p...ngId=282347288

So after ordering that I moved on to the Acer Aspire 5003WLMi which is the subject of this thread. In doing research on it I found the post about High Density RAM not working on old PC's which caused me to doubt the purchase I'd just made for the Dell since it is an even older PC and the only spec that didn't match was High Density. In fact the manufacturer's part specfies Low Density.

It is tempting if those Rakuten sticks arrive earlier to try them, but then I'd lose refundability since Rakuten is only willing to refund if the package is refused. The dodgy seller wouldn't cancel the order even though they had a full day.

The reason I'm still vexed about this is that the Rakuten RAM is advertised as New while the sticks I then got from eBay to replace the Rakuten are Used and only a few dollars less.

What would you guys do in that case?

 

[TVeblen]

I'd probably just return them.
Unless the cost minus shipping was low enough to be worth an experiment. Then after trying them they would go in the cardboard box with all the other reclaimed RAM sticks I got here!

 

[Britton30]

I would keep the used from Amazon and refuse the Rakuten package.