Solved Need help buying RAM

[mangoh]

Okay thanks for your help so far everyone!

So I have a Dell Inspiron 1501 and according to Crucial I need this

So after looking for RAM I found this:

Crucial 2GB, 200-pin SODIMM, DDR2 PC2-5300 memory module: Amazon.co.uk: Computers & Accessories

If I buy 2 so I get 2x2GB as I have 2 slots.

Do you think the RAM will work i.e. ignoring the fact that Crucial says maximum RAM is 2GB. I'm asking do you think the spec from Amazon is fine for the laptop I have?

Edit: I searched the reviews and someone else has said it works fine http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/communit...ity-reviews&Go.x=0&Go.y=0&idx.asin=B000F7QRTG

WOOOOOOOO so much thanks for your help. I got there in the end and I now believe I can find RAM myself.

Didn't know "DDR2 PC2-5300" actually means two things, the type and speed.

 

[mangoh]

So I bought the RAM, it arrived, I put in my laptop.

What now?

Last time I inserted new RAM into my computer the BIOS screen said it recognised the RAM and then it booted up.

However this time when I put the RAM into my laptop, it didn't saying anything in the BIOS and straight away booted up.

Both the computer and laptop say display the new RAM figure in system properties.

When installing RAM, how do I know if the laptop/computer is using it?

Is there anything else I need to do after installing RAM to optimise performance for my newly installed RAM?

 

[DeaconFrost]

So I bought the RAM, it arrived, I put in my laptop.

What now?

Last time I inserted new RAM into my computer the BIOS screen said it recognised the RAM and then it booted up.

However this time when I put the RAM into my laptop, it didn't saying anything in the BIOS and straight away booted up.

Both the computer and laptop say display the new RAM figure in system properties.

When installing RAM, how do I know if the laptop/computer is using it?

Is there anything else I need to do after installing RAM to optimise performance for my newly installed RAM?

That's a BIOS option that may not be there or set...to prompt when memory amounts change. If the BIOS and the system recognize the new memory and the correct amount, then I'm not sure what you are worried about. Unless you are getting errors, freezes, etc, then you should be fine.

 

[webpro2k02]

It is strange to note that most online memory retailers lists max memory for Inspiron 1501 as 2GB, max per slot as 1GB...

Inspiron 1501 Memory - Upgrade Dell 1501 Inspiron Laptop Memory

Computer memory upgrades for Dell Inspiron 1501 Laptop/Notebook from Crucial.com

But what I have noted is the processor is the AMD Turion 64 or Sempron, as per AMD specs it should support 2GB SODIMMs.


I have also seen in forums that people have tried 2 x 2GB module and it has worked.

IF you have installed 2 x 2GB, then do a quick check using CPUZ software, and in the SPD tab it should list memory installed in Slot 1 and Slot 2.

 

[Britton30]

Welcome to Seven forums webpro2k02.
While a CPU may support specific RAM module sizes, the motherboard chipset also has to.

 

[mangoh]

So I bought the RAM, it arrived, I put in my laptop.

What now?

Last time I inserted new RAM into my computer the BIOS screen said it recognised the RAM and then it booted up.

However this time when I put the RAM into my laptop, it didn't saying anything in the BIOS and straight away booted up.

Both the computer and laptop say display the new RAM figure in system properties.

When installing RAM, how do I know if the laptop/computer is using it?

Is there anything else I need to do after installing RAM to optimise performance for my newly installed RAM?

That's a BIOS option that may not be there or set...to prompt when memory amounts change. If the BIOS and the system recognize the new memory and the correct amount, then I'm not sure what you are worried about. Unless you are getting errors, freezes, etc, then you should be fine.

Nope no freezes but just curious why no message on the BIOS. Thanks for telling me about the BIOS setting.

So if it says the new figure of RAM in system properties, is the RAM all sorted then i.e. nothing else needs doing?

Correct?

 

[indianacarnie]

Correct.

 

[mangoh]

Correct.

Thanks

Problem solved.

RAM installed fine, 4GB shows. I feel the difference already but just wanted it confirmed that I wasn't just being jolly for no reason.

 

[boohbah]

have you re run the windows experience index to see if your score has improved.

 

[mangoh]

have you re run the windows experience index to see if your score has improved.

Yep and indeed it has

RAM went from 5.1 to 5.5

5.1 = I had 2GB of RAM
5.5 = Newly installed 4GB of RAM

I take it the lack of a massive increase was due to it being DDR2 RAM and not DDR3, obviously the latter my Dell Inspiron 1501 laptop doesn't support.