Would laptop benefit with an 8gb ram upgrade?

[vStone1K]

Hi guys, I've got a Toshiba laptop (check my specs) and it has 4gb of ram with a quad core processor. My Toshiba manual tells me that I can upgrade my ram to 8 gigabytes. Would adding 4gb more to my system (4x2 memory modules) help my system? Thanks!

 

[profdlp]

It really depends on what you do with the computer.

RAM is so cheap right now that I did mine exactly like you are contemplating. (Went from 4GB to 8GB.) The trouble is that I also upgraded to an SSD at the same time, which I knew would really pep things up. This made it harder to see how much effect the RAM alone may have had.

I've heard rumors that the price for memory is heading back up. If you're on the fence and have the dough I'd be tempted to go for it. (I'm also assuming that RAM is as cheap where you are as it is here.)

 

[vStone1K]

It really depends on what you do with the computer.

RAM is so cheap right now that I did mine exactly like you are contemplating. (Went from 4GB to 8GB.) The trouble is that I also upgraded to an SSD at the same time, which I knew would really pep things up. This made it harder to see how much effect the RAM alone may have had.

I've heard rumors that the price for memory is heading back up. If you're on the fence and have the dough I'd be tempted to go for it. (I'm also assuming that RAM is as cheap where you are as it is here.)

Well, in Australia there's a website called RamCity, they have a 7.1 out of 10. I might have a look there. http://ramcity.com.au

Btw, I looked here and the prices are listed, but is that for one stick or two?
http://www.ramcity.com.au/system/64243.htm
They have all different types for my model, would I go for the RamCity 4GB or the Kingston 4GB?

 

[wanchoo]

If you not into high-level multitasking then upgrading from 4 gigs to 8 gigs is just waste of money. If you are an avid multitasker and gamer then upgrading from 4 gigs to 8 gigs would be definitely worth it.

 

[profdlp]

...I looked here and the prices are listed, but is that for one stick or two?
Toshiba Satellite L650D L650D-ST2N01 Memory, RAM and Hard Drive upgrades
They have all different types for my model, would I go for the RamCity 4GB or the Kingston 4GB?

That's one stick, so you'd need a pair of them.

As for which to get, check with Toshiba's list of approved memory modules. Some manufacturer's are very conservative about what they approve, (or just lazy, and don't test that many), so if what you want isn't on the list make sure you buy it from a place that guarantees that it will work or let you return it.

Here's what prices look like over here:

Newegg.com - Computer Hardware, Memory, Laptop Memory, 4GB, DDR3 1066 (PC3 8500)

I'm not sure of the current exchange rate, but it looks like they're charging you a pretty high premium for the ferry ride to Australia.

I'd also agree with wanchoo, which is why I mentioned at the outset that it depends on what you're doing. If this is a "go to the coffee shop and surf the 'net" kind of rig it won't be worth it.

EDIT: Should have added that you'd definitely need to be using 64-Bit Windows to get any good out of it in any case.

 

[vStone1K]

Hmm, that's strange - Our currency is higher than yours, which is in the USA? Yours in around $20 when ours is $50! I wonder why...

I checked in my manual, this is what it says...
'A 1 GB, 2 GB or 4 GB memory module (DDR3-1066/1333/1600 can easily be installed in the computer'
Does that help?
Btw, I play games and render things as well, which is pretty CPU intensive. I do have a 64 bit system, it's in my description.

 

[profdlp]

Convert Australian Dollars (AUD) and United States Dollars (USD): Currency Exchange Rate Conversion Calculator

Not a good deal for you guys.

Whether the RAM is worth it or not is something only you can decide. It might sound weird, but if you have a good friend with 2 X 4GB who would let you take it for a test drive in your machine it might answer your question.

 

[vStone1K]

@profdlp I don't have any friends that could lend me a stick or two...
They don't upgrade really.
Shame about the price though

 

[seavixen32]

Download and run the Crucial memory scanner, which will analyze your system and advise on the best RAM setup.

SDRAM, DDR2 and DDR RAM memory upgrades from Crucial.com

Whether you'll notice a great deal of difference after a RAM upgrade is debatable as it depends on how you use your computer.

If you want a real performance boost, you might want to consider an SSD instead.

 

[vStone1K]

@seavixen32 Here's my scan results...
Memory upgrades from Crucial.com - Determine My Memory Needs
Have you used their memory service before?
I won't need to buy an SSD, they seem to be a bit expensive, but my hard drive is working fine!

 

[seavixen32]

I have used Crucial before and found them to be reliable and quick.

Their suggestion of two 4GB modules makes sense and at £35 is very reasonable.