Laptop - max RAM capacity?

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aucklander

472 posts

Ultimate Geek

#143930 1-May-2014 19:52

Hi there,

I have an older laptop but still working OK for what is used...
The data sheet says: "Max Memory Supported: 2GB DDR2 533MHz, Dual Channel".
Currently it is fitted with 2x512Mb.

Does this mean that I can upgrade the RAM to 2x1Gb (2Gb in total) or 2Gb per channel (2x2Gb)?
Thank you.

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Coil

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#1035113 1-May-2014 19:54

Usually it would specify total. do you have a model number for it or the motherboard?

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Dynamic

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#1035114 1-May-2014 19:55

It will be the 2x 1Gb modules to max out the laptop.

What's the laptop model? I'll check with one of our suppliers.

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nathan

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#1035121 1-May-2014 20:19

yeah it should be 2 x 1GB

solival

160 posts

Master Geek

#1035389 2-May-2014 12:35

On my laptop (Mac book pro late 2011) max supported memory is 8 GB (2x4 GB). However, I installed 16GB (2x8 GB) and everything works fine. So, sometimes it is not officially supported while it works.

TwoSeven

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#1035412 2-May-2014 13:11

If we could know the make and 'full' model number of the laptop we may be able to tell you what other bits can be upgraded as well. By full model number I mean, include all of the letters at the end. For example brand x400abcd.

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aucklander

472 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1035481 2-May-2014 14:27

Hi all,
I apologize for not giving the model number in my original post, I did not think it is relevant...
The laptop is a Fujitsu Lifebook C1320, I had it for something like 8 years I believe?
Processor 1.73Mhz, based on the data sheet the RAM is DDR2 @ 533Mhz. Nothing impressive, I know...

Many thanks.

Dynamic

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#1035487 2-May-2014 14:41

The 915GM chipset in that laptop can only address up to 2Gb.

Given the laptop's age, you might have to hunt around for memory for it. We primarily buy Kingston RAM for non-new computers, and they have discontinued manufacturing RAM for this series.

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gzt

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#1035721 2-May-2014 21:34

I find DDR2 upgrade really annoying. It is very expensive (now) compared to DDR3. You can get lots of secondhand 512 but almost always have to go new for the 1024. If laptop mainboards were more standard you would just replace with a 2nd mainboard and DDR3 for similar prices. Having said that you can get lucky here and there and much less if buying from offshore.

aucklander

472 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1050241 21-May-2014 08:45

Hi Guys,
here is how the RAM upgrade went so far, in case there is something to learn from it.

I have ordered 2x 1GB DDR2 667MHz from a reputable second parts seller on an auction site. They should work OK, at a lower speed (the mobo works at 533MHz).
To my surprise, I have received 2x2GB memories (Kingston).
I have replaced the original 2x512 with 2x2GB, started it up, the fan went to high speed (much louder than usual) and it stayed there, while there was nothing else happening. Screen completely black, no HDD activity... nothing! I have waited for 1min, nothing happened, no response to the Power Off button, so I had to remove the battery.

Removed one RAM, left only 1x2GB installed. Started up, all perfect, Windows show 2GB RAM installed. Perfect!
Then I put back one of the 512MB original memory chip, and it started up OK! Now it shows 2.5GB RAM installed (My Computer -> Properties), Task Manager shows the same.
If I access the BIOS at start-up, the BIOS shows 1x512 and 1x2GB installed in the slots, but it also says that total available memory is 2GB.
I guess this is happening because the BIOS might be old, and the Windows is able to take better advantage of available resources?

The next step would have been to replace 512 with 1GB and see if it will accept a total of 3GB, but I do not have a 1GB chip.
Maybe I can swap the 2x512 for 1x1GB? Doesn't sound like an upgrade for the "other party" in this deal... does it?

timmmay

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#1050245 21-May-2014 08:53

I'd probably just stick with 1x2GB. A laptop this old probably isn't worth your time or money to upgrade. 1GB to 2GB will give you a bit of an upgrade. Putting an SSD in (Samsung 840 standard/pro) will probably do as much or more for your system performance, and it can be put into a new machine later.