Sodimm Memory Laptop
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US $4.95
Deciding if the time is right to upgrade your laptop's memory
How can you decide whether your laptop, notebook, sub-notebook or netbook etc. could benefit from installing more memory? Let's take a look at the vital signs that should help you answer just that!
The general word on the street aka "…you need more memory!"
It is widely propagated by many that upgrading the memory within our laptop will considerably boost performance. While this statement is true, it leaves one wondering if the results are always the same. That is a common problem with generic statements like the above, just because it has made a friend's laptop breathe a new sign of life, will it do exactly the same for me? The reality is that it may, or may not, and to what degree is really down to our own specific situation.
In that case is a laptop memory upgrade right for me?
While it is not possible to conclude whether upgrading your laptop's memory will boost system performance by exactly 27%, 52% or for example 74%(all these figures are ballpark guesses) via any other method than running specific benchmarks after an upgrade, it is possible to take a more human approach and still arrive at a plausible degree of certainty. This will inform us how much of a benefit a future laptop memory upgrade might be. From this we can then decide whether it is worth the cost.
Setting a course for action – upgrading pragmatically
In order to arrive at a valid answer to the above we first must lay down some facts that will automatically prove helpful. First of all if we have an older laptop ( > 5 years old) and use it to run modern software then upgrading its memory may help but ultimately it's processor speed and architecture will hamper from it having the most affect. In an opposite light, if we have a newer laptop ( < 2 years old) and also use it for running modern software then upgrading its memory will likely have a greater performance effect, however in this case the hard drive speed will equally become the bottleneck. In fact, even if you have a laptop with a Solid State Drive (SSD) it too can be of an older generation that also becomes a bottleneck.
The above is what may be referred to as a basis for understanding the benefits of laptop memory upgrades. The processor, memory and hard drive are the three key contributors to general computer performance. Consequently, all influence the performance contributions of the other two (whatever the combination) and so ultimately model system performance in joint force. Does that make sense? Let's take a quick look at each to show you how.
A hard drive is important because each time we start any software it must first load that into memory, as a result its speed will be the deciding factor to how soon the benefits of memory kick in (play an active role). A processor (also known as CPU – Central Processing Unit) plays a more central role - everything we do with our laptop will involve the processor in some form. If it is busy engaged in processing other tasks then even if we have ample memory, the benefits of the latter will be delayed until the processor can execute the foreground task (any that is part of the program we are currently using).
Making a decision focused on your own requirements
From the above we have learned that how much a new laptop memory upgrade contributes to our laptop's performance is largely influenced by the processor and hard drive in our laptop, i.e. how modern they are and also how fast. With that in mind it is time to make an educated guess, but before we can do that we need to consider some other variables that stem from our current situation.
Firstly, we need to determine if we are running out of physical memory when using our laptop for everyday tasks. In order to check this, load all the software you normally use and then in Windows (NT/2000 or newer) press CTRL+ALT+DEL at the same time. This will fire up Task Manager. Next, click on the on the "Performance" tab. Finally, look at the section that states "Physical Memory (K)", this name may defer slightly depending on the version of Windows you are running. In the same area you should see a label such as "Available". This is the amount of free physical memory in your laptop. If this value is low in comparison to the "Total" label next to it then this indicates you are already overloading your laptop and purchasing a laptop memory upgrade could indeed help and inject a speed boost.
Secondly, ask yourself if your usage habits will change in the foreseeable future. For example, if you have just took on a job as a web developer and plan on using software such as Adobe Dreamweaver then your memory usage will grow dramatically. In this case you may want to upgrade. Let's look at another example, this time you may be a graphics artist using equally demanding software such as Adobe Photoshop but with a difference. You may already have enough memory installed for what you do today, but what if you get a new request from a client to make a series of graphics and need to edit them concurrently (have them opened in separate windows)? Such scenario may also warrant upgrading your laptop's memory. All in all whatever you do when thinking through this part make sure you also plan ahead.
Thirdly, identify the Operating System you are using, or intend to use (should you want to upgrade this too). This part will play a particular role especially in newer laptops that support over 4GB of memory. 32bit versions of Windows (NT, 2000, XP, Vista and 7) only support up to 4GB of memory in total. In reality however much less of this is made available, this is because other devices in the laptop (i.e. the graphics card) need their own memory address space and this needs to fall within the 4GB range of memory addresses. If you plan to upgrade to 4GB or more you need to be running a 64bit version of Windows XP, Vista o 7 as otherwise a vast chunk of the additional memory will not be usable by your software, if otherwise stay below 4GB in total. Older laptops that run Windows 98 or Me (both 16/32bit hybrid Operating Systems) have problems when more than 512MB of memory is installed (even if the memory controller supports it). Windows 95 based laptops are also problematic and realistically work best with up to 64MB memory (again, regardless if the memory controller supports more).
Now, gather and think through all the findings, these along with the knowledge learned above should enable you to make an expert guess and help you decide whether a laptop memory upgrade is indeed right for you.
In closing
Be sure to extract the fundamental truths from the above. Always remember that each time you hear "upgrading memory will boost your computer's performance" (or any derivative of such statement) it is a generic deposition and therefore usually only valid to a specific use case (i.e. what the laptop is used for).
Furthermore, appreciate that the processor, memory and hard drive (or solid state drive) in your laptop are three key contributors to overall system performance and all influence each other's potential. As a result, you need to take into account the age and speed of each when determining how much significance any further laptop memory upgrade will have to system performance. Finally, ask yourself some questions that expressly concern what you use your laptop for at present but also what you intend to use it for in the foreseeable future. At the same time, take into account your laptop's Operating System remembering the limitations of older versions of Windows (95, 98 and Me) and that of 32bit versions of newer versions of Windows (NT, 2000, XP, Vista and 7).
About the Author
Get easy to understand step by step help on your next Laptop Memory upgrade by reading our Laptop Memory Guide.
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ValueRAM 2GB PC3-10666 DDR3 SoDIMM Laptop Memory $16.99 Maximize your laptop's speed and performance with this 2GB DDR3 SoDIMM laptop memory that delivers fast multitasking, Web browsing and gaming. |
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256MB DDR SODIMM PC2700 DDR333 333MHz 200pin Laptop Generic Memory $5.94 256MB DDR SODIMM PC2700 DDR333 333MHz 200pin Laptop Generic Memory |
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Patriot Memory Signature 4GB 800MHz PC2-6400 DDR2 SoDIMM Laptop Memory $74.99 Improve the speed and performance of your laptop or mobile system with this 4GB PC2-6400 DDR2 SoDIMM memory module. |
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Kingston Technology 4GB PC3-8500 DDR3 SoDIMM Laptop Memory $27.99 Provide an additional 4GB of memory to your Apple MacBook laptop or iMac desktop with this 4GB PC3-8500 DDR3 SoDIMM memory module. |
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Memory Master 512MB PC-2700 SoDIMM Laptop Memory $14.89 Improve the functionality of your laptop with this memory that features up to 333MHz operating speed for fast computing and a 168-pin interface for a simple connection. |
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Memory Master 1GB PC2-5300 SoDIMM Laptop Memory $15.39 Boost the capabilities of your laptop with this memory that features 667MHz speed for fast computing and a 1GB capacity for ample data storage. |
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Memory Master 1GB PC2700 SoDIMM Laptop Memory $28.79 Increase the functionality of your laptop with this memory that features a 1GB capacity for ample data storage and a 333MHz operating speed for fast computing. |
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Corsair 4GB 13GHz DDR3 SoDIMM Laptop Memory $26.99 Give your laptop a 4GB memory boost with this memory module that features a 1.3GHz operating speed for simple Web browsing and gaming. |
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PNY 2GB PC6400 DDR2 SoDIMM Laptop Memory $51.99 Give your laptop a boost with this 2GB memory module that features up to 800MHz operating speed for impressive multitasking capability. |
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Memory Master 2-Pack 2GB PC2-5300 DDR2 SoDIMM Laptop Memory Kit $47.99 Add additional memory to your laptop with this memory kit that features dual 2GB modules for 4GB of total memory. |
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Memory Master 2-Pack 1GB PC2-5300 SoDIMM Laptop Memory Kit $26.89 Increase the functionality of your laptop with this laptop memory kit that features a total of 2GB memory capacity for ample data storage and a 667MHz operating speed for fast computing. |
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Patriot Memory Signature 8GB 1333MHz PC3-10600 DDR3 SoDIMM Laptop Memory $59.99 This Patriot Memory Signature 8GB PC3-10600 DDR3 laptop memory module features operating speeds up to 1333MHz for enhanced multitasking and performance. |
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Memory Master 2GB PC2-5300 DDR2 SoDIMM Laptop Memory $26.89 Provide an additional 2GB of memory to your laptop computer with this memory module that features a 667MHz operating speed and is backward compatible with 533MHz and 400MHz operating speeds. |
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Memory Master 2GB PC2-6400 DDR2 SoDIMM Laptop Memory $26.89 Improve the functionality of your laptop with this memory that features a 2GB capacity for ample storage space and an 800MHz operating speed for fast computing. |
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Elpida EBJ11UE6BASA-AE-E 1GB DDR3 SODIMM CL7-7 1066MHz Laptop Memory $21.81 This ELPIDA DDR3 SODIMM PC3-8500 laptop memory are equipped with 1GB of memory, 1066MHz data transfer rate, 133Mhz memory clock, 204 pins and 1.875ns cycle time. This Elpida memory is the best decision for your computer.Capacity: 1GBMemory type: SODIMMPins: 204 PinBus type: PC-8500Cycle time: 1.875nsData transfer rate: 1066MhzMemory clock: 133MhzModel: EBJ11UE6BASA-AE-EDimensions: 2.2 inches wide x 3 inches high x 1.3 inches deepWeight: 1 pound |
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Corsair 4GB 10GHz DDR3 SoDIMM Laptop Memory $26.99 Give your Apple iMac , MacBook or MacBook Pro a 4GB memory boost with this memory module that features up to 1.0GHz operating speed for fast, efficient performance. |
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Corsair 2GB 13GHz DDR3 SoDIMM Laptop Memory $18.99 Improve your computer's performance with this memory module that features up to 1.3GHz operating speed to ensure efficient Web browsing and gaming. |
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Crucial Technology 1GB PC2-6400 DDR2 SoDIMM Laptop Memory $17.99 Learn more about Crucial memory products. Enhance the system performance of your laptop computer with this 1GB memory module that features an 800MHz speed for powerful multitasking. |
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NEW 256mb pc 133 sodimm so-dimm 144-pin Laptop memory $11.98 Original chips 1x256MB PC133 144PIN SDRAM LAPTOP 16X16 Double sided 8-chip High density memory |
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Samsung 1GB PC2-6400 DDR2 SDRAM SoDIMM Laptop Memory $15.99 This laptop memory features up to 800MHz speed for easy multitasking and a 200-pin interface for a simple connection. |
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Kingston Technology 2GB PC2-5300 DDR2 SoDIMM Laptop Memory $34.99 Equip your Apple MacBook laptop or iMac desktop with this memory for improved multitasking. The 667MHz operating speed ensures fast computing. |
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Corsair 2-Pack 4GB PC2-6400 DDR2 SoDIMM Laptop Memory Kit $199.99 Give your computer a boost with this laptop memory kit that features two 4GB DDR2 memory modules for 8GB of total memory. The dual-channel design is compatible with most dual-channel Intel and AMD platforms. |
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Samsung M471B5673DZ1CF8 2GB DDR3 SODIMM PC3-8500 1066MHz Laptop Memory $29.09 This Samsung DDR3 SODIMM PC3-8500 laptop memory are equipped with 2GB of memory, 1066MHz data transfer rate, 133Mhz memory clock, 204 pins and 1.875ns cycle time. This Samsung memory is the best decision for your computer.Capacity: 2GBType: DDR3 SO-DIMMSpeed: PC3-8500, 1066MHzMemory clock: 133MhzPins: 204pinECC: NoRegistered: NoModel: M471B5673DZ1CF8Dimensions: 2.1 inches wide x 2.7 inches deep x 0.2 inches highWeight: 0.5 pounds |
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Qimonda IMSH1GS14A1F1C-10F 1GB DDR3 SODIMM 1066MHz Laptop Memory $22.85 This Qimonda DDR3 SODIMM PC3-8500 laptop memory are equipped with 1GB of memory, 1066MHz data transfer rate, 133Mhz memory clock, 204 pins and 1.875ns cycle time. This Qimonda memory is the best decision for your computer.Capacity: 1GBPins: 204 PinBus type: PC-8500Cycle time: 1.875nsData transfer rate: 1066MhzMemory clock: 133MhzModel: IMSH1GS14A1F1C-10FDimensions: 2.1 inches wide x 4.3 inches high x 1.1 inches deepWeight: 1 pound |
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PNY Optima 2-Pack 4GB PC3-10666 DDR3 SoDIMM Laptop Memory Kit $59.99 Enhance your computer's performance with this PNY Optima laptop memory kit that features two 4GB modules for a total of 8GB of memory. The 1333MHz operating speed allows easy multitasking. |
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Kingston Technology 2-Pack 2GB PC2-5300 DDR2 SoDIMM Laptop Memory Kit $69.99 Improve the functionality of your Apple MacBook laptop or iMac desktop with this 2-pack of memory that features a 4GB capacity and 667MHz operating speed for fast computing. |
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ACP - Memory Upgrades 1GB DDR2-667MHz PC2-5300 200-pin SODIMM F/Dell Laptop $29.99 1 GB 1GB DDR2-667MHz PC2-5300 200-pin SODIMM F/Dell Laptop 2 x 512 MB 200-pin SoDIMM 667 MHz Add-On Computer Peripherals (ACP) has been the exclusive supplier to Ingram Micro's Memory Upgrades program since 1999. All ACP memory is built to JEDEC Standards, to meet or exceed the Tier 1 OEM's factory requirements. All our memory comes with a Lifetime warranty, and is 100% guaranteed compatible for the systems it is intended for. (Actual part shipped: AA667D2S5/1GB). Inspiron 6400 Notebook A1167685-AA ACP - Memory Upgrades DDR2 SDRAM DDR2-667/PC2-5300 Lifetime Limited Non-ECC RAM Module SoDIMM Unbuffered www.addoncomputer.com |
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ACP - Memory Upgrades 2GB DDR2-667MHz PC2-5300 200-pin SODIMM F/Dell Laptop $47.99 1 x 2 GB 2 GB 200-pin SoDIMM 2GB DDR2-667MHz PC2-5300 200-pin SODIMM F/Dell Laptop 667 MHz Add-On Computer Peripherals (ACP) has been the exclusive supplier to Ingram Micro's Memory Upgrades program since 1999. All ACP memory is built to JEDEC Standards, to meet or exceed the Tier 1 OEM's factory requirements. All our memory comes with a Lifetime warranty, and is 100% guaranteed compatible for the systems it is intended for. (Actual part shipped: AA667D2S5/2GB). Dell Inspiron Mini 1210 Notebook A0740455-AA ACP - Memory Upgrades DDR2 SDRAM DDR2-667/PC2-5300 Lifetime Limited Non-ECC RAM Module SoDIMM Unbuffered www.addoncomputer.com |
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ACP - Memory Upgrades 4GB DDR2-667MHz PC2-5300 200-pin SODIMM F/Dell Laptop $91.99 1 x 4 GB 200-pin SoDIMM 4 GB 4GB DDR2-667MHz PC2-5300 200-pin SODIMM F/Dell Laptop 667 MHz Add-On Computer Peripherals (ACP) has been the exclusive supplier to Ingram Micro's Memory Upgrades program since 1999. All ACP memory is built to JEDEC Standards, to meet or exceed the Tier 1 OEM's factory requirements. All our memory comes with a Lifetime warranty, and is 100% guaranteed compatible for the systems it is intended for. (Actual part shipped: AA800D2S6/4GB). A1595855-AA ACP - Memory Upgrades DDR2 SDRAM DDR2-667/PC2-5300 Lifetime Limited Non-ECC RAM Module SoDIMM Unbuffered www.addoncomputer.com |
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ACP - Memory Upgrades 4GB DDR2-800MHz PC2-6400 200-pin SODIMM F/Dell Laptop $91.99 1 x 4 GB 200-pin SoDIMM 4 GB 4GB DDR2-800MHz PC2-6400 200-pin SODIMM F/Dell Laptop 800 MHz Add-On Computer Peripherals (ACP) has been the exclusive supplier to Ingram Micro's Memory Upgrades program since 1999. All ACP memory is built to JEDEC Standards, to meet or exceed the Tier 1 OEM's factory requirements. All our memory comes with a Lifetime warranty, and is 100% guaranteed compatible for the systems it is intended for. (Actual part shipped: AA800D2N6/4GB) . Dell Vostro 1220 Notebook A2537139-AA ACP - Memory Upgrades DDR2 SDRAM DDR2-800/PC2-6400 Lifetime Limited Non-ECC RAM Module SoDIMM Unbuffered www.addoncomputer.com |