Guh, why do modern laptops still have a stupid 8GB RAM limit?

[fuzzybabybunny]

I've got a Sony VPCEB - Core i5, currently has 4GB x 2 for RAM. DDR3.

I need to have 16GB of RAM because I'm constantly hammering my existing 8GB when doing video processing.

Bought 8GB x 2, plopped them in, computer doesn't boot.

Looked up my computer and it says it's expandable only up to 8GB.

Fffffffffffffff........

Why do computers do this?

 

[PCTC2]

Hey fbb,

I just checked on the VPCEB specifications and it is based on Arrandale (1st gen Core iX dual-core processors). These processors only support up to 8GB on their on-board memory controller.

The newer SandyBridge/IvyBridge 2nd gen Core iX systems now support 16GB.

 

[gsaldivar]

For what it's worth, some workstation class laptops such as Lenovo Thinkpad W520 can take up to 32GB RAM (8GBx4) if you really need that much portable power. (I imagine heavy video work would run utilize that quite nicely!)

 

[rayfieldclement]

Maybe it's the heat factor. Maybe larger memory for most laptops develop too much heat.

 

[shortylickens]

If you really NEED that much processing power you're going to have to spend a lot of money OR go desktop.

 

[holden j caufield]

I think the w520 gets like 6 hours with 4 dimms. I think it's mostly so that people have to buy new gear when they want apps that'll use more than 8gb of ram.

 

[rsutoratosu]

x220 takes 8gb dimms, x2 = 16
x230 should also do the same

 

[Bateluer]

If you need that much ram, move to a desktop or an SFF desktop. Operating systems haven't quite gotten bloated enough to need 16GB to run themselves yet.

 

[mickoz]

Yeah, I wished too that I could put 2x8GB in my laptop.

I have a Dell XPS 17 (l701x) laptop, with i3-380m as CPU.

On Intel's website, it mentions a maximum memory of 8GB:
http://ark.intel.com/products/50178/Intel-Core-i3-380M-Processor-(3M-Cache-2_53-GHz).

I was wondering if it was like this because back in time, when they released, only 4GB sodimm were available or if the hardware supported a maximum of 8GB in total.

I did not found anyone convincing me I can put 2x8gb as I wished (I only have 4gb right now) and your post somehow hint that with Arrandale, we cannot go to that limit. :-(

If I can not go higher than 8GB, I am a bit deceived (yeah, my total "committed memory" size in Windows 7 does go above 8gb, of course that does not mean that my program need these committed 8gb+, but I wanted to be beyond this as I am an heavy multi-tasks user, and I am getting frustrated to always wait after my system; and so I cannot use it to my full need, might consider another system soon unless 8gb ram really change my life, or if I can fit 16gb inside this beast).

I do not 100% get that limit and almost thought I would be able to put 2x8GB sodimm without problem. I am wondering if there is a work-around (e.g. if it is blocked in BIOS or smth) or if it is really the maximum supported memory of that component.

 

[gsaldivar]

If you need that much ram, move to a desktop or an SFF desktop. Operating systems haven't quite gotten bloated enough to need 16GB to run themselves yet.

Assuming you are running only one OS at a time.

 

[podspi]

Have you tried a quick SSD? It obviously isn't as good as RAM, but I've run into this limitation before and it does help a bit.

 

[imported_Jid]

Mobile computers are always gimped to some extent. I'm looking for something with a Quad core that will take 16GB as well because of my large spreadsheets. I worry that when I continue my work I will run into the need for 32GB and the few laptops that can do it are pricey as hell.

 

[gsaldivar]

the few laptops that can do it are pricey as hell.

Not really...

Lenovo Thinkpad W530
15.6" 1600x900 LED; Intel Core i7-3610QM 2.3GHz Quad-Core Ivy Bridge; 4GB RAM; 320GB HDD; DVD burner; 802.11n; Windows 7 Home Premium; NVIDIA Quadro K1000M 2GB workstation graphics; 720p HD webcam; fingerprint reader; ExpressCard slot + card reader; 6-cell battery; 1yr warranty

$1104.15 (search Techbargains for Thinkpad W530)

 

[imported_Jid]

Not really...

Lenovo Thinkpad W530
15.6" 1600x900 LED; Intel Core i7-3610QM 2.3GHz Quad-Core Ivy Bridge; 4GB RAM; 320GB HDD; DVD burner; 802.11n; Windows 7 Home Premium; NVIDIA Quadro K1000M 2GB workstation graphics; 720p HD webcam; fingerprint reader; ExpressCard slot + card reader; 6-cell battery; 1yr warranty

$1104.15 (search Techbargains for Thinkpad W530)

That is a good price, tech moves very fast . I'm going to spend around $600 or so for now since I have no choice, when I need 32GB hopefully by that time my wallet will be heavier, or I'll be able to pick another $600 machine up that will do it.. then I'll have 2 laptops for $1200 instead of one

 

[ServerGUY]

Definitely need 16gb support soon.