Laptop memory: 1X512/1024 better than 2x256/512?

[inhotep]

Hi,

I'm thinking to upgrade my laptop's memory from 2x256 to 1x512 + 1x256 or 1x1024 PC2700. Problem is that I don't know which config will drain the most battery power?? Operation w/ battery is my #1 concern. I want to choose the best possible config to save as much energy possible (optimal running time on battery).

Please submit your knowlege.

PS, if you were to choose a upgrade, would you upgrade the ram or the 4200 rpm HD for optimal performance?

Thanks

Centrino p-m 1.5 (1024kb L2, not the newer dothan), 2x256 PC2700, 4200rpm 60gig HD, intel extreme crap II graphics, 6 cell li-ion batt.
I'm really suprised that Star Wars Galaxies can operate on this laptop
Some what playable.

my response to people who want to use Pentium-M dothan in their desktops.. May be they want the option to swap the CPUs between desktop and Centrino laptop? i dono...

 

[xsilver]

ram uses very little electricty I think -- an extra stick should use less than 5 mins out of a 3-4 hour overall use.....
a hdd with a higher rpm should actually drain the battery more......

you don't mention how much battery life you are getting already -- if its 4+ hours you're already getting very good milage -- hard to push it much more
the smart / easy option would be to carry a second battery
another option is to remove the optical drive altogether and cache from the hdd

 

[biostud]

I think that in theory more memory should increase battery life since the harddrive is less frequently accesed, but I think it's neglicable. What uses most power from my experince is the CPU. I have a similar setup and for word+surfing I can get 3-4 hours, while gaming is max 2 hours.

 

[inhotep]

Hi,

Thanks for your responses.

I get on average about 4-5 hours usage when browsing the net, taking notes, not any CPU intensive programs.

Games and photoshop however is another story. I get around 1.3-2 max. err

I hope more ram will boost the speed since there will be less HD swap.
Still wondering about the 2 sticks vs. 1 stick ram power drain, or 512 vs. 1 gig ram drain on the battery.

Thanks

 

[Matthias99]

Originally posted by: inhotep
Hi,

Thanks for your responses.

I get on average about 4-5 hours usage when browsing the net, taking notes, not any CPU intensive programs.

Games and photoshop however is another story. I get around 1.3-2 max. err

I hope more ram will boost the speed since there will be less HD swap.
Still wondering about the 2 sticks vs. 1 stick ram power drain, or 512 vs. 1 gig ram drain on the battery.

Thanks

2 sticks would use marginally more power than one larger stick, but probably not enough to make an impact. RAM uses very little power when not actively being used -- and not all that much even when it *is* actively being used -- so I doubt doubling the RAM would have a significant impact on battery life. If doubling the RAM cuts down on how much you hit your swapfile, I'm sure it would *increase* battery life, since the hard disk uses a lot more power than the RAM.

And actually, going to a 7200RPM drive might help your battery life even more. They tend to be newer and more power-efficient than the ultra-cheap 4200RPM drives often used in laptops, and the higher speed means it spends less time spun up for a given I/O load than a slower drive.

 

[spartacus321]

Not to throw you completely off track here or anything, I was just thinking if the things you'd be using your laptop for does'nt require use of the cd/dvd modular drive, may you consider purchasing a modular battery to enhance the overall runtime of your system?

In terms of the RAM i'm really not sure that switching from 2 smaller sticks to a single larger one would have a huge impact on the battery life, but I agree with Matthias99 on the Hard Drive issue and the 7200rpm's actually being more power efficient than a 4200rpm.

 

[inhotep]

cool thanks.

Where can i order an 7200rpm HD?

 

[spartacus321]

You can get 7200rpm laptop drives lots of places... you can try AnandTech's very own For Sale/Trade forums for great deals, or you can try online retailers like Newegg and ZipZoomFly if you wish.

 

[dakels]

Newegg
$152 +$4.69 shipping.
You will get ALOT more performance out of a 7200rpm HD, especially in photoshop. I couldnt stand working in PS on my powerbook. When I swapped to a 7200rpm, the difference was dramatic. It probably saved me more battery mileage just from not losing time waiting for the slow 4200rpm drive.

You can also get extended batteries or a 2nd one which I have done before. I charge both and swap out when necessary.

Also lowering your screen brightness can save you significant battery life. I notice in some situations where i realy needed it (like flying) I could lower the brightness down alot and get another 30 minutes out of my 2.5 hour battery.