T61 - mixing memory

[GML3G0]

I just ordered a Thinkpad T61 with 1GB of RAM (1 DIMM). I also plan to order this stick of RAM. That should be compatible, correct? Also, will mixing the memory be a problem? It should still run in dual channel, correct? Thanks.

 

[GML3G0]

up

In the Newegg reviews, people are claiming it works in a T60. Is it safe to assume it will work in dual channel in a T61? (They both use PC2-5300).

 

[jkresh]

It will probably work, when not check out what crucial has for your laptop? If you use their configuration menu they guarantee compatibility.

 

[DyslexicHobo]

I just ordered a T60p, and I was wondering the same thing. They wanted to charge an extra $127 for another gig of RAM, so I didn't get it. I'm planning on buying another two gigs from Newegg. Please let me know how this works out!

 

[Brainonska511]

I don't see a problem with mixing the RAM brand. At worst, it won't work, but this is unlikely. The next worst scenario is that the RAM only runs in single channel, but that isn't a big deal since one stick offers more than enough bandwidth on its own because the memory interface isn't wide enough to take advantage of the bandwidth provided with dual-channel RAM on the mobile 945 chipset. As for the 965 chipset (T61), single channel may slow you down a little because of the higher FSB of the processor, but I don't think you'd notice a difference. But then again, these are only the worst case scenarios. Most likely, you'll install the RAM and it will be running flawlessly in dual-channel.

 

[tetete]

Originally posted by: Brainonska511
the memory interface isn't wide enough to take advantage of the bandwidth provided with dual-channel RAM on the mobile 945 chipset. As for the 965 chipset (T61), single channel may slow you down a little because of the higher FSB of the processor.

hi, can you tell me where I can find the data regarding this plz?

I'm quite picky about ram and bandwidth

 

[Brainonska511]

Based on all the reviews I've read, dual channel does not make a difference in a laptop. Intel only use a 64-bit bus in the 965/945 mobile chipsets: see page 63: http://www.intel.com/design/mobile/datashts/316273.htm

 

[GML3G0]

All right. Sounds great. I was pretty worried about compatibility and actually considering modifying my order to have the 2GB already installed, but like you said, chances are, it's going to work great. Thanks a lot.

 

[Brainonska511]

In case you wanted more reading on the subject (something I posted in another thread):

Originally posted by: Brainonska511
Just some links on the subject:
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Text:

SINGLE VS. DUAL CHANNEL

Dual channel memory has been enjoyed on the desktop for years now, but only recently has surfaced in notebooks within the last year with the advent of Intel's Sonoma platform in Centrino notebooks.

Running your memory in dual channel basically adds a substantial amount of bandwidth to the memory, but must be done using two identical sticks of memory. I've read reports of people using sticks of different sizes (but identical speeds) in those Centrino notebooks and still running their memory in dual channel mode, but you may want to play it safe and go for two matching sticks.

As of this article, only Centrino notebooks running DDR2 memory can operate in dual channel. All other notebooks run their memory in single channel.

What is worth mentioning about dual channel operation is that while it can net substantial performance benefits in desktop computers, even Intel's newest Centrino platform still can't fully utilize the increased memory bandwidth. Because of this, performance benefits of operating in dual instead of single channel are generally negligible and not worth the expense of trying to get two matching sticks. The only real benefits I've seen to running a Centrino notebook in dual channel are for the GMA 900 in gaming and bandwidth intensive multimedia tasks, such as video encoding, but even then these performance benefits are still fairly marginal.

 

[fbrdphreak]

It should be just fine

 

[corkyg]

Based on what I have found in my new T60, changing or adding RAM is not an easy task. You have to remove the palm rest, etc. to access the ram, whereas most OEMs use a simple door in the back. Fortunately, I got it with 2 GB on one SODIMM, and that is enough for now.

The T60 manual details the procedure for installing RAM, and it gives these specs:

"...DDR 2 synchronous dynamic RAM unbuffered SODIMM." That fits your SODIMM from NewEgg.