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Which RAM to get?

C

CMC79

Senior member
I recently got a deal on a laptop and it only has 4GB of RAM (1 stick of 1600Mhz DD3L.) The processor is a Core i3-5020U. Would I be better to buy a matched set of 2x4GB sticks and pull the stick it already has, or buy an 8GB stick for a total of 12GB? I'm specifically interested in the impact upon the Intel graphics which I assume will benefit from both the extra bandwidth. The cost between these two options is only a few dollars, so price really isn't a concern. Any suggestions are appreciated!
 
Check to see the maximum speed memory your laptop accepts.
See if they provide a qualified memory list as well.
The QML isn't definitive, but it gives you an idea atleast of which vendors might be getting attention.
 
The i3-5020u supports 1600mhz at max, so it's as fast as it can be. Could possibly get tighter timings but that'd be it.
 
I would just get another 4GB stick to match what it already has, assuming the laptop has a second memory slot.

I don't think it makes too much sense to have 12gb of ram in that laptop.

An SSD would be a better addition if it doesn't already have one.
 
Matched sets of dual channel 2x4GB IMO is always preferable to mismatched 4GB and 8GB chips even though its possible they can still run in dual channel mode for the 4GB portions. You just avoid situtations of unganged single channel memory slowing things down. Besides, 8GB should be enough for most applications including modern games.
 
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