Laptop memory capatibility

**fatbastard** · Posted: Sun, 20 Feb 2005 23:29:36 Post Subject: Laptop memory capatibility

OK, I am new to laptop upgrades and I have heard from people they are much more particular than desktops. I have a Dell 8600 that uses PC2700 and I may be able to get a good deal on PC3200, I realize this memory won't be able to run at the higher speed, but will it work at all? I have heard of people having problems with some brands of 2700 because they require too much power, would 3200 do the same or doesn't it require the extra power since it isn't running as fast?

**Doctor Feelgood** · Posted: Sun, 20 Feb 2005 23:32:12 Post Subject:

I'm in the same boat with fatbastard, as my "new" Dell 4150 uses PC2100 and I want to upgrade the 384 onboard... I know close to nothing on notebook stuff... never cared before now.

Someone should write us a good article on that... Wink

**fatbastard** · Posted: Sun, 20 Feb 2005 23:37:01 Post Subject:

I tried to use the configurers they have on their sites but of course they always list 2700, I haven't been able to find a place where I can put in a model number for the memory and cross reference it with laptops it could work on.

Spire · Posted: Sun, 20 Feb 2005 23:45:15 Post Subject:

I have never had any issue with sticking any module I had into any slot that it would fit in.

(Somehow this goes for my lovelife also!!!)

I think you guys are forgetting that laptops are the same chips, controllers, and parts, just packaged differently and generally arent OC'ed..

They will work if they plug in. (of course 2100 will not go 3200 speeds, but you know what I mean.)

**Doctor Feelgood** · Posted: Sun, 20 Feb 2005 23:51:45 Post Subject:

I am pretty sure I have seen more compatibility issues with notebook memory than with desktop memory... so that is why I am being cautious... But, some nice, excellent guy is sending me some ddr to try out,a nd if it works... great! Grin

BeerCheeze · Posted: Mon, 21 Feb 2005 09:49:05 Post Subject:

Laptops do tend to be "pickier" than desktops. However when it comes to RAM as long as it is GOOD quality you shouldn't have any problems.

Personally I stick with major brand names (Kingston, Crucial, etc...) when buying memory laptop RAM not directly from the laptop manufacture (which I rarely do).

Hellfire · Rated XXX Joined: 05 Aug 2003 Posts: 3473

I've upgraded roughly 100+ laptops at my work. These were IBM and Dell laptops. Unfortunately I experienced a lot of memory incompatibility issues.

Memory that would work in a IBM T21 would not work in a IBM T22. Worse yet, even within the sub-models sometimes it wouldn't work.

You do have to be careful with laptop memory.

Spire · Posted: Mon, 21 Feb 2005 13:40:27 Post Subject:

Wow, I stand corrected...