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m1530 RAM: 3GB or 4GB

post #1 of 10
12/27/07 at 1:43pm
Thread Starter 
I'm getting ready to order a new m1530, but can't decide on Ram options. I know with 32-bit Vista, it only recognizes ~3.2GB of RAM, so would the benefit of 3.2GB Dual Channel be worth the upgrade from 3GB non-DC?

Has anyone noticed any problems with Aero when using non-DC?
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post #2 of 10
12/27/07 at 3:43pm
Dual Channel does have its benefits with some programs, but performance is marginal when you compare dual with single. I would say, get the 3GB of Ram Dual, but if its cheaper to get Single go for that. Now, remember on Dell's website they only offer 667mhz for their ram. The way I went about it was i ordered with basic 1GB of ram. I then bought from the egg 4GB 800mhz ram for about $85 for a kit. I got Windows Vista Ultimate so it can see all 4GB.
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post #3 of 10
12/27/07 at 3:48pm
Thread Starter 
The Vista Ultimate offered with Dell is the 64-bit? Do you have any problems with drivers or anything?
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post #4 of 10
12/27/07 at 4:51pm
I thought Dell dropped all support for 64-bit versions of Windows, and would sell 32-bit only.
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post #5 of 10
1/4/08 at 4:14am
Hi,


The Windows Vista Ultimate that I got was purchased elsewhere, nt form Dell.
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post #6 of 10
1/4/08 at 6:28pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by catsonar View Post
Hi,


The Windows Vista Ultimate that I got was purchased elsewhere, nt form Dell.
Did you get the 32-bit? Any problem with getting Dell's drivers to work with it?
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post #7 of 10
1/4/08 at 10:32pm
In my experience, I have never seen any real world benefit from dual channel. Personally, I always get the minimum amount of ram from Dell, then upgrade to the maximum bought elsewhere for a reasonable amount of money.

FYI, my E1705, will only recognize up to 3.2 GB in the BIOS, so even if I install a 256 bit operating system, I could never use all the ram. Hopefully the M1530 is better built than that, since I just ordered one.
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post #8 of 10
1/6/08 at 1:25am
Info from Dells website:

Quote:
To the customers who has selected 4 GB of RAM on their systems:
Please be advised that although 4 GB will be installed and reflected in the BIOS of your system, 3.2 GB or less will be displayed in the System’s Information.

Why will 3.2 GB or less be shown on my System’s Information?
Due to a limitation of the Windows 32 bit OS and the hardware architecture, only 3.2 GB of RAM can be utilized and reflected on the system’s information. Some applications such as graphic cards share the working memory, so the more such applications you install, the less your available working memory will appear.

If I can only use 3.2 GB, what is the benefit in buying 4 GB?
(for notebook only)
In order for the dual channel to function properly, it is necessary for the memory to be set in pairs. In a notebook, there are only two memory slots which enables a configuration of 1GB(2 X 512MB), 2 GB(2 X 1GB) and 4GB(2 X 2GB). Even though the OS can only utilize 3.2 GB, 4 GB is still necessary in order for the dual channel to function.
On the other hand if you would like to take up the option of 3Gb in a notebook, this will give you a combination of 1x1Gb + 1x2Gb which are not in pairs. Hence this will not support Dual Channel technology.

Can I opt for 3 GB instead?
(for Desktop only)
Yes, you can. We now offer the option of having 3 GB installed in your system. In this configuration, you will have 2 X 1 GB plus 2 X 512MB which equals to 3 GB. Since they are in pairs, the Dual Channel is supported. This only works for Desktops as there are 4 memory slots.
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post #9 of 10
1/8/08 at 8:11pm
I have a semi-related question: will going with 4GB over 2GB (or even 3GB) hurt battery life whatsoever? i.e. if I am trying to maximize battery life and not using the machine for gaming, will keeping to 2GB of RAM extend my mobile battery life?
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post #10 of 10
1/9/08 at 5:25pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by BBLV View Post
I have a semi-related question: will going with 4GB over 2GB (or even 3GB) hurt battery life whatsoever? i.e. if I am trying to maximize battery life and not using the machine for gaming, will keeping to 2GB of RAM extend my mobile battery life?
Yes, more memory take more power. I have actually removed memory when taking a trip where I did not need the performance but wanted improved battery life. I can't really say how much, but I have definitely seen a difference.

Hey, that should be at least a book option, if not a software option, to improve battery life.
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