Notebook Memory Upgrade Guide

Notebook memory modules are similar to the ones used on desktops but come in a smaller form factor called SODIMM (or SO-DIMM) which stands for Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Module.

Other than the small form there is also the limitation of only two slots compared to desktop systems which have three or four slots to upgrade memory.

Current laptops use 200 PIN SODIMM's which are DDR modules, the 144 PIN SODIMM's are non-ddr and used in older machines.

Certainly the more memory in a notebook system the better, but there are other concerns regarding memory in notebooks. Notebooks are generally more restricted in the amount of memory that can be installed into a system. Sometimes access to that memory can also be a problem if you plan a future upgrade.


How much memory?

The rule of thumb that I use for all computer systems for determining if it has enough memory is to look at the requirements of the software you intend to run. Pick up the boxes for each of the applications and the OS that you intend to run and look at both the "minimum" and "recommended" requirements. Typically you want to have more RAM than the highest minimum and ideally at least as much as the highest listed recommended requirement.

Nowdays with Windows XP and Vista (memory hogg), the more memory you have the better. Also since memory prices have dropped considerably I would recommend the following as a guideline:

• Recommended Minimum: 1GB
• Optimal: 2GB
• Best: more than 2GB

Many notebook systems also use integrated graphics controllers that use a portion of the general system RAM for the graphics. This can reduce the amount of available system RAM from 64 to 256MB depending upon the graphics controller. If the system is using an integrated graphics controller it is best to get a bit more memory to compensate for this.

I think that memory upgrade is the single most important upgrade that really improves the performance of a notebook computer.

This upgrade can cost anywhere between 5-10% of the cost of your notebook, but the benefit is worth much more that 30%.

Also always make sure to upgrade the RAM to the maximum possible limit.

Could someone list out the brands and types of ram available for laptops and their approx current prices in mumbai.

Hello Shaun,

There are many brands available for laptops in India. Among the most popular are:

Hynix
Kingston
Transcend

The price for a IGB DDR2 Ram can vary anywhere from Rs. 1000.00 to 3000.00 depending on its availabilty and transfer speed.

For example, you can get a good quality 1GB DDR2 667 Mhz RAM brand like Kingston for Rs. 1000.00 at eBay India: Kingston 1GB 667 MHz DDR2 Laptop Memory RAM SODIM 1 GB (item 310037716384 end time 09-Apr-2008 23:19:54 IST)

You need to first check on the type of RAM you need for your laptop and then shop for its price.

If you live in Mumbai, a trip to Lamington Road would help.

Thanks macJOSH. I,ll certainly make that trip to L road.

Keep in mind that Windows XP recognizes a maximum only 3 GB RAM. With Vista you can go upto 4 GB RAM.