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For those who might want to contribute to the blog, start here: Editors Alley Topic
Then contact Bill with a Private Message
Ram compatibility question
Ram compatibility question
Hello, I want to make sure before I make the purchase, this ram is 100% compatible with my W530. Here are the specs/product description. Please, advise, ASAP, as I have a big project upcoming and want to beef my system up. All the best and thank you for your time.
NEW Crucial 8GB 2Rx8 PC3L-12800S SODIMM RAM Memory Intel DDR3L 1600Mhz 1.35V 8 G
Product Description
100% New chips.high quality guarantee. Tested works perfectly before shipping.
Type: DDR3 SO-DIMM Laptop memory
Function: Non-ECC
Frequency: PC3L-12800S 1600MHz
Module specifications: 204pin
Memory capacity: 8GB
Memory voltage: 1.35V
Warranty: Lifetime warranty
Packing List:
8GB 2RX8 DDR3L 1600MHz PC3L-12800S 204PIN SO-DIMM Intel Laptop CPU Notebook Memory RAM x 1 pieces
NOTE:
1. Before you order, make sure the RAM is compatible with your motherboard/CPU.
2. If have any question, welcome to contact us through email or eBay message, our professional customer service will solve it for you.
NEW Crucial 8GB 2Rx8 PC3L-12800S SODIMM RAM Memory Intel DDR3L 1600Mhz 1.35V 8 G
Product Description
100% New chips.high quality guarantee. Tested works perfectly before shipping.
Type: DDR3 SO-DIMM Laptop memory
Function: Non-ECC
Frequency: PC3L-12800S 1600MHz
Module specifications: 204pin
Memory capacity: 8GB
Memory voltage: 1.35V
Warranty: Lifetime warranty
Packing List:
8GB 2RX8 DDR3L 1600MHz PC3L-12800S 204PIN SO-DIMM Intel Laptop CPU Notebook Memory RAM x 1 pieces
NOTE:
1. Before you order, make sure the RAM is compatible with your motherboard/CPU.
2. If have any question, welcome to contact us through email or eBay message, our professional customer service will solve it for you.
-
RealBlackStuff
- Admin Emeritus
- Posts: 24727
- Joined: Mon Sep 18, 2006 5:17 am
- Location: Loch Garman, Éire
Re: Ram compatibility question
W530 PSREF says DDR3-1600/PC3-12800 memory.
Some people use DDR3L in a DDR3 machine and apparently it works without problems.
However, other people complain that their DDR3L runs hot in a DDR3 machine.
W530 being a workhorse, I would recommend DDR3 (1.5V) rather than DDR3L (1.35V).
At least make sure you get a proper brand-name RAM and not any "value" type.
Some people use DDR3L in a DDR3 machine and apparently it works without problems.
However, other people complain that their DDR3L runs hot in a DDR3 machine.
W530 being a workhorse, I would recommend DDR3 (1.5V) rather than DDR3L (1.35V).
At least make sure you get a proper brand-name RAM and not any "value" type.
Lovely day for a Guinness! (The Real Black Stuff)
But I actually prefer Murphy's from Cork!
But I actually prefer Murphy's from Cork!
Re: Ram compatibility question
Hello, thanks for the reply. I had another question, not sure if I am allowed to ask here, on this thread. If you would like me to start a new one, let me know. Was wondering in your opinion, what is the best Lenovo laptop of all time, as far as options of beefing it up/ speed/ power. Etc. I guess what I’m trying to ask is, I’ve read places the W530 Is among the top dogs, which would be the top dog? Thanks for any information
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axur-delmeria
- Senior ThinkPadder

- Posts: 4413
- Joined: Mon May 28, 2012 5:49 am
- Location: Metro Manila, Philippines
Re: Ram compatibility question
The W series usually take the cake:
* beefiest heatsinks
* 4 RAM slots
* CPU socket supporting quad-core CPUs.
The W541 is the last of this line. After this, Intel stopped offering socketed mobile processors, so RAM and storage are the only upgradable parts in newer Thinkpads.
Though some may say that the W700, W701, and P70 have upgradable graphics due to having MXM GPUs, the sad fact is that the BIOS is so locked down that upgrading the graphics is impossible, except for the GPUs that were offered by Lenovo.
* beefiest heatsinks
* 4 RAM slots
* CPU socket supporting quad-core CPUs.
The W541 is the last of this line. After this, Intel stopped offering socketed mobile processors, so RAM and storage are the only upgradable parts in newer Thinkpads.
Though some may say that the W700, W701, and P70 have upgradable graphics due to having MXM GPUs, the sad fact is that the BIOS is so locked down that upgrading the graphics is impossible, except for the GPUs that were offered by Lenovo.
Planned Purchase: T480s i5-8350 FHD Touch
Impulse Buy: Thinkpad not named for safety reasons
RIP: X220 4291-C91 X61 7676-A24 760XD-U9E
Impulse Buy: Thinkpad not named for safety reasons
RIP: X220 4291-C91 X61 7676-A24 760XD-U9E
Re: Ram compatibility question
Ha ha, that's $1m question! Best of all time
T440p is quite famous on its upgrading capabilities. It can even take latest IGZO power-efficient screens. I don't know W540 but from the post above it looks like W540 can deliver more omph than T440p.
T520/T530/T420/T430/W520/W530 (and X220/X230 with a specially purchased $150 mobo from Aliexpress, special mobo because CPU is soldered) can all run 4-core Ivy bridge CPU-s. T520/T420/W520 would need Coreboot installed. T530/T430/W530 would need a classic keyboard installed
T440p doesn't need this hassle with screens - it offers eDP out of the box. But it's got a chicklet keyboard.
X220, 2 *T520
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