W510: What is the maximum RAM supported? And what type of RAM?

[favonian]

Hey guys,

I am thinking to upgrade the RAM of my W510, but not sure how much RAM it can support. Here are the specs of the machine:

• Intel Core i7 CPU, Q720@1.60 GHz- I think it is a 4 core
• Windows 10
• NVIDIA Quadro FX 880M Graphics with 1GB DDR3 memory
• 8 GB PC3-10600 DDR3 SDRAM 1333MHz SODIMM Memory (2 DIMM) at 1066MHz

I think the CPU is 4 core and there are 4 slots for RAM. For this config, how much maximum RAM can I upgrade it to? 4Gx4=16 G or 8Gx4=32G?

And does it matter what type of RAM I get? The RAM that came with the machine are DDR3, but I saw on Amazon there are DDR3, DDR3L, DDR4 etc. Can I install any of those or does it need to be DDR3, the same as the original RAM? Also I saw the RAM on Amazon come on different Pin number, some are 204 pin some are 288 pin? Does it matter what number of pin to choose? Basically, how can I tell whether a RAM is compatible?

Thanks! Any advice appreciated!

[SAIYAN48]

32GB on some models; more info here: https://www.thinkwiki.org/wiki/Category:W510

[IrishMASMS]

Hello @favonian - I know some time has passed, but if it helps I am working with my W510 currently. The URL to ThinkWiki that @SAIYAN48 shared will provide some hits for you.

You will need the DDR3 NOT the DDR3L or DDR4, the motherboard & CPU combination will only leverage DDR3 SDRAM at "1333 MT/s in a 204-pin SO-DIMM form-factor. DDR3-1333 may also be interchangeably referred to as PC3-10600" per https://www.thinkwiki.org/wiki/PC3-10600. That URL was linked to the one @SAIYAN48 shared that gave the overview of the W510 model. Note that ThinkPads can be finicky with what RAM they will use. If you can get "brand name" RAM folks tend to say they have better success.

I have been picking up DDR3 memory from a local ewaste facility; and have success with Kensington, Crucial, and Hylinx memory in my ThinkPads. Ordering online has been a tossup - some folks said they were selling DDR3 and sent DDR3L. Multiple RMAs to return the wrong RAM has me digging through the spam at the local ewaste facility. I may or may not find some, but it is easier that the RMA hell.

Since you have the W510 model with the 4 RAM slots, you should be able to leverage 4 DIMMs of 8GB each for a max of 32GB. (you lucky SOB - mine is the 2 slot model.)

HTH!