Upgrading laptop memory 2GB 4GB 10600

[squalho]

Hello,

I am upgrading the RAM of a Dell Inspiron laptop. I am a bit stuck on what to buy to guarantee best compatibility. Currently the laptop is installing a Hynix module. The tag says:

2GB 1Rx8 PC3-10600S-9-11-B2

I can easily find both 2GB and 4GB modules, but I wonder about the best compatibility. In particular, I am wondering about mixing 2 modules (which I know might not be the best idea) looking at the serial:

1Rx8: this should indicate that is a 1 rank memory. Some modules indicate 2Rx8. Would be a problem to mix the current module with a 2Rx8?

10600S: I can find modules that say 12800S, which should be the memory speed. Any issue in mixing 10600 with 12800 (apart from the obvious fact that the memory would work at the speed of the slower one)?

What do the 9-11-B2 digits mean? I can rarely find 2 modules with the same digits.

In conclusion, would I be better off buying another 2GB module with matching numbers, a 4GB (example 4GB 2Rx8 PC3-12800S-11-11-F3) and replace the current module, or (what I was thinking about doing) add a 4GB module to the 2GB module?

I am not concerned too much with speed considerations, the laptop is not very powerful, so if the 4GB module works at 10600 it wouldn't be the end of the world. I'd rather have 6GB than 4GB, if the modules are compatible.

I'm looking forward to hearing your opinions! Thanks!

 

[inzone]

Hi and welcome to Toms forums first time poster.

Since you have a Dell laptop what I would do is go to the Dell web site and enter in your service code number and that will bring up what you have for a computer and then you can look at the upgrade options for the memory. The site will be able to offer what you can do with the upgrade and they will have the ram module there for purchase. You can of course just copy the numbers and buy the ram some place else if you choose.

 

[Lisan al-Gaib]

I have 3 Dell laptops and have no issues with the Crucial memory I've bought for them. Just make sure the RAM speed (1333 Mhz in your case) and maximum capacity meets your laptop specification and you should be fine with mixing RAM size. If you encounter issues, just get another 4GB stick.

 

[squalho]

Hi and welcome to Toms forums first time poster.

Since you have a Dell laptop what I would do is go to the Dell web site and enter in your service code number and that will bring up what you have for a computer and then you can look at the upgrade options for the memory. The site will be able to offer what you can do with the upgrade and they will have the ram module there for purchase. You can of course just copy the numbers and buy the ram some place else if you choose.

I did that, but the laptop is out of support (not a good surprise, since it is not that old). They have a support phone number, but after 40 minutes on hold I figured I would ask here.

 

[squalho]

I have 3 Dell laptops and have no issues with the Crucial memory I've bought for them. Just make sure the RAM speed (1333 Mhz in your case) and maximum capacity meets your laptop specification and you should be fine with mixing RAM size. If you encounter issues, just get another 4GB stick.

Thank you. Are you saying that I should not buy a 12800 module (1600 MHz)? And how can I find the maximum capacity supported by the laptop? The architecture is 64 bit, so I think I should be able to go over 4 GB.

 

[Lisan al-Gaib]

Don't get the 1600mhz module, won't benefit seeing that your 2GB stick is slower and is best to reduce compatibility issues. Check Dell online documentation/manual to be sure but I think your max supported capacity is 8GB total; assuming its 2-3 years old.

 

[squalho]

Don't get the 1600mhz module, won't benefit seeing that your 2GB stick is slower and is best to reduce compatibility issues. Check Dell online documentation/manual to be sure but I think your max supported capacity is 8GB total; assuming its 2-3 years old.

Thank you. I am picking your first post as answer.