Context:

I want to upgrade my laptop’s total RAM (two 4 GB, one is 2666 other is 2400) and I only have the budget for either two 8 GB RAM or one 16GB RAM.
My questions are:

  1. Is two 8GB 2666mhz better than a 4GB 2666mhz + 16GB 2666mhz, and why?
  2. Would it better to just have a single 16GB RAM rather a 16GB and 4GB together?
  3. Should I consider the CL of my RAM before upgrading?
  4. Next time I am upgrading other hardware what should I consider before buying?
  5. Also, why can I only use 2GB of RAM? https://imgur.com/9paH259
  • Canny94@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    1 year ago

    Yeah bro… you need to utilize the same size ram in each channel.

    Go 8GB+8GB.

    If you want to upgrade anything else, you need to take note of your motherboard, your PSU, and processor.

    Motherboard compatibility first, then power draw compared to your PSU.

    Also take note of tower space, micro atx vs atx etc.

  • TSpoon3000@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    1 year ago

    Question 5 - You only have 2GB available because the other 6GB are in use by Windows/applications. You may have more available but sometimes Windows temporarily allocates more than it needs to when your RAM isn’t being fully utilized. Opening other programs will redistribute the memory, so you may actually have more than 2GB available prior actually maxing out and using your page/swap file on your drive(s).

  • dom_gar@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    1 year ago

    Depends. If your laptop knows flex mode. First your laptop might have soldered RAM. Either way if it came with 4gb it’s kinda old laptop? Check even if you can put that much RAM in it. Never tried to exceed maximum ammount. Will it work but on your own risk ir it will not even recognize.