Inspiron 5150 - Ram Question

Question

I know my computer came with PC2700 (512mb) but I was wondering if I can use PC3200 instead? I've noticed that PC3200 is compatible with a PC2700 board.   Right now I have a 512 stick of PC3200 and a 256 stick of PC2700.   I was wondering, if I get another stick of 3200 @ 512, will this contribute to heat issues?   If you think about it, wouldn't it be easier for the ram to operate at full capacity at 2700 instead of 3200? would it in essence run cooler than if it was running at 3200?

NemesisDB · Answer

other people have tested similar things and found that the heat doesn't change -- your model doesn't come with a dimm temp sensor so it's difficult to tell for certain.

your model may or may not run with both sticks of the faster ram installed. for comparision, until a few months ago, an i5100 would not run with two sticks of pc2700 installed (it uses pc2100).

i don't know anything to say other than test it -- it will either boot or it won't. pc2700 ram is usually cheaper though, so if you haven't bought yet, buy it

BEEEsH1 · Answer

i'll let u guys know how it goes.

darrin99 · Answer

Your best bet for success will be if you're using one of the later bios versions.

darrin99 · Answer

Your ram is going to run at 2700, even if you have all PC3200 RAM. It isn't going to run any faster or hotter with it, and there isn't much reason to spend more money for it unless you think you may use it in another system in the future.

NemesisDB · Answer

eh, that said, if you do buy it, i'd really like to hear if the i5150 will boot or not with two sticks of 3200 ...  so please post back

BEEEsH1 · Answer

i believe i'm currently using A26?

parkerti · Answer

If you do update the bios in your 5150, I wouldn't recommend going beyond A35. 36 and 37 have issues with thermal control and cause the system to run way too hot. Check the bios board for information before updating. A35 has been running fine for me since it came out - no issues at all.

darrin99 · Answer

@parkerti wrote:
If you do update the bios in your 5150, I wouldn't recommend going beyond A35. 36 and 37 have issues with thermal control and cause the system to run way too hot. Check the bios board for information before updating. A35 has been running fine for me since it came out - no issues at all.

I agree that A35 is the best bios. It's the last release that doesn't shut the system fan off.

BEEEsH1 · Answer

Does adding more RAM do anything to the battery life?

BEEEsH1 · Answer

what difference does a bios make? Does it make your computer run efficiently(more)? Is it absolutely necessary?

NemesisDB · Answer

Bee, simply adding the module will probably result in reduced battery time -- that said, if the extra ram means less hard-drive activity is needed it might result in increased effective battery time. Message Edited by NemesisDB on 12-28-2004 01:38 AM

parkerti · Answer

Yes, a bios is a neccessity. It is, in simple terms, kind of the "DNA" for your system. It is code that is stored in a chip on your motherboard, and it controls many functions of your system board and other compnonets - independent of the operating system. From time to time, manufacturers update the bios to enhance the way things run. Sometimes the updates fix a problem but create another. A great rule of thumb is never update the bios unless you understand how to do it, and have a good reason for doing it, such as to solve a specific problem, or told to by a technician, etc.

Regards,

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Inspiron 5150 - Ram Question

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