DIMM slot installation order - Lenovo M58

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jrojr

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I'm adding memory to a Lenovo M58 - model 7360 D3U. The board has 4 DIMM slots. I purchased the system refurbished and it came with the DIMM1 slot populated with a 2GB module. I'm adding one additional 2GB module and wasn't sure if I should install it in the DIMM2 slot or the DIMM3 slot.

After searching the Lenovo website I found recommendations for other systems but not my own. Those recommendations varied - populate in DIMM numerical order (DIMM1, DIMM2...), populate DIMM1 then DIMM3, populate DIMMs based on slot color, etc. I was hoping the recommendations would all be the same so I could make an educated guess, but since they aren't consistent I'm back at square one.

slot colors
DIMM1 - Blue
DIMM2 - Green
DIMM3 - Blue
DIMM4 - Green

If anyone has specific knowledge of how the slots should be populated for my particular system I would appreciate your input. I believe the system board is an L-IQ45 Antelope.

Thanks!
 
Solution
clutchc
The matching color slots are the opposite channels (A and B). So for best performance you want to be in matching color slots with matching pairs of RAM to take advantage of dual channel memory. Some boards specify that a certain slot be populated before the others if a single stick of RAM is used. If your board only came with one stick of RAM, that would be the best color slot to start with.

But if you are adding memory, it is best to always use matching pairs of RAM. That way there's less chance of memory errors. Dual channel memory systems require perfect timing and generally demand that the matching pairs be identical in timings and manufacturer.
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clutchc

clutchc

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The matching color slots are the opposite channels (A and B). So for best performance you want to be in matching color slots with matching pairs of RAM to take advantage of dual channel memory. Some boards specify that a certain slot be populated before the others if a single stick of RAM is used. If your board only came with one stick of RAM, that would be the best color slot to start with.

But if you are adding memory, it is best to always use matching pairs of RAM. That way there's less chance of memory errors. Dual channel memory systems require perfect timing and generally demand that the matching pairs be identical in timings and manufacturer.
 
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jrojr

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thanks clutchc. after posting my original question i've come across larger issues (i am about to post.)

assuming i get the other issues resolved i will play around with the slot arrangement and see if i can detect any tradeoffs. if one arrangement doesn't appear to be the obvious choice i will follow your suggestion and pair according to color slot.
 
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clutchc

clutchc

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You won't be able to tell much difference between single channel mode and dual channel mode w/o some test equipment... or at least some accurate benchmarking software. But the standard in the industry is matching pairs of memory in matching color slots for dual channel mode.
 
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jrojr

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thanks again. it sounds like maybe the performance improvement would be hard to notice under normal circumstances, so as long as the system recognizes the memory the dimm order isn't critical.

i have a much bigger issue that i posted yesterday re: DDR3 woes. if you have any ideas on that one i would appreciate it.
 
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Panoramic PEI

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Actually I am going through a similar situation as yourself.....
the differences are that I already have 4GB Memory or 2- 2 GB 8500U Memory Sticks Installed in Slot 2 (closest to the Power Supply) & Slot 4. The computer runs great.
Now I am in the market for 2 other 2GB Memory Sticks to total 8 GB, You can bet I will try to find a matching pair of 8500U Memory Sticks as recommended by the manufacturer.
I tried to place the one I had in Slot 4 to Slot 1 just to make things easier to install the other Memory later, the computer beeped loudly & would not boot.
There is a definite order to follow. (Slot 2 & 4 in my case)
Put the Memory back in the original spot, it functions well again.
One strange thing, Windows 7 reads the Memory as 4GB Total although only 3.5 GB available, perhaps I am short changed .5GB for the System.
I installed a 2TB Western Digital Green Hard Drive with no issues.
Lenovo M58 SFF/ M 5897 / 2.93 Ghz Processor
Hopefully this helps.

 
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clutchc

clutchc

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If you are using a 32 bit version of Windows 7, that is about right. The operating system itself and the video buffer use a portion of the system memory. If you have integrated video, that will consume even more.
 
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Panoramic PEI

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Correct on the Windows 7 version, I did install a Radeon 3470 Video Card in the Unit ( not a gamer although functions fine for my work with Adobe Creative Suite CS4, Photoshop etc. & some streaming videos on the net).
The unit apparently does not use the integrated video now although I, still do not know where the 500MB Memory Tax goes since it is the same Memory information as before I installed the Video Card.
After I installed the video card I figured I would gain some memory back.
Agreed, the Windows 7 32 bit is probably a Memory Hog.
I am researching for more memory & have come up with baffling results:
Lenevo recommends 8500 1066MHz memory but the memory I have in the unit is actually 8500U, on the other hand Intel recommends 10600 1333MHz Memory for the Intel Q45 Express chipset in the unit, although there is also 10600U Memory available.
I am wondering if the U represents a "low profile" memory version as Video Cards.
I can't seem to find more info to clarify.

 
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