Which RAM combination is best?

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faizan.romel

Commendable
Nov 27, 2017
15
0
1,510
Hello Fellows!
I've Laptop Dell Inspiron 3420. Its RAM is 2GB DD3 1600. It has space for one extra RAM and I want to add more RAM. Suggest me which combination is best.
1) 1 × 2GB + 1 × 4GB = 6GB.
2) 1 × 2GB + 1 × 2GB = 4GB.
I'm looking forward to choose 1. Your suggestion will be appreciated.
Thanks.
 
Solution
dark_lord69
Eh...
6 GB will (obviously) give you more ram to work with
but
4 GB could potentially allow dual channel mode for more speed

Neither is a great option.
The 6 GB will not allow you to run in Dual Channel Mode.
The 4 GB MAY allow dual channel mode IF you can find a DIMM with matched timings.

Best option is to buy a 1x 4GB + 1x 4GB = 8GB (your laptops' MAX)
When you buy them together the timings match and your pretty much guaranteed to be able to run them in dual channel mode.
Combine that with an SSD and you're laptop will preform better than ever.

If money is tight and those 2 are your only options... get the 6GB
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gdmaclew

gdmaclew

Distinguished
May 20, 2008
1,528
86
20,240
Using unmatched RAM is not the best solution, especially in a laptop where the margins are very narrow.
You are better off buying a matched set of RAM - 2 x 2GB or 2 x 4GB.
But if you have to, buy a 4GB RAM stick from the same manufacturer and the exact same part number.
 
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dark_lord69

dark_lord69

Splendid
Jun 6, 2006
3,227
8
22,015
Eh...
6 GB will (obviously) give you more ram to work with
but
4 GB could potentially allow dual channel mode for more speed

Neither is a great option.
The 6 GB will not allow you to run in Dual Channel Mode.
The 4 GB MAY allow dual channel mode IF you can find a DIMM with matched timings.

Best option is to buy a 1x 4GB + 1x 4GB = 8GB (your laptops' MAX)
When you buy them together the timings match and your pretty much guaranteed to be able to run them in dual channel mode.
Combine that with an SSD and you're laptop will preform better than ever.

If money is tight and those 2 are your only options... get the 6GB
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Solution
C

Calvin7

Titan
Feb 19, 2013
11,725
334
76,490
Using old memory with new memory that has never been tested together carries no guarantee to work. If it does work, there is no guarantee as to how it should work.

Memory is guaranteed in the form it is sold in. You should use a kit of two modules purchased as a single kit.
 
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