RAM question.

[kakamaru]

Hey guys. I bought a Sony Laptop ( http://www.interclone.com.ve/DetallesProducto.php?Producto=027242858909&Categoria=10&SubCategoria=4 ), it comes with 4gb of RAM, a single ddr3 module i gather.
I wanted to upgrade my RAM, so i asked Sony support about it, they told me:

*you can only upgrade up to 8gb, via an extra 4gb module.
*The module needs to run at 1600 MHz
*And seriously, it won't take more than 8gb, even tho the ark.intel.com profile of the processor states that it can take up to 32GB ( http://ark.intel.com/es/products/67355/Intel-Core-i5-3210M-Processor-3M-Cache-up-to-3_10-GHz-rPGA ). I quote "The equip wasn't designed for high performance RAM usage, so it won't take the 16/32 gb, just deal with it hombre".
(ok, maybe not the "deal with it part")

So, i'm a real noob when it comes to this subject, i restart my PC when i dont like the background image, hoping for a cooler one.
I thought the ammount of RAM the laptop could make use of was limited by the O.S and the processor's arquitecture.
Considering all that, i call upon your infinite wisdom to help me out here:

*Am i really limited to 8gb RAM? and why?
*Am i forced to search for a 1600MHz card, or is a 1333 MHz one just fine?

I thank you all for your time, and i ask you to excuse my lousy English skills.

edit: PS: Crucial scanner result, as requested http://www.crucial.com/systemscanner/viewscanbyid.aspx?id=A09AA1FD31D926C3

 

[ratedk]

http://www.crucial.com/systemscanner/

Go to this link, and download the system scanner. It will tell you what's installed, which slots are used, the max your system supports, and what kind of ram you'll need to upgrade with.

 

[ronintexas]

Total amount of RAM will be limited by:
1) Motherboard
2) CPU
3) Operating System

The one with the LOWEST value, will be the maximum you can install on the computer.

Next issue - I would suggest buying a matched pair of RAM. The price isn't much to buy 2 X 4GB modules to ensure everything works good.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231472

 

[kakamaru]

Here's the result of the Crucial Scanner. Hope it helps
http://www.crucial.com/systemscanner/viewscanbyid.aspx?id=A09AA1FD31D926C3

 

[ronintexas]

The Sony website indicates 8GB RAM max....Crucial 16GB max....I would trust Sony's information...although, you could try the 16GB....it may be a coin toss...

 

[kakamaru]

Yep, i'm in that place so far, coin tossing. That's what i'm here for, hoping you guys can help me cheat the odds. Trying to find out what would limit it to 8gb.
Thank you all btw, for taking the time to read this

 

[ronintexas]

Your welcome. If you have a computer store near you that stocks both the 2 X 4GB and 2 X 8GB RAM, you can have the techs try to see which one works... If you give them the info that Sony said one thing, and Crucial said another, they may install it while you wait...

Most computer software won't utilize more than 8GB RAM....so the 16GB may be overkill....

 

[ittimjones]

u don't need more than 8GB RAM u will see an improvement if you get another 4GB stick. for for it.

 

[kakamaru]

Hey, that seems like a great idea Ronin, have 'em test it.
I'm not sure what i'm saying here, but i think 16gb wouldn't be a waste for me, i work with several AutoCAD files at once, having the music player on the background are bonus points.

 

[ronintexas]

AutoCAD, Photoshop, Video Editing, and a few other programs can utilize 16GB RAM. If I were you, I would have the computer shop test it with 16GB before I purchased it. Play dumb and tell them Crucial's website indicated 16GB kit (8GBx2)
DDR3 PC3-12800 • CL=11 • Unbuffered • NON-ECC • DDR3-1600 • 1.35V • 1024Meg x 64 • • Part #: CT3696861

 

[kakamaru]

Will do! Thanx a lot for your time mate

 

[kakamaru]

Best answer selected by kakamaru.