Member Avatar for Black Magic

Hey, I am seeking a new laptop and was thinking about getting a RAM upgrade as soon as I got the laptop, how ever i've found looking at 4gb ram it's usually (2X 2GB) and i was just wondering if this is two different cards and if so does your computer have enough slots or w.e

also 8GB = 4X 2GB..

Thanks

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Thread starter asked whether a 4 GB upgrade always means two 2 GB sticks and how to tell if a laptop has enough RAM slots. Earlier replies from and reflected the situation at the time: module sizes were smaller and kits were commonly sold as matched pairs. That historical point is useful, but module densities and laptop designs have changed since then.

Key facts and what to check before buying:

  • Module sizes: SO‑DIMMs are available now in single sticks of 4 GB, 8 GB, 16 GB and larger. A listed maximum RAM number does not by itself reveal how many physical slots exist. Some machines have two user-accessible slots, others one slot plus onboard (soldered) memory, and many ultraportables have all RAM soldered with no slots.
  • Definitive source: the model's official specifications or the service/maintenance manual. The service manual usually states slot count and whether any memory is soldered. Retail listings, professional teardowns, or the model's support page also show this.
  • Practical checks: find the exact model number, look for a “Memory” or “Specifications” section in the manufacturer’s support pages, search the model plus “service manual” or “teardown,” or check reputable review/teardown sites that show the underside/access hatch.

Upgrade tips and cautions:

  • Matched pairs give best dual‑channel performance; mixing sizes or speeds usually works but may reduce bandwidth or stability.
  • A 32‑bit OS cannot use more than about 4 GB of RAM; use a 64‑bit OS for larger totals.
  • Opening the case can void warranty and requires ESD care.

For a quick primer on the laptop form factor used for upgrades see the SO‑DIMM article: SO-DIMM (small outline DIMM). ’s suggestion to use vendor compatibility tools is valid once the exact model is known; those tools report supported module types and slot counts.

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Member Avatar for Website Theme

Yes 4gb will be two modules of 2Gb each. I don't think there are single 4gb modules available yet.

Member Avatar for caperjack

Hey, i was just wondering if this is two different cards

yes that what 2x means 2 times one .

and if so does your computer have enough slots or w.e
also 8GB = 4X 2GB..
Thanks

mine doesn't,yours might ,you didn't say what the laptop was going to be when you by it ,check with the laptop specification before you buy it .
as for 4 gig ,server computer only right now i think.
http://apcmag.com/4gb_on_one_stick_of_ram.htm

Member Avatar for Black Magic

I'm not sure of which laptop I am getting yet, just where would i found the amount of "slots" on the comp info?

Member Avatar for caperjack

I'm not sure of which laptop I am getting yet, just where would i found the amount of "slots" on the comp info?

no way to tell as you don't know what one youa re buying and they are all different ,just as where you by it ,usually you can tell by the ram capacity ,like if it says it can take 4gig ram then you know there are 2 slots ,because for now bigest one stick of ram is 2gig .

Member Avatar for buddylee17

You can find out machine specific ram information for any machine with the Crucial Memory Advisor™ tool at www.crucial.com.

Member Avatar for caperjack

You can find out machine specific ram information for any machine with the Crucial Memory Advisor™ tool at www.crucial.com.

that won't work in this case ,they never bought the laptop yet ,and want to know the answer before they buy it

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