RAM question

I've got a buddy who's updating the RAM on his Toshiba laptop. He currently has 2 x 512MB modules installed (PC2 5300S I believe). After checking the Toshiba website, his model is upgradable to 2GB. Here's my question, can he install a single 2GB RAM stick, or does he need to use 2 x 1GB sticks? I've heard different schools of thought on this...Thanks.

 

The best place to go to find out is www.crucial.com and either use the system scanner, or enter the computer's make and model. As well as listing the speed, type and maximum RAM the mobo supports, it also lists how much it supports per slot. It get's information directly from the mobo manufacturer, so you can trust that your laptop will support whatever it says. However the manufacturers err on the side of caution, and you often *but not always* can exceed the recommendation. Nothing will break if you use too much RAM, but the mobo may not acknowledge it exists.

 

Crucial's website will normally list the max. configuration (memory capacity per slot).

While it's true nothing will break if RAM that exceeds the MB/GB the slot is designed for, I have seen a few cases where doing so confused the BIOS to the point the PC would not boot properly.

In other cases, certain brands or models of memory (even if the correct capacity) will have issues with a given PC or motherboard. These can range from the system not booting at all to random "Blue Screens of Death" while running Windows. It's always best to buy memory from a retailer with a decent (15-30 day) return policy; this way you won't get stuck and can exchange it.

I'm not adding this to scare you - just to give you a "heads up" so you don't panic if the machine starts acting weird with the new memory installed.

Hope this helps.