Quick questions on memory for laptop

[Comp625]

I currently own a Dell Latitude D800 which utilizes 2x256 PC2100 memory (equivalent to 512mb). I am contemplating bumping the memory up to 1 gigabyte. Here are my two questions...

a) After doing a little search with Memory Wizards and what not...they are all recommending PC2700 sticks. Can my system take PC2700 or it simply a gimmick to get me to buy the faster memory but not have my system actually utilize the speed?

b) Since I have your attention anyways...is it possible to upgrade the video card in this puppy? It currently holds the GeForce Ti4200 Go 64mb which sucks by today's standards. An upgrade would be nice...

 

[hmsrolst]

RE a), PC2700 should work without problems. I think it's just a matter of PC2100 SoDIMM's not being produced anymore. My Dell 300M came with PC 2100, but when I upgraded with a 1GB stick, it was PC2700 and worked with no problems.

 

[Comp625]

But does it actually utilize the extra .6 gigabytes worth of speed?

 

[hmsrolst]

It depends on your particular model, but I doubt it. In my 300m the RAM runs at DDR266 with either PC2100 or PC2700. If your laptop was built to use PC2100, it's unlikely that faster memory would allow a different FSB:RAM ratio, but I'm not familiar with your model.

 

[deathwalker]

Originally posted by: Comp625
But does it actually utilize the extra .6 gigabytes worth of speed?

Not likely..Your bios will most likely set the system to run syncronys(sp)...In other words your FSB and Memory will run at the same speed.

 

[hmsrolst]

Originally posted by: deathwalker

Originally posted by: Comp625
But does it actually utilize the extra .6 gigabytes worth of speed?

Not likely..Your bios will most likely set the system to run syncronys(sp)...In other words your FSB and Memory will run at the same speed.

I think it's likely that since the D800 seems to be based on the 855 chipset and a 400MHz FSB Pentium M, it probably runs the RAM at a 3:4 ratio or 533MHz. That's what my 300m does. You can use CPU-Z to see what it does.

 

[Comp625]

So I used CPU-Z to check the information...and the information matches what hmsrolst predicted.

The FSBRAM ratio is 3:4. The FSB is 400mhz. The memory is at 533mhz.

Please excuse my ignorance on memory but does this mean PC2700 memory will run at its fullest potential and not downclock to PC2100 speeds? Thanks!