How do I know which SSD and RAM are compatible?

English Hardware
1

I have the Samsung Series 9 NP900X4C-A01. It has a 128GB SSD and 8GB RAM. I want to upgrade both, but don’t want to spend too much money. I saw this article: Eyes on Mobile Tech: 8gB RAM Samsung Series 9 np900x4c Teardown (and follow-up: Eyes on Mobile Tech: Samsung Series 9 np900x4c with 16GB RAM ) which shows how to upgrade the RAM and this article to update the SSD: Puzzles that probably don’t need to be solved: How to upgrade the SSD in your Samsung Series 9 NP900X4C or NP900X3B/C Ultrabook

The pieces he uses are:

RAM: Amazon.com: Komputerbay 16GB (2x 8GB) PC3-10600 10666 1333MHz SODIMM 204-Pin Laptop Memory 9-9-9-24 for PC only - not MAC: Computers & Accessories
(This was also used by another person: Mushkin Enhanced Essentials Model 997038 Laptop Memory - Newegg.com )

SSD: MyDigitalSSD 256GB SandForce SATA III Smart Series mSATA SSD | My Digital Discount

But the costs are very high ($94-$114 for RAM, $270 for the SSD). I want to find cheaper options but don’t know how to ensure the SSD will fit inside the chassis or into the connector, and the same for different RAM options. Can someone offer some suggestions or info? Thanks!

2

On 2013-06-04 19:56, 6tr6tr wrote:

> Re: How do I know which SSD and RAM are compatible?

AFAIK, they are independent one another. Not related at all. Unless
Samsung does something very weird… :-?

–
Cheers / Saludos,

Carlos E. R.
(from 12.1 x86_64 “Asparagus” at Telcontar)

3

The SSD shouldn’t be a problem re. casing. They come on 2.5 inch casings, like the HDD’s in laptops. What needs to be checked are the SATA capabilities. If the laptop has a SATA III compatible controller there should be no issues.
On RAM: 8 GB is a very nice amount of RAM, I’d rather use the money for the SSD. 8 or 16 GB RAM is not going to make much difference in performance.

4

Whoops, sorry. Unclear writing on my part. I meant compatible with the Laptop, not each other. :slight_smile:

5

Except I run numerous VirtualBoxes at the same time, so more RAM can help a lot.

6

In that case: more is better.

7

any idea how I can find cheaper ram and be sure it will fit?

8

On Sat 08 Jun 2013 07:56:02 PM CDT, 6tr6tr wrote:

Knurpht;2562650 Wrote:
> In that case: more is better.

any idea how I can find cheaper ram and be sure it will fit?

Hi
As root user, run the following command;


dmidecode -t memory

This should confirm the maximum amount you can add as well as details
of the existing ram installed, eg;


dmidecode -t memory
# dmidecode 2.11
# SMBIOS entry point at 0xad978a98
SMBIOS 2.6 present.

Handle 0x0003, DMI type 16, 15 bytes
Physical Memory Array
Location: System Board Or Motherboard
Use: System Memory
Error Correction Type: None
Maximum Capacity: 16 GB
Error Information Handle: Not Provided
Number Of Devices: 2

Handle 0x0004, DMI type 17, 27 bytes
Memory Device
Array Handle: 0x0003
Error Information Handle: Not Provided
Total Width: 64 bits
Data Width: 64 bits
Size: 4096 MB
Form Factor: SODIMM
Set: None
Locator: Top-Slot 1(top)
Bank Locator: BANK0
Type: DDR3
Type Detail: Synchronous
Speed: 1333 MHz
Manufacturer: 8634
Serial Number: 00000000
Asset Tag: Unknown
Part Number: SUPERTALENT02

I’m using some generic 4GB ones that work fine in this HP ProBook.

–
Cheers Malcolm °¿° (Linux Counter #276890)
openSUSE 12.3 (x86_64) Kernel 3.7.10-1.11-desktop
up 1 day 4:22, 3 users, load average: 0.08, 0.24, 0.19
CPU AMD Athlon™ II P360@2.30GHz | GPU Mobility Radeon HD 4200