T60 (2007FUG) upgrade

[swinger]

Hello guys,

I am about to upgrade my T60 (2007FUG) with new high-capacity and quick hard drive and maximum memory to install bothFreeBSD and Debian GNU\Linux to use them in turn with Windows XP Pro preinstalled in my development and scientificactivity. I have several questions to experienced IT specialists in this matter.

Question 1. Which HD is the best choice in point of maximum capacity, performance and compatibility?

I have thought to install Seagate Momentus XT 750 Mb (Seagate ST750LX003) but after reading several posts here it seemsquite incompatible with ThinkPad T60.

Question 2. What RAM is the best choise? Is it possible to use more than 4 Mb of RAM?

I have selected pair of modules with radiators (G.skill F2-5300CL5D-4GBSA). Is it reasonable? I wonder can I use 800 MHzmodules instead of 667 MHz ones and what are the consequences of that?

Can somebody help me do right choice?

Please share your experience and/or knowledge to help me achieve the best results.

I will appreciate any help in this matter.

Thanks!

[lead_org Microsoft MVP Contributor]

not sure about the brand of hdd that is best for your system. But i can answer your ram question.

The T60 takes a max of 3 gigs of ram, even though you can put in 4 gigs, the other 1 gig will be wasted.

You can get 800 mhz modules to run in the T60, but some of the cheap 800 mhz module ram does not downclock to 667 mhz very well and can lead to system unstability. But you can test whether this is the case by running memtest+ on the ram, if it passes the test then it is okay.

[swinger]

Oh, thanks for your quick reply!

Here I can read a specification:

Memory

• PC2-5300 Non-Parity (NP) Double Data Rate Two (DDR2) Technology
  • The use of 667 MHz SO DIMM memory is recommended for this system.
• 256 MB, 512 MB, 1 GB, or 2GB memory
• Supports up to 4GB maximum memory
  Note: Only 64-bit operating systems support more than 3GB of system memory (RAM). Intel Chipsets 945GM and 945PM do not support more than 3GB system memory (RAM), even when a 64-bit operating system is installed.
  • Recommended for memory expansion are 2 GB PC2-4200 DDR2 SDRAM 533 MHz SO DIMM or 256 MB, 512 MB, and 1 GB PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM 667 MHz SO DIMM.

Apparently it is a rigid constraint of the chipset. But I didn't catch how to understand "Supports up to 4GB maximum memory" and noted text below regarding support of 3GB. Does it mean using 2x2GB give me more speed (any benefit) though 1GB will be wasted?

[ajkula66 Guru]

Installing 2x2GB will allow the machine to run in synchronous dual-channel mode, as opposed to asynchrounous which would be accomplished by 2+1GB.

RAM is inexpensive enough nowadays. I'd throw in 4GB and call it a day, but it's your ThinkPad and your $$$...

Happy upgrading.

[swinger]

Thank you, George!

I inclined to 2x2GB too.

I need some clarification regarding RAM with radiators (G.skill F2-5300CL5D-4GBSA) as well. They are 667 MHz and they are available in our market. But I don't know are they fit into T60? Is it a good choiche? Or I need to find something better?

[ajkula66 Guru]

While not my most favourite brand, I haven't had a bad experience with G-Skill yet.

YMMV and happy upgrading.

[TuuS]

I don't understand what you mean by "ram with radiators", perhaps it's a poor translation but the only thing I can think of that you could be referring to is ram modules that have integrated heatsinks. These are only available for desktop ram (as far as I know). The part number you provided is for a normal ram module that should work fine in your system.

When purchasing your ram, also consider what ram you already own. If you have a 1gb chip installed already, then I'd recommend adding a single 2gb chip rather then buying two. It will (obviously) only cost you half as much and you'll have the same amount of useable ram. The fact that it cannot operate in dual channel won't really make any noticeable difference, at least not enough to warrant spending twice as much money, but as George points out, the ram is pretty cheap so it depends on your finances. In my location a 2gb ram chip sells for $15-20 each, but prices vary in different parts of the world.

If your current ram is in chips smaller then 1gb, then you'll need to purchase two chips, so you might as well get two 2gb chips.

You need to weigh the costs vs. benefits and make a decision based on your own finances.

[swinger]

Exactly, it is heatsink (please see a picture). Thank you for pointed me to that. I am not native speaker of English and use electronic dictionary... Sorry for eny inconvenience that may cause.

Actually I have 2x256GB RAM modules. As far as I need to purchase a pair of 2GB chips in any case I would like to have some advantage with new chips. Is there a sense to use heatsinks in this case? And will they physically fit in the T60 or not?

Thank you for your comment.

[TuuS]

This is rather strange because I've looked up that exact part number and they don't come with heatsinks...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231135

I'll also add that the last pair of these that I sold were less then $40, and that website charges $60. The prices might be higher where you are though, but I wouldn't pay more then $40 for a pair of them.

I can't tell you if the heatsink will fit, but I can tell you that it's not needed.

[swinger]

Yes, it is strange for me too. May be it is not so skilful trick of our local seller or whatever. I don't know. But now it is not important for me as you told that heatsinks is not needed. I will seek another RAM modules without heatsinks.

Apparently the life in our country is more costly judging by the price of the RAM. Anyway I don't have another way as to pay.