Performance gain from dual memory modules (including graphics) [ Edited ]

[JNavas]

The X220 supports dual channel memory, which can increase performance substantially with two memory modules,

not only memory performance, but also graphics performance (because of shared memory architecture).

I ordered my X220 with one 4GB module, and just added a second 4GB module.

UPDATE: The module added is PC3-10600 (1333 MHz), to match the factory module.

Windows Experience Index ratings (Windows 7 64 bit).

Before:

After:

UPDATE2: BIOS 1.21 boosts performance on the 65W Adapter further:

UPDATE3: New Lenovo-supplied Intel display driver boosts graphic performance even more:



[ColonelONeill]

Neat! How does it affect memory bandwidth benchmarks? (i.e. the one in EVEREST/AIDA64)

[HiVolt]

Cool.

I upgraded mine to 8GB as well.

[obscurite]

@JNavas: What's the model # of your RAM? More details on what you actually bought please.

I'm considering the Kingston HyperX 1866mhz 8GB kit. I've heard that the sandy bridge x220's are able to mostly make use of the faster clock speed, based on screen shots I've see posted. Did you get 1333, 1600, 1866? More details please.

EDIT: Oops, just realized you added 4GB to the stock ram. That means it's 1333mhz ram. I totally went off-topic.

[obscurite]

PS. The Kingston HyperX best price is at Directron, but they're currently out of stock (as of 8/17) and the next best price shipped is Newegg: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820104259 $128 seems worth it for a decent performance bump for both memory and graphics. Anyone using this memory? How has it worked out? Any comparison to 1333Mhz ram (8GB)?

[HiVolt]

Will the X220 mainboard actually utilize the higher speed if you get faster than DDR1333 ram?

Or it will just run at DDR1333 and you've spent the money for nothing.

[RichardW]

The i7-2620M is only spec'd up to 1333 memory. Some other processors have higher spec (e.g. i7-2720QM up to 1600).

http://ark.intel.com/products/52231/Intel-Core-i7-2620M-Processor-(4M-Cache-2_70-GHz)

Some of the reviewers on Newegg used faster memory than spec'd for their processor without problem, but some report crashes. How fast the X220 motherboard will actually allow is another question.

[obscurite]

I've seen claims that the x220 will ramp up to 1700+mhz based on actual system numbers, but I can't seem to find the darn link now. Dual channel seems to help a lot more than the speed increase, but I'm not 100% sure on that. Would love to hear from someone who can confirm with proof that the x220 will see a speed increase with 1866mhz ram over 1333mhz ram (8GB in both cases).

[ColonelONeill]

I heard stuff about Sandy Bridge being compatible with 1833MHz, but also something about early standards.

[figarro]

John

I have the same config as you but my rating is 5.8. There's something wrong with your software (my guess)...