Upgrading Memory

Memory... One of the two things you can never have too much of.

Previously, SODIMM prices were high and notebook suppliers also scare you by saying that the memory modules must be tested to be 100% compatible with their notebooks or else you'll suffer stability problems. Worse, they also threaten to void your warranty if you use incompatible memory modules!

But now SODIMM prices are a lot more affordable. As for quality issues, would you really worry if the memory module was made by...

...Corsair?

Now, regular readers will know that I'm not a benchmark-kind of person but everyone tells me Corsair SODIMM memory is the best so I'm gonna go with that. Of course Corsair memory is gonna cost you more than regular memory. Over here, a 512MB Corsair SODIMM costs RM 430 (USD 113) instead of just RM 330 (USD 87) for an equivalent memory module from Kingston.

So, upgrading your notebook's memory won't be too much of a problem now. Unless, of course, your notebook's memory chips are soldered to the motherboard or it doesn't come with any spare memory slot, which might be the case with certain ultra-portables. In addition, some manufacturers might choose not to disclose the location of the memory slots in your notebook's manual, although a search of the web will tell you where it is.

Of course, if the memory module compartment is marked with a NOT FOR USER ACCESS sticker, removing it to install additional memory modules will definitely void your warranty in most cases.

One of my Acer C110's memory slot was marked as "not for user access". The other memory slot was designated as a user-upgradable slot but Acer Malaysia chose to slap a Warranty void if seal broken sticker on it. Click here to see how I feel about it. Picture rated PG!