Laptop Memory Question

[MartinTheActor]

I have picked up a cheap laptop recently for study purposes and there is no RAM stick installed in the slot. I assume from this that there is soldered on memory ('cause you know, it actually functions as a computer). My question then is if it's possible to mismatch memory capacities?

 

Currently on board is 4GB of 2400mhz DDR4 (or so CPU-Z & HWInfo states). There is a vacant slot as I say, and Lenovo does offer the device in a higher memory config. 

 

Initially, I thought of just buying another 4GB stick and throwing it in there. But that got me to thinking...would it be possible to grab an 8GB stick and throw that in there (as long as it's 2400mhz obvs)? I'd like a bit of overhead and Win10 is using almost all of the available memory, so goodness knows what Win11 will end up using.

The device is a Lenovo IdeaPad 3 (81W1 model).  The theoretical maximum according to various info I've found is 36GB...not that I could see a use for that much memory with a basic CPU. 

[FRD]

Yes, a 8GB stick is possible. That's also how you should come to the theoretical maximum of 36GB, by adding a single 32GB stick. This means adding a 1/2/4/8/16GB stick would also work. Realistically you can put in a 2400mhz stick and it should work, you may have to check the BIOS to see if it's running as it should. Higher megahertz isn't possible, while lower is. You should try to find a matching stick with 2400mhz and if you want it to be really exact with the same timings and same brand, perhaps even same type number to match it perfectly.

[MartinTheActor]

4 minutes ago, FRD said:

Yes, a 8GB stick is possible. That's also how you should come to the theoretical maximum of 36GB, by adding a single 32GB stick. This means adding a 1/2/4/8/16GB stick would also work. Realistically you can put in a 2400mhz stick and it should work, you may have to check the BIOS to see if it's running as it should. Higher megahertz isn't possible, while lower is. You should try to find a matching stick with 2400mhz and if you want it to be really exact with the same timings and same brand, perhaps even same type number to match it perfectly.

Cheers, I've picked up a stick of Crucial 16GB 2400mhz with CL17. Just never done that before so always a little cautious over spending out if it might not work.

[FRD]

3 minutes ago, MartinTheActor said:

Cheers, I've picked up a stick of Crucial 16GB 2400mhz with CL17. Just never done that before so always a little cautious over spending out if it might not work.

You're welcome. I assume that should work. Most of the time any stick would work, just sometimes the RAM doesn't match together well with the built in memory and then it either won't boot or not detect it. Generally the stick you bought should work, there's a reason why that slot is still empty and that's upgradability.

Just if the stick would somehow not work, I believe you can always return it (if you bought it at a good store).