• What's the difference (RAM question)

    From Carlos E.R.@21:1/5 to All on Wed Jan 25 15:29:13 2023
    Hi,

    Looking at some Lenovo laptops, configurable, and I get these options
    for RAM:

    32 GB DDR4 at 3200 Mhz +10€

    32 GB DDR4 (2 * 16 GB) at 3200 Mhz +110€


    Why is the second option more expensive, does it has advantages?


    It is a ThinkPad L14 Gen 3

    If you want to see the page, it is this, in Spanish:

    <https://www.lenovo.com/es/es/laptops/thinkpad/l-series/ThinkPad-L14-Gen-3-14''-AMD/p/21C5CTO1WWESES2/customize?>


    It also mentions a "Graphics Dongle". What is that?

    It can be none, USB-C to VGA, HDMI to VGA , USB-C to DP (+20€ any of them)

    --
    Cheers, Carlos.

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  • From Marco Moock@21:1/5 to All on Wed Jan 25 20:36:37 2023
    Am 25.01.2023 um 15:29:13 Uhr schrieb Carlos E.R.:

    Hi,

    Looking at some Lenovo laptops, configurable, and I get these options
    for RAM:

    32 GB DDR4 at 3200 Mhz +10€

    32 GB DDR4 (2 * 16 GB) at 3200 Mhz +110€

    Maybe, they use other capacities per module, like 4x4 GiB or 1x32 for
    the first option.

    Why is the second option more expensive, does it has advantages?

    Maybe because the module prices are different, maybe because someone
    needs to manually mount them.

    It also mentions a "Graphics Dongle". What is that?

    It can be none, USB-C to VGA, HDMI to VGA , USB-C to DP (+20€ any
    of them)

    Maybe a converter to connect the laptop to VGA/DP screens.

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  • From Bit Twister@21:1/5 to Carlos E.R. on Wed Jan 25 15:56:15 2023
    On Wed, 25 Jan 2023 15:29:13 +0100, Carlos E.R. wrote:
    Hi,

    Looking at some Lenovo laptops, configurable, and I get these options
    for RAM:

    32 GB DDR4 at 3200 Mhz +10€

    32 GB DDR4 (2 * 16 GB) at 3200 Mhz +110€


    Why is the second option more expensive,

    Check the cost of a 16 GB ram and times two to see if vendor is boosting
    the cost.

    does it has advantages?

    If ram chip fails on first option, you may have a laptop doorstop.
    In the second option you pop out the failed ram and continue to run on the other chip.

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
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  • From Henrik Carlqvist@21:1/5 to Bit Twister on Thu Jan 26 06:47:10 2023
    On Wed, 25 Jan 2023 15:56:15 -0600, Bit Twister wrote:

    On Wed, 25 Jan 2023 15:29:13 +0100, Carlos E.R. wrote:
    32 GB DDR4 at 3200 Mhz +10€

    32 GB DDR4 (2 * 16 GB) at 3200 Mhz +110€

    Why is the second option more expensive,

    does it has advantages?

    If ram chip fails on first option, you may have a laptop doorstop.
    In the second option you pop out the failed ram and continue to run on
    the other chip.

    Also, some CPU/chipsets can give twice the memory bandwidth if memory
    modules are installed as pairs. For some CPU/chipsets it is not even
    optimal to install memory modules as pairs, but as groups of 3.

    regards Henrik

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  • From Marco Moock@21:1/5 to All on Thu Jan 26 08:45:39 2023
    Am 26.01.2023 schrieb Henrik Carlqvist <[email protected]>:

    Also, some CPU/chipsets can give twice the memory bandwidth if memory
    modules are installed as pairs. For some CPU/chipsets it is not even
    optimal to install memory modules as pairs, but as groups of 3.

    That is called DualChannel/TripleChannel.

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  • From Theo@21:1/5 to Carlos E.R. on Thu Jan 26 12:05:50 2023
    Carlos E.R. <[email protected]d> wrote:
    Hi,

    Looking at some Lenovo laptops, configurable, and I get these options
    for RAM:

    32 GB DDR4 at 3200 Mhz +10€

    32 GB DDR4 (2 * 16 GB) at 3200 Mhz +110€


    Why is the second option more expensive, does it has advantages?

    Ordinarily the first option might be because it has four slots and they're populating it with 4x 8GB, which means all the slots are filled, whereas 2x 16GB might leave two empty slots.

    However this laptop has only two SODIMM slots, so it's either 1x 32 or 2x
    16. Normally 2x16 would be cheaper than 1x32, but maybe it isn't for some reason.

    The Ryzen 5875U has two memory channels, so your choices are:
    1x32: half the memory bandwidth, expandable to 64GB
    2x16: full memory bandwidth, no expandability

    Personally I'd either go with the 1x32 or 2x32 (64GB) options - can't really see the point of paying EUR100 extra for the memory bandwidth where EUR170
    will double the RAM.

    Or buying the base spec (8GB) model and upgrading the RAM yourself. That reduces the laptop price by EUR230. Locally, SODIMMs DDR4-3200 2x32GB are GBP169.

    It also mentions a "Graphics Dongle". What is that?

    It can be none, USB-C to VGA, HDMI to VGA , USB-C to DP (+20€ any of them)

    USB-C can carry video via Displayport, so this is an external adapter to
    expose a VGA or Displayport connector. Seems like the laptop also has HDMI,
    so there's an adapter for that to VGA as well.

    Theo

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
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  • From Theo@21:1/5 to Carlos E. R. on Thu Jan 26 13:12:28 2023
    Carlos E. R. <[email protected]d> wrote:
    Someone told me that Lenovo has sometimes weird price policies. Like sometimes having Ubuntu installed being cheaper than "no os", and
    sometimes it is the reverse.

    Yes, both Lenovo and Dell have very odd pricing if you aren't a business.
    My current Lenovo was launched at $3000 list in the US (and got terrible reviews for being so expensive) but UK pricing was more like $1500 (+VAT). Whenever I've asked Dell business for a quote for budgetary purposes, it can often be half or less from list.

    If you aren't a business, look for 'sales' which often reduces prices by 30%
    or more and makes them more sensible. Or buy from a reseller, not direct.

    That's an idea, yes. I'll check.

    Looks fairly straightforward to open: https://laptopmedia.com/gb/review/lenovo-thinkpad-l14-gen-3/#disassembly-upgrade-options-and-maintenance

    Ok, now I understand what it is. I'll stay with the internal HDMI port,
    I don't need this dongle.

    It's not doing anything that third party USB-C dongles can't do, so you can always pick one of those up later if needs be. Or use a docking station.

    Theo

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  • From Carlos E. R.@21:1/5 to Theo on Thu Jan 26 13:17:50 2023
    On 2023-01-26 13:05, Theo wrote:
    Carlos E.R. <[email protected]d> wrote:
    Hi,

    Looking at some Lenovo laptops, configurable, and I get these options
    for RAM:

    32 GB DDR4 at 3200 Mhz +10€

    32 GB DDR4 (2 * 16 GB) at 3200 Mhz +110€


    Why is the second option more expensive, does it has advantages?

    Ordinarily the first option might be because it has four slots and they're populating it with 4x 8GB, which means all the slots are filled, whereas 2x 16GB might leave two empty slots.

    However this laptop has only two SODIMM slots, so it's either 1x 32 or 2x
    16. Normally 2x16 would be cheaper than 1x32, but maybe it isn't for some reason.

    Someone told me that Lenovo has sometimes weird price policies. Like
    sometimes having Ubuntu installed being cheaper than "no os", and
    sometimes it is the reverse.


    The Ryzen 5875U has two memory channels, so your choices are:
    1x32: half the memory bandwidth, expandable to 64GB
    2x16: full memory bandwidth, no expandability

    Personally I'd either go with the 1x32 or 2x32 (64GB) options - can't really see the point of paying EUR100 extra for the memory bandwidth where EUR170 will double the RAM.

    Or buying the base spec (8GB) model and upgrading the RAM yourself. That reduces the laptop price by EUR230. Locally, SODIMMs DDR4-3200 2x32GB are GBP169.

    That's an idea, yes. I'll check.


    It also mentions a "Graphics Dongle". What is that?

    It can be none, USB-C to VGA, HDMI to VGA , USB-C to DP (+20€ any of them)

    USB-C can carry video via Displayport, so this is an external adapter to expose a VGA or Displayport connector. Seems like the laptop also has HDMI, so there's an adapter for that to VGA as well.

    Ok, now I understand what it is. I'll stay with the internal HDMI port,
    I don't need this dongle.

    --
    Cheers,
    Carlos E.R.

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From Carlos E. R.@21:1/5 to Theo on Thu Jan 26 15:01:22 2023
    On 2023-01-26 14:12, Theo wrote:
    Carlos E. R. <[email protected]d> wrote:
    Someone told me that Lenovo has sometimes weird price policies. Like
    sometimes having Ubuntu installed being cheaper than "no os", and
    sometimes it is the reverse.

    Yes, both Lenovo and Dell have very odd pricing if you aren't a business.
    My current Lenovo was launched at $3000 list in the US (and got terrible reviews for being so expensive) but UK pricing was more like $1500 (+VAT). Whenever I've asked Dell business for a quote for budgetary purposes, it can often be half or less from list.

    If you aren't a business, look for 'sales' which often reduces prices by 30% or more and makes them more sensible. Or buy from a reseller, not direct.

    But the reseller doesn't do "customization". At least not the one I
    typically use.


    That's an idea, yes. I'll check.

    Looks fairly straightforward to open: https://laptopmedia.com/gb/review/lenovo-thinkpad-l14-gen-3/#disassembly-upgrade-options-and-maintenance

    Ah,thanks.


    Ok, now I understand what it is. I'll stay with the internal HDMI port,
    I don't need this dongle.

    It's not doing anything that third party USB-C dongles can't do, so you can always pick one of those up later if needs be. Or use a docking station.

    Right. I just did not know what they were talking about. They don't seem
    to have a button to expand information on the items.

    --
    Cheers,
    Carlos E.R.

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
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  • From Carlos E. R.@21:1/5 to [email protected] on Thu Jan 26 17:51:22 2023
    On 2023-01-26 17:22, [email protected] wrote:
    Bit Twister <[email protected]> wrote:
    On Wed, 25 Jan 2023 15:29:13 +0100, Carlos E.R. wrote:
    Hi,

    Looking at some Lenovo laptops, configurable, and I get these options
    for RAM:

    32 GB DDR4 at 3200 Mhz +10€

    32 GB DDR4 (2 * 16 GB) at 3200 Mhz +110€

    does it has advantages?

    If ram chip fails on first option, you may have a laptop doorstop.
    In the second option you pop out the failed ram and continue to run on the >> other chip.

    Another possible advantage of 2x16 vs 1x32: dual-channel memory setups can
    be a bit faster, with memory accesses spread across two DIMMs.

    OTOH, if only two DIMM slots are available (not at all uncommon in notebooks), upgrading from a 2x16 configuration will require replacing both DIMMs.

    I don't foresee needing more than 32. My current laptop has 4. There are
    some offers with 24, and that would be enough as well, I think.

    I use the laptop when moving, not at home. There I have a proper desktop :-)

    --
    Cheers,
    Carlos E.R.

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From [email protected]@21:1/5 to Bit Twister on Thu Jan 26 16:22:56 2023
    Bit Twister <[email protected]> wrote:
    On Wed, 25 Jan 2023 15:29:13 +0100, Carlos E.R. wrote:
    Hi,

    Looking at some Lenovo laptops, configurable, and I get these options
    for RAM:

    32 GB DDR4 at 3200 Mhz +10€

    32 GB DDR4 (2 * 16 GB) at 3200 Mhz +110€

    does it has advantages?

    If ram chip fails on first option, you may have a laptop doorstop.
    In the second option you pop out the failed ram and continue to run on the other chip.

    Another possible advantage of 2x16 vs 1x32: dual-channel memory setups can
    be a bit faster, with memory accesses spread across two DIMMs.

    OTOH, if only two DIMM slots are available (not at all uncommon in
    notebooks), upgrading from a 2x16 configuration will require replacing both DIMMs.

    --
    _/_
    / v \ Scott Alfter (remove the obvious to send mail)
    (IIGS( https://alfter.us/ Top-posting!
    \_^_/ >What's the most annoying thing on Usenet?

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
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  • From Carlos E.R.@21:1/5 to Marco Moock on Thu Jan 26 09:46:30 2023
    On 2023-01-26 08:45, Marco Moock wrote:
    Am 26.01.2023 schrieb Henrik Carlqvist <[email protected]>:

    Also, some CPU/chipsets can give twice the memory bandwidth if memory
    modules are installed as pairs. For some CPU/chipsets it is not even
    optimal to install memory modules as pairs, but as groups of 3.

    That is called DualChannel/TripleChannel.

    Yes, this is a possibility, but in that case they should mention it.

    However, why would two 16G modules be 100 euros more expensive than a
    single 32G module?

    That's a large difference. If it is "better", they should say something
    about it to get buyers. Or it would be something very well known.

    --
    Cheers, Carlos.

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From Marco Moock@21:1/5 to All on Fri Jan 27 08:57:56 2023
    Am 26.01.2023 schrieb "Carlos E.R." <[email protected]d>:

    However, why would two 16G modules be 100 euros more expensive than a
    single 32G module?

    I don't know why, maybe because these are custom orders and somebody
    needs to open the case to exchange the modules.

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
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  • From Carlos E.R.@21:1/5 to Marco Moock on Fri Jan 27 12:54:01 2023
    On 2023-01-27 08:57, Marco Moock wrote:
    Am 26.01.2023 schrieb "Carlos E.R." <[email protected]d>:

    However, why would two 16G modules be 100 euros more expensive than a
    single 32G module?

    I don't know why, maybe because these are custom orders and somebody
    needs to open the case to exchange the modules.


    No, because other options are only 10€ more.

    --
    Cheers, Carlos.

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
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  • From Bobbie Sellers@21:1/5 to Marco Moock on Fri Jan 27 08:11:54 2023
    On 1/26/23 23:57, Marco Moock wrote:
    Am 26.01.2023 schrieb "Carlos E.R." <[email protected]d>:

    However, why would two 16G modules be 100 euros more expensive than a
    single 32G module?

    I don't know why, maybe because these are custom orders and somebody
    needs to open the case to exchange the modules.


    Because someone wants it enough to pay for it. How about 2 32 GB modules?

    bliss

    --
    bliss dash SF 4 ever at dslextreme dot com

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
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  • From Carlos E.R.@21:1/5 to Bobbie Sellers on Fri Jan 27 20:19:07 2023
    On 2023-01-27 20:01, Bobbie Sellers wrote:
    On 1/27/23 10:46, Carlos E.R. wrote:
    On 2023-01-27 17:11, Bobbie Sellers wrote:
    On 1/26/23 23:57, Marco Moock wrote:
    Am 26.01.2023 schrieb "Carlos E.R." <[email protected]d>:

    However, why would two 16G modules be 100 euros more expensive than a >>>>> single 32G module?

    I don't know why, maybe because these are custom orders and somebody
    needs to open the case to exchange the modules.


         Because someone wants it enough to pay for it.  How about 2 32 >>> GB modules?


    Firefox died, and on restart, the prices seem to be different.

    The default or included is 2*16G.

    8G   -160€
    2*8  -110€
    16G  -110
    32G  -100€
    2*16 0
    2*32 +70€ (was +220€)

    There is not an option of a single 64G module.


    Another funny thing is that by default it has no WiFi, only ethernet.
    Ie, optional WiFi, and adding it means a delay for up to three weeks.


    <https://www.lenovo.com/es/es/laptops/thinkpad/l-series/ThinkPad-L14-Gen-3-14''-AMD/p/21C5CTO1WWESES2/customize?>

    (You can probably read it in English using google translate)

        Look around a bit more.
        Check out possible refurbished machinces.
        I prefer Dell myself and got this used for 240 USD.from an previous user who needed money.
        That was in April 2020.

    I like Lenovo :-)

    No, the above machine is probably not the one I'll get, I'm aiming to
    800€. We'll see.

    --
    Cheers, Carlos.

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
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  • From Carlos E.R.@21:1/5 to Bobbie Sellers on Fri Jan 27 19:46:24 2023
    On 2023-01-27 17:11, Bobbie Sellers wrote:
    On 1/26/23 23:57, Marco Moock wrote:
    Am 26.01.2023 schrieb "Carlos E.R." <[email protected]d>:

    However, why would two 16G modules be 100 euros more expensive than a
    single 32G module?

    I don't know why, maybe because these are custom orders and somebody
    needs to open the case to exchange the modules.


        Because someone wants it enough to pay for it.  How about 2 32 GB modules?


    Firefox died, and on restart, the prices seem to be different.

    The default or included is 2*16G.

    8G -160€
    2*8 -110€
    16G -110
    32G -100€
    2*16 0
    2*32 +70€ (was +220€)

    There is not an option of a single 64G module.


    Another funny thing is that by default it has no WiFi, only ethernet.
    Ie, optional WiFi, and adding it means a delay for up to three weeks.


    <https://www.lenovo.com/es/es/laptops/thinkpad/l-series/ThinkPad-L14-Gen-3-14''-AMD/p/21C5CTO1WWESES2/customize?>

    (You can probably read it in English using google translate)

    --
    Cheers, Carlos.

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From Bobbie Sellers@21:1/5 to Carlos E.R. on Fri Jan 27 11:01:47 2023
    On 1/27/23 10:46, Carlos E.R. wrote:
    On 2023-01-27 17:11, Bobbie Sellers wrote:
    On 1/26/23 23:57, Marco Moock wrote:
    Am 26.01.2023 schrieb "Carlos E.R." <[email protected]d>:

    However, why would two 16G modules be 100 euros more expensive than a
    single 32G module?

    I don't know why, maybe because these are custom orders and somebody
    needs to open the case to exchange the modules.


         Because someone wants it enough to pay for it.  How about 2 32 GB >> modules?


    Firefox died, and on restart, the prices seem to be different.

    The default or included is 2*16G.

    8G   -160€
    2*8  -110€
    16G  -110
    32G  -100€
    2*16 0
    2*32 +70€ (was +220€)

    There is not an option of a single 64G module.


    Another funny thing is that by default it has no WiFi, only ethernet.
    Ie, optional WiFi, and adding it means a delay for up to three weeks.


    <https://www.lenovo.com/es/es/laptops/thinkpad/l-series/ThinkPad-L14-Gen-3-14''-AMD/p/21C5CTO1WWESES2/customize?>

    (You can probably read it in English using google translate)

    Look around a bit more.
    Check out possible refurbished machinces.
    I prefer Dell myself and got this used for 240 USD.from an previous user who needed money.
    That was in April 2020.

    bliss - on the ever-faithful Dell Latitude E7450, PCLinuxOS 2022
    KDE Plasma 5.26.5 Kernel: 6.1.5-pclos1 (64-bit)
    KDE Frameworks 5.102.0 - Qt Version: 5.15.6
    Graphics : X11 - Mesa Intel® HD Graphics 5500
    15.5 GiB of RAM - CPU 4 × Intel® Core™ i7-5600U CPU @ 2.60GHz
    Actually 2 real cores and 2 virtual cores.


    --
    bliss dash SF 4 ever at dslextreme dot com

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