Solved Thinkpad T520: how to find out which RAM is used here ?

[dhubs]

good day dear linux-experts, hello everyone,

....i have two T520 and one T 420 S and a X220 with the standard RAM. And as i am a big big fan of these robust notebooks i want to add more RAM to it.

i want to add more RAM: how ot find out which one fits best:
i guess its best mehtod is to run the command:

sudo dmidecode --type memory

on the T 420 and the X220 to see which ram is necesary:

sudo dmidecode --type memory

253:0    0 116,2G  0 lvm  /var/snap/firefox/common/host-hunspell
                                          /
sr0              11:0    1  1024M  0 rom
ubuntu@T420s:~$  sudo dmidecode --type memory
[sudo] Passwort für ubuntu:
# dmidecode 3.4
Getting SMBIOS data from sysfs.
SMBIOS 2.6 present.

Handle 0x0005, DMI type 16, 15 bytes
Physical Memory Array
    Location: System Board Or Motherboard
    Use: System Memory
    Error Correction Type: None
    Maximum Capacity: 16 GB
    Error Information Handle: Not Provided
    Number Of Devices: 2

Handle 0x0006, DMI type 17, 28 bytes
Memory Device
    Array Handle: 0x0005
    Error Information Handle: Not Provided
    Total Width: 64 bits
    Data Width: 64 bits
    Size: 4 GB
    Form Factor: SODIMM
    Set: None
    Locator: ChannelA-DIMM0
    Bank Locator: BANK 0
    Type: DDR3
    Type Detail: Synchronous
    Speed: 1333 MT/s
    Manufacturer: Samsung
    Serial Number: 004AF22C
    Asset Tag: 9876543210
    Part Number: M471B5273CH0-CH9
    Rank: Unknown

Handle 0x0007, DMI type 17, 28 bytes
Memory Device
    Array Handle: 0x0005
    Error Information Handle: Not Provided
    Total Width: Unknown
    Data Width: Unknown
    Size: No Module Installed
    Form Factor: DIMM
    Set: None
    Locator: ChannelB-DIMM0
    Bank Locator: BANK 2
    Type: Unknown
    Type Detail: None

well - what do you say -is this correct - is this the methd to check out which RAM fits !?
BTW: Do you think that it is a good idea to add a SSD too!?

look forward to hear from you

PS. .... i have to say: the Thinkpad T520 is damned robust:

The ThinkPad T520 is for me a really legendary notebook and i love it for its durability because it was engineered before the industry shifted toward razor-thin notebooks - some of them did not last half a year here in my usecase.

the T520 - and besides this - the T420 and X220 - they have got a exceptional robustness which is driven by some awesome core engineering features:

Internal Roll Cage: A rugged magnesium-aluminum alloy structural frame protects the motherboard and internal components from flexing or breaking during drops.Heavy-Duty

i for one - i really have to say that i love the Metal Hinges: The display hinges are made of solid metal, ensuring the screen remains stable without loosening even after hundreds of thousands of openings. And i have to confess: this is one of the most awesome feature. this makes the Notebook ultra-robust.

Spill-Resistant Keyboard: A sealed tray beneath the keys funnels accidental liquid spills through drainage holes out the bottom of the laptop, bypassing the motherboard.
Thick Composite Chassis: The bulky glass-fiber reinforced plastic shell provides ample crumple zones and superior thermal cooling, preventing heat-related component failure.

 

[//////]

BTW: Do you think that it is a good idea to add a SSD too!?

absolutely, ssd (or m2 ssd) will be big upgrade and you will notice that your laptop is faster.

 

[GatorsFan]

Your command listed gives you physical memory details

The kernel also stores memory data in a special file. You can view it using

cat /proc/meminfo

This tells you what process is using how much RAM

 

[deb_user]

You could just open the laptops up and see what RAM is in them. You'll have to open them up to install the new RAM anyway, and investigating in advance might be useful.

SSD is the way to go these days. I don't own a drive using spinning rust disks, haven't in years.

 

[Rocketing-warp9]

From looking at the output, some variation of DDR3 ram is being used. and you can upgrade to a maximum to 16.
Here's an upgrade guide for ya.

Lenovo ThinkPad T520 Upgrade Guide

Upgrading your notebook to increase performance doesn't have to be a frustrating experience. At StorageReview we understand many users want to get the most out of their computer, but not everyone is as experienced or comfortable diving when it comes to diving into a laptop. For this reason we...

www.storagereview.com

As stated before, SSD will surely help.

 

[deb_user]

Defiantly? Not submissively?

 

[Rocketing-warp9]

Defiantly? Not submissively?

As I said in another Thread, i Can't spell to save my life sometimes!

 

[Trml]

For anything hardware thinkpad, also have a look at thinkwiki.

It has very practical tips for all models, like https://www.thinkwiki.org/wiki/Unofficial_maximum_memory_specs which not only lists working memory modules but also some that were found non-working.

 

[dhubs]

hello again - many thanks for the replies and the very very helpful tipps, hints and for all your shared ideas and experience.
i am more than glad - to be here in this awesome forum

thanks alot.. a big big step forward..
have a great dear friends,
greetings