Computer Dell Inspiron 15 3521 with 1017u processor. Shipped date is December 2013 with Windows 8 so it was at least made in late 2012 at the latest. Windows 8.1 64 bit and will soon be running Windows 10 64 bit
So I'm going to upgrade my 4gb ram one way or another and either going factory route or Crucial. I don't skimp out on a few dollars to have issues so the two options above are whats considered. I don't want to waste money however.
I looked up my service tag. Under Dells current configurations it says I have DDR3L but under the correctly dated manual by Dell it says DDR3 so I'm concerned unless the computer can have 1.5 v or 1.35v.
Current configurations says 1 - DUAL IN-LINE MEMORY MODULE, 4GB, 1600, 2RX8, 2G, DDR3L, S
Manual says - Inspiron 3521 Dual-channel DDR3
Both say 1600MHz
Configurations supported 2 GB, 4 GB, 6 GB, 8 GB, and 16 GB
Besides the decision to make on keep my current stick and add 4 to 8gb stick on the other side or get a set of matching sticks but Crucials website has four different 4GB sticks for my computer CL 11, CL13, 9-9-9-24 and 10-10-10-30. Thats what scares me. With those 4 different specs does that matter, Crucial does say they are compatible.
Now here is the money question. I know what I plan and what I want out of my computer. But I want to be set for the next year to 2 years with Windows 10 coming in 3 days :).
1. I can add a factory same part number 4gb stick for $44 to go along with the current stick
2. I can add a 8GB for $44 from crucial
3. 8GB 4gbx2 kit for $47
4. 16GB 8GBX2 kit for $89
5. Or a 4gb crucial stick to go with the factory stick for a cheap $23
Computer use. I am a power user. However I never game on a PC. I am a multitasker and a heavy one. I will have like 5-10 chrome windows open, downloading movies or music files at the same time with itunes and vlc player open alot. Basically I'm the media guy and internet searcher. I don;t use crazy programs or anything but I do alot of music file conversions, etc. youtube downloading.
I know this has been asked a million times how much ram. But I have 4 different options at $40 something dollar range. I just don't know what ram to choose for my scenario and obviously dont want to waste time and money