ubuntu on a laptop, regular unwanted disc access

[Carsten Aulbert]

michaelpo at myjaring.net wrote:
> Why is too much ram a problem?
> How much is too much?

Well, every RAM module consumes energy. For example, a high-end laptop
with 2 GByte RAM needs much more power than one with 256 MB for the RAM
alone. Putting it simplistically:

Suppose the 256 MByte memory are made of 4 512 MBit chips, each
consuming say 800 mW, thus totalling to 3.2 W.

Now the 2 GByte RAM are made from 1 GBit chips, each consuming, say, 600
mW. You need 16 of these to make the memory, thus 16*0.6 W or roughly 10
Watts.

I don't have exact numbers in my head right now, but a little bit of
browsing should help to nail down the numbers more thoroughly, but I
guess the idea is clear, isn't it?

Cheers
Carsten