Upgrading memory on an Inspiron 9300

I ordered an Inspiron 9300 from Dell that came with 512 MB. According to SISoftware's Sandra the notebook contains two 256 MB DDR2-SDRAM chips (model # HYMP532S64P6-C4). The speed on these chips is listed as PC2-4300U (4-4-4-12 timing).

I realize that 512 MB may not be enough memory so I went to Dell's web site to look for memory specifically for the Inspiron 9300. All their memory is listed as a speed of PC2-4200. They don't even offer PC2-4300 speed memory.

What's the difference between 4300 and 4200 speeds?

Also I've read that unless I replace both 256 MB chips with 2 identical chips I'll get a performance hit. Is this true?

 

pc4300 is just a factory overclocked pc4200. there's only few mhz difference between the two. all major brand only offer pc4200, or renamed their 4300 to 4200.

if you don't have 2 two identical sticks, you won't be running in dual channel. that's like 3% decrease in performance. again, no big difference.

 

I just finished what you are thinking about - just replaced the 2 256 modules in my 9300 with 2 Crucial 512 modules - seems to be working well - my unopened dell 512 module (that I ordered before comtemplating the same issues as you are) is for sale on this forum. I am still a novice, but I thought better safe than sorry and used 2 Crucials instead of ordering another new dell. I would also be interested in the answer to your question.....ah, I see there is an answer - interesting....

 

4200 runs at 400 mhz, 4300 runs at 533 (the max that your notebook can handle)

4300 is usually cheaper than 4200

tfr is correct on the dual channel issue

 

Buy this - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820144183

 

Okay so according to Dell, this is what is in my system
DUAL IN-LINE MEMORY MODULE, 512MB, 533, 64X64, 8K, 200 x 2
SO if I want to upgrade my memory, what is the max I can go to in the 9300?

 

2 gbs of 533

 

Next question, Is the more expensive memory like Crucial worth it? Or is it all pretty much the same as long as the specs match?

 

If you go with a off brand tere is a slightly smaller chance it won't work. I have used both, never have had a probelm with either.