4GB to 8GB RAM Upgrades: Which One?

I've finally have enough money to upgrade my RAM from the stock 4GB OEM to the maximum 8GB. I know that under normal use that amount wouldn't be necessary, but I'm configuring my laptop for some vigorous HD video editing. And Adobe CS4 recommends that much to keep the system operating at optimal efficiency.

I am however, not sure at this point about the overwhelming variety of RAM on the market. As some 8 GB packages can run as much as $100 more than others. Can there that much of a difference in quality?

I don't mind spending the extra money if it will keep me from having to deal with constant overheating issues. Once I plug it in, I don't want to be worried about it again ever!

So far, my research has lead me to the manufacture linked below, which as you can see is expensive for DDR2, but comes highly rated. What do you think?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...m_re=8_gb_DDR2-800_Ram-_-20-145-599-_-Product

 

If you buy a reputable brand, that's been tested with your laptop or ones similar to it -- where's the risk?

As for overheating...how is more RAM going to help you? You need to get to the bottom of any overheating issues before you toss even another dime at your computer.

 

As long as it matches the lifetime warranties offered by reputable manufacturers, any brand should be fine. However, you should be certain that you are actually running out of RAM before doing such an upgrade. Also, consider the fact that despite such an upgrade, both applications you mentioned will stress the CPU considerably.

For $379 though you are well on your way to buying a desktop. With an extra $200 or so you could have a desktop that would easily outstrip a $2500+ laptop. If you're looking for performance in a laptop, prepare to pay more. Much more.

 

You can do alot cheaper in price http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231293

Corsair is ok company but way over priced imo.

Like people said above,you need to check for compatibility for your laptop before you buy.

 

Not in the desktop scene. They have the some of the best PSU's and RAM out there, priced pretty competitively for the quality you get.

 

Theres a desktop scene?

Have built a many in my 18 years with computers.I have had my share of problems with ALOT of different memory companies.Crucial being the worst for me.
Im not sayin Corsair is a bad company there just as good as the next these days but dollar for dollar I will take G.Skill any day.... but thats just my opinion.

 

Each to their own then.

 

Oh yea! I can certainly vouch for that one! That was possibly the most unstable RAM I've ever purchased... maybe the timings were set wrong from the factory or something, but it was bad. I went through 5 sticks of it hoping it was just a fluke, but no. Personally, if I can find it I always try to stick with Samsung. They usually come OEM and when people replace them with a higher capacity I guess.. they put them on ebay and various other places. I've NEVER had a problem with Samsung.

 

Krane,

Money back (with no restocking fees) and lifetime warrantees: buy the cheapest you have available in your area.

However, I have to ask too: What overheating issues would 8GB of RAM solve for you? (Quality sodimms, or otherwise)

Cheers!

 

Ths one offers that.

I understand: A typical desktop can be had for half the price of a comparable laptop. Even so, for me portability is paramount--and also for growing numbers of buyers as trends indicate laptops sales now outnumber those of desktops.

In any event, I'd considered the pro and cons of each carefully, and in the end the flexibility of the laptop won out. Still, in the best case scenario (if I had more money ), I would have purchased both.

I was referring to the component operation. I've read that some RAM modules run hotter than others.

This is compatible with the OEM RAM.

 

I've had good luck with G.Skill, but there are many good manufacturers. I'd suggest looking for large numbers of positive reviews at places like Newegg.

IMHO, even more important than manufacturer is proper grounding. I'd strongly suggest investing in a decent grounding mat ($30-$50), a comfortable wrist strap to use with it, and make sure the strap and mat are properly connected, and that the mat is properly grounded. Static damage is not necessarily immediately fatal to the chips -- making it hard to identify as the source of problems, but it is SO easy to avoid. The strap and mat are very handy for any type of electronics repair/upgrade work you might do in the future.

 

Krane,

Don't know if you've seen this yet, may even be a little 'basic' for you, but I thought I would throw it out there.

See:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?p=5611835#post5611835


Cheers!

 

I did not, but it's good that is reinforces my suspicions. Ram is most likely the easiest and most inexpensive way to increase your computer performance--provided it's already reached it's limits, that is.