Can I use PC6400 instead PC 5300 RAM?

Guys, I just have a quick question, I just bought Hp Dv4-1280 us, intel core 2 duo, 2 ghz. I think the RAM type is PC 5300. I mean can I use the faster one- PC 6400 instead of PC5300 for my laptop?
thank you...

 

You can use PC6400, but it will run at PC5300 speeds. It might offer better timings, but the effect on performance will be next to nothing. Moral of the story: stick with the cheaper one.

 

Why would you advise him to do that? There is virtually no price difference between SO-DIMM DDR2 667 and DDR2 800 memory; the difference is negligble at best, if any. To wit, you wouldn't be losing anything by going with DDR2 800. The laptop will function just fine with it instead of 667. And when the time comes to upgrade and/or sell the memory, more people are going to jump on DDR2 800 than they would for 667.

In any event, to the original poster, pick up a kit of this: OCZ 4GB (2 x 2GB) SO-DIMM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400). I own two kits of the stuff, and its fantastic. Lifetime warranty, legendary OCZ quality and customer support... you honestly can't get better.

 

Alright, alright: stick with the cheaper one if there is a significant price difference. Happy now?

Else, I agree with you.

 

Thank you for the advice guys...

 

Sorry guys, one more question.

Is the brand of the memory matter? There are so many brands out there and nowadays, it cost almost the same.

 

No, not really. Performing even a cursory check on Newegg shows that regardless of the memory speed (667 or 800), as long as the kits have the same capacity, the price difference is the same, and in some cases, a 4GB kit of 667 is more expensive than a 4GB kit of 800. So no, I would still advise against investing in SO-DIMM 667 memory based purely on price. Case in point?

Mushkin 4GB (2 x 2GB) 200-Pin DDR2 SO-DIMM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300)
vs.
OCZ 4GB (2 x 2GB) 200-Pin DDR2 SO-DIMM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400)

I would choose a memory manufacturer that offers a lifetime warranty and is known for good customer service. Quick searches on memory manufacturer websites should tell you their warranty and RMA policies.

 

Thanks you guys...

 

I just found out that there is memory specify them as dual channel like the examples you gave me. I found this http://www.newegg.com/product/product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148162&CMP=AFC-C8Junction
it does not specify as dual channel, so if I buy it two pieces, can I make it to be dual channel?
thanks...

 

I guess you could, but for optimum performance, you're really going to want to buy matched pairs of memory, that is, two sticks of RAM in the same package (or kit). Matched pairs of RAM are tested and benchmarked together prior to leaving the manufacturer, so they are known to be compatible and will provide a much better user experience. In my opinion, I would advise that you buy your RAM in a kit, rather than buying them individually.

 

Get a dual channel kit.

 

ok, that is make sense.

I am little bit confused in processor with 32 vs 64 bit.
Some said that 32 bits can only take up to 3.2 gb RAM max, some said can max it to 4 gb. Which one is true?
for 64 bits I know it can take up to 8 gb RAM
Thanks bunch...

 

A 32bit OS can theoretically read up to 4GB of memory, but system devices often eat up some of that memory, so the practical limit is usually somewhere between 3GB and 4GB. A 64bit OS can read much more than 8GB...

 

Hey, it is me again. Actually my laptop memory is PC2 6400. So, what is the maximum mhz for the memory that compatible for my laptop? Can I use PC2 8500 like this one
http://www.buy.com/prod/ocz-technol...y-module-4gb-2-x-2gb/q/loc/101/208131235.html

thanks so much

 

You cannot use that memory because it will not fit into your notebook, those are desktop ram modules. You need to look for so-dimm 200pin DDR2 modules.

 

ok that is for desktop, do laptop memory has the PC2 8500 one? What is the laptop memory that is faster than PC2 6400? What is the fastest memory type that I can use for my laptop.

Thanks a bunch...

 

DDR2 800mhz(PC2 6400) modules are currently the fastest DDR2 so-dimm modules on the market. So you cannot get anything faster than them right now.

 

thank you so much...