How Important is "Name Brand" Memory?

I read the memory guide on the dummy guides forum and the author was pretty set on not buying cheap memory but some disagreed.

Anyway, I wanted to get a more in-depth discussion going on the value of "name brand" memory versus the much cheaper generic stuff..

 

I think you are talking about ram right? I got cheap ram off of new egg. I have been using it since Dec and I haven't had one single problem. It even had a lifetime warranty. You can't go wrong getting the cheap stuff as long as it has a lifetime warranty.
Tim

 

Well, name brand gives you better reliability and better service in case of an RMA. With generic brands the store usually deals with an RMA's(although it might not be the case always). Cheaper RAM is not always bad, it can be as reliable as any name brand memory, but it is upto to the buyer if they are willing to risk getting bad memory or have a better chance at getting good quality ones. Also most name brands have "value" memory which should be cheaper & should be better than buying generic brands.

IMHO, I would buy a good quality RAM rather than buy something ~$20 - $30 cheaper and unstable memory.

 

Forgive my ignorance but what is an RMA?

Also, is it true that the benefits of dual channel in a notebook are negligible?

 

RMA = Return Merchandise Authorization. Basically the process of returning a defective product to any company.

Dual channel influence depends on specific programs. It does not provide a big performance boost for the average user. Photoshop and few other programs can see a benefit from dual channel memory.

 

You're fine buying generic mem BUT I would hesitate to purchase a generic module that didn't have a lot of stellar reviews. That's one thing I like about the 'egg you can get a good idea of an items quality before buying.

Sometimes with a brand name you're just paying extra for the name...