Laptop Memory- Generic or Specific?

Assuming PC2-4200 DDR2 SODIMM Memory /533

Why is it necessary to obtain a specific memory module from say Crucial or Kinston? I mean, on desktops the memory is generic (at least for my home built units).

I ask because the memory for a specific laptop model ussually is priced much higher than the generic same memory capacity.

Are there really compatability issues ?

 

It is thought better to have the same brand and specs of memory in both the ram slots.

 

I used A-Data memory (somewhat generic) in my Fujitsu S6231 without any problems.

I bought it at Newegg. You can read reviews of the items they have for sale, helping you make a good decision.

 

Most of the time it will work just fine, generic or non-generic, same type or not same type. Even if one stick is faster than the other, it will downclock.

Compatibility issues may arise, but are rare. Stability issues may arise, but are are. Etc, etc.

 

Typically, I go for the name brand memory because it's more reliable, and you get superior quality, etc. However, you shouldn't have a problem with generic RAM. Just be aware that it will not be as high of quality as Corsair, Kingston, etc.

 

Thanks for the responses !

Let me clarify what I mean't by generic- I mean't Corsair, Crucial, Kingston, etc. But not going with the memory modules the're memory configuraors specify.

I.E. - Say Corsair's 1 gig of ram on newegg is $90 a stick. Then you go to Corsair''s site and the memory configurator calls out a different model # memory which costs say $160. Both stick of memory are Corsair- just different model #'s and the more expensive one specific to say an Asus V6V ( or any other particular brand/model).

My question would be- why not go with the $90 non-specific Corsair versus the $160 Corsair memory specific for a particular laptop? With the specs being the same. Are intel based platforms from one brand to another that sensitive on memory specs?

 

No. No problems whatsoever. You can go with "generic" brand (lol, oxymoron).

 

Haha good one doc.

 

In the past with ddr1 it was highly desired to run ram that had low latency settings, which gave amazing results. Those low latency ram modules were only name brand.

Now in the age of DDR2 (in laptops not desktops) it does not matter as much for our 533mhz fsb. There are only a couple reviews out there that I read, but generic brands do keep up with name brands when it comes to laptop ram modules of the 533mhz ddr2 kind.

My brand reviewed against name brands is Apacer. It did amazingly and actually outperformed the name brand module in some tests. I suggest Apacer as their modules are DIRT CHEAP and perform like the best of 'em.

Of course if you get the latest modules from corsair or something made specifically for laptops, then you will probably see a performance increase, but the increase is negligable for the price you pay, which is usually double or more.

Trust me on this one

Cheers,
Mike