Notebook RAM Buying Guide

What is RAM? When the end user thinks of RAM they are thinking of a RAM Module which for notebooks are called SO-DIMM (small outline dual in-line memory module). The modules consist of DRAM chips (integrated circuits) on a PCB (printed circuit board).



The black squares are DRAM chips the green is the PCB.

Five company's manufacture virtually all consumer DRAM chips produced. The DRAM is the foundation of the SO-DIMM. Producing these are so expensive and require so much infrastructure to manufacture that there is no such thing as an “off brand” here is the list of those company's.

Samsung largest
Hynix 2nd largest
Qimonda AG (Aeneon) 3rd largest
Micron (Crucial)
Elpida Memory

To make these into the SO-DIMM's we are familiar with requires assembling the module which some of the DRAM manufacturer's do, but many others do this as well, many names which you are likely even more familiar with. While producing a PCB (printed circuit board) is less demanding than manufacturing the DRAM, it still requires expertise and infrastructure that limits low quality products on the market. Here is a list of many in no order.

Kingston Technology
G.skill
Crucial (Micron)
Corsair Memory Inc.
OCZ Technology
Transcend
A-Data
Aeneon (Qimonda AG)
All Components Inc.
APIDA
Buffalo Technology
Centon
GeIL
Kingmax
Lenovo
Mushkin
Patriot Memory
PNY Technologies
PQI
Simple Tech
SUPER TALENT
TwinMOS
Wintec Industries

My opinion is because of the resources required to produce the sticks of RAM we buy there is realistically no such thing as non-brand name. The important thing to do is get a lifetime warranty from the seller or manufacturer which is standard now so should not be an issue. If it is you should purchase elsewhere.

A lingering question many might have is, what about performance? Good question. My answer is RAM performs as rated or it does not. You can not stop some one from placing a fake sticker on a stick of RAM. That is old fashioned fraud. That aside there are many applications for free you can use to confirm you did get what you paid for. CPU-Z is a good one but by no means the only. The specifications for the standards of RAM and also all IC's (integrated circuits) is JEDEC. RAM has a tendency to either work or not so wondering if it is working correctly should not be a great concern as long as you have confirmed it is the correct size and speed as well as latency. If it works and all three of those are the same there is absolutely no difference between RAM of any brand name, it is telling you what it can do.

Finally, why do they sell RAM that is for example; “gold”, “Titanium” and “extreme performance”, Those, to some level have been tested to perform beyond the standards and specifications of the JEDEC standards. You ask, well shouldn't I buy that? If you overclock and want to do this then you should already know more than this Guide is meant to teach you. But I will make clear that for the rest of us, do not confuse these “enthusiast” level SO-DIMM's with greater durability when operating in the specified standards, and add to that your lifetime warranty, it is not worth the extra money unless you have a reason. They will not perform any better unless you are tweaking.


Thought I would see if I could put a guide together. Let me have it. I will change to make better if anyone gives me input. After writing I think the name might be confusing. I could of explained things like; 5300/5400, 6400 but people ask which brand is better so often. Like what is better Kingston or Crucial. I do not think it matters especially between those two or any for that matter.

 

If there are any substantial differences in power consumption between RAM (A) and RAM (B) it would be nice to have that info as well.

 

Just general info, not really a buying guide?

 

There's already a thread tracking the best deals on RAM. Conveniently named Hot RAM Deals.

 

I hope this is work in progress and can be expanded to cover the buying questions which frequently come up. eg:

1. Almost all modern notebooks use 200-pin DDR2 SODIMM.

2. The difference between PC4300, PC5300 and PC6400.

3. Is PC6400 RAM worth getting?

4. Is dual channel worth having (covered in another thread which can be linked here).

5. How much RAM can be added.

John

 

Shameless bump! Slow night!

 

Enjoyed your essay. Thanks for the info.

 

What's CAS latency?

 

I think it's a good guide, and the effort is appreciated.

 

Nice WIP RAM Guide.
I think adding what CAS latency is and how it works would be a vital addtion to the guide since it can be the make or break deal breaker when buying RAM in some cases.

 

Phil that is a very good Idea. I focused/had one agenda but yes I could expand. Will do thanks.