RAM (Manuf.) - Please help me decide

I appreciate any help in advance. I've tried to do some research but have not been able to come to any firm conclusions as to what is most cost/performance effective.

I am looking to upgrade my Asus W3j to 2GB - because of how it was shipped, I actually need to buy 2 x 1GB sticks. I'm not concerned about spending a few extra dollars if either performance or reliability increases. The choices on New Egg are:

mushkin 2GB (2 x 1GB) 200-Pin DDR2 SO-DIMM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Dual Channel Kit Notebook Memory Model 991505 - Retail
Buffered/Registered: Unbuffered
Cas Latency: 5
ECC: No
Heat Spreader: No
Labor: Lifetime
Parts: Lifetime
Timing: 5-5-5-15
Voltage: 1.8V - 1.9V

Model #: 991505
Item #: N82E16820146125
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
In Stock
$25.00 Mail-In Rebate
3 Business Day Shipping $4.99
[7 Reviews]
Move To Wish List
$204.99
($179.99 after $25.00 Mail-In Rebate)

CORSAIR ValueSelect 2GB (2 x 1GB) 200-Pin DDR2 SO-DIMM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Dual Channel Kit Notebook Memory Model VS2GSDSKIT667D2 - Retail

Buffered/Registered: Unbuffered
Cas Latency: 5
ECC: No
Heat Spreader: No
Labor: Lifetime
Parts: Lifetime

Model #: VS2GSDSKIT667D2
Item #: N82E16820145157
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
In Stock
3 Business Day Shipping $4.99
[19 Reviews]
Move To Wish List
$169.99

G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 200-Pin DDR2 SO-DIMM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Dual Channel Kit Notebook Memory Model F2-5300PHU2-2GBSA - Retail

Buffered/Registered: Unbuffered
Cas Latency: 5
ECC: No
Heat Spreader: No
Labor: Lifetime
Parts: Lifetime
Voltage: 1.8V

Model #: F2-5300PHU2-2GBSA
Item #: N82E16820231116
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
In Stock
3 Business Day Shipping $4.99
[1 Reviews]
Move To Wish List
$159.99

...or I can buy single sticks.

BUFFALO Select 1GB 200-Pin DDR2 SO-DIMM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Notebook Memory Model D2N667C-1G/BR - Retail

Buffered/Registered: Unbuffered
Cas Latency: 5
ECC: No
Heat Spreader: No
Labor: Lifetime
Parts: Lifetime
Voltage: 1.8V - 2.0V

Model #: D2N667C-1G/BR
Item #: N82E16820150063
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
In Stock
$20.00 Mail-In Rebate
3 Business Day Shipping $4.99
[40 Reviews]
Move To Wish List
$97.99
($77.99 after $20.00 Mail-In Rebate)

Patriot 1GB 200-Pin DDR2 SO-DIMM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Notebook Memory Model PSD21G6672S - Retail

Buffered/Registered: Unbuffered
Cas Latency: 5
ECC: No
Heat Spreader: No
Labor: Lifetime
Parts: Lifetime
Voltage: 1.8V

Model #: PSD21G6672S
Item #: N82E16820220078
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
In Stock
$20.00 Mail-In Rebate
3 Business Day Shipping $4.99
[158 Reviews]
Move To Wish List
$89.99
($69.99 after $20.00 Mail-In Rebate)

 

I'd get the Corsair. I'm not sure about the other brands.

 

Unless you plan to overclock the memory, there is generally very little difference in quality for normal perfomance between these brands. As mentioned, corsair is recognised as being one of the best.

 

What About Kingston memory?

It's all I've used in both desktop's and notebooks, and I've never had a problem with it.

HTH

-ThChad

 

I'd get the Patriot. If you read my review on newegg, my handle was "Samster Liu," I bought 2 GB, 2 sticks, for my X60 and I yet to have problems. Plus, it is on sale.

 

I'd go with the Corsair RAM. Its defintely the best RAM there, and the most reputable company

 

There is something to be considered also. Corsair is well known for their High End Ram. But the "Value Ram” is not what their known for.

I am not saying that it is not still good quality. But from many User reviews I read on various websites, Allot of people said that when running benchmark utilities, that the Corsair Value Ram variety was "Slow", "Sluggish"

With that said, software benchmark tools are not always reliable, and there are allot of variables that will change performance.

I say, As long as you stick to a major brand of RAM, on the Value level, they are all pretty much the same.


-TheChad

 

There is always Crucial too.

 

I agree. Kingston is also a reputable maker of RAM.

 

I got another GB of 667mhz Kingston memory 1 hour ago. Works very well so far. Played Battlefield 2142, no more loading pauses

 

I would probably sway away from Corsair right now as TheChad said. Another thing is that they are having quality control issues with their XMS2 series right now, and although it is not related to the value RAM, I would just stay away granted there are numerous other choices.

 

Anyone Know if PNY Optima Memory Is any good?

I got a Raincheck from BestBuy last week when they had it on sale for $89 for 1GB DDR2 5300.

I am debating if I should get them, or get the Kingston 1GB DDR2 5300 at Circuitcity for $99.

Thanks,

-TheChad

 

Corsair among your choices.... but if i were you i'll go for kingston!

 

Is transcend memory any good?

I am looking at Transcend DDR2 PC5300 1gb SODIMM - $69.99 OR Kingston DDR2 PC5300 1gb SODIMM - $83.00.

Both have a CAS:4

Thanks,

-TheChad

 

The cheaper the better as long its branded (not generic or unknown). lol

Transcend is fine and cheap too.

 

My Corsair Value-Select RAM works great, and was inexpensive compared to Kingston/other choices.

You should see if you can get RAM with a lower CAS rating and timings for gaming.

 

I ordered a G.Skill 1gb pc5300 stick from Newegg last week for 70...You didn't list it in the original post so I guess it's no longer at that price? From what I've heard G.Skill isn't a bad company (particularly good in the OC'ing direction). I'll be getting it tomorrow and can tell you how it runs if you want.

 

you cannot overclock notebook ram.

The cheaper the better. Most of it is made by the same companies anyway.

If you invest in a brand name possibly you are getting more reliability or fewer initial defects
But I dont know that to be true. Asus uses a lot of ram brands, normally they use the odm hynix but mine came with 1 gb of a brand called jet. I put in 1 gb of ocz and when i look at them closely they look like they were made in the same factory to me down to the ink used.

 

Thanks all - really appreciate the responses. Let me look for the most cost effective w/ the lowest CAS rating.

 

Ditto. The Patriot has served me well for over five or so months now (in sig).

 

Just saw this on Dell:

PNY - 1GB PC2-5300 667MHz DDR2 Notebook SODIMM
Part No. N1GX53OPT

I have a Dell gift card that I wouldn't mind using, but I can't find the CAS rating anywhere, so that has me worried.

 

Yeah, You wont find the CAS for that Chip!

I spend hours looking over the internet, and It is no where.

BestBuy Had that same chip on sale last week, But I didn't buy it.

I have never seen CAS higher than 5 for the DDR2 667MHz chips, so I'd bet money is a CAS 5.

From all my research, All the Chips that are DDR2 5300's are all CAS4, or CAS5. I don't know the specs, but I can only imagine the CAS4 vs CAS5 is a difference of milliseconds.

-TheChad