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    RAM specs question

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by bossier330, Jul 8, 2009.

  1. bossier330

    bossier330 Notebook Consultant

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    So I just pre-ordered Windows 7 x64, and I'm looking around on newegg for 4GB of RAM to go with it (I currently have two 1GB DIMMs). I chose 200-pin DDR2 SO-DIMM, and I see the following "speeds" of RAM.

    DDR2 667 (PC2 5300)
    DDR2 667 (PC2 5400)
    DDR2 800 (PC2 6400)

    The 667 and the 800 are the refresh speeds of the RAM, right? If so, will I notice any difference at all between the 667 and the 800? Also, what's with the PC2 part?

    Last, there's latency. I can get 4, 5, or 6. I remember reading about latency, but will I notice any difference if I get a 4 as opposed to a 6? And what brand do y'all recommend?
     
    bossier330, Jul 8, 2009
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  2. namaiki

    namaiki "basically rocks" Super Moderator

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    PC2 - 5300 and 5400 are the same, it's just the number 5333MB/s rounded differently.

    If I recall correctly, your computer's chipset can only run RAM at 667, so if you purchase 800 MHz RAM, it will downclock and run at 667 anyways.

    For latency, a lower number is better, but don't bother if you're going to have to pay a lot more for that.
     
    namaiki, Jul 8, 2009
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  3. bossier330

    bossier330 Notebook Consultant

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    Thanks for the quick reply. What brand(s) do you recommend?
     
    bossier330, Jul 8, 2009
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  4. Commander Wolf

    Commander Wolf can i haz broadwell?

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    These days anything with a lifetime warranty should be fine. Just find the cheapest such thing that suits your specs/needs.
     
    Commander Wolf, Jul 8, 2009
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  5. moral hazard

    moral hazard Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    PC2 6400 is pretty cheap and if you're going to be overclocking the FSB then you should buy it and not the 667mhz stuff.

    If not overclocking then I agree with getting the cheapest stuff.
     
    moral hazard, Jul 8, 2009
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  6. sgogeta4

    sgogeta4 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Can the Inspiron OC?
     
    sgogeta4, Jul 8, 2009
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  7. garetjax

    garetjax NBR Freelance Reviewer NBR Reviewer

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    Prices for a SO-DIMM DDR2 4GB kit (2 x 2GB) of memory with CL4 isn't that much more expensive than similarly-spec'd CL5 memory, maybe an extra $10 or so.

    But still, you're right: latency in laptop memory is moot. There just isn't enough of a noticeable performance gain to spend the extra money on lower latency memory.

    I'd probably go with OCZ. Lifetime warranty, excellent customer service and support, overall, a superb company to buy from.
     
    garetjax, Jul 8, 2009
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  8. moral hazard

    moral hazard Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Try setfsb and clockgen, if they don't work then check the thread in my sig.
     
    moral hazard, Jul 9, 2009
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  9. NiteWalker

    NiteWalker Notebook Evangelist

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    NiteWalker, Jul 9, 2009
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  10. moral hazard

    moral hazard Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    It cost me $74 for 2x 2gb samsung 800mhz ram, so the above seems a bit much. maybe these days it's cheaper to get 800mhz ram then 667mhz.

    Edit: BTW that price included delivery.

    Look around at your local PC shops, I'm sure you will find a better deal.
     
    moral hazard, Jul 9, 2009
    #10