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    RAM upgrade on Dell Latitude E6400

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by Circus_boi, Jan 20, 2009.

  1. Circus_boi

    Circus_boi Notebook Guru

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    In anticipation of receiving the E6400 (see sig. for specs.), I am in the process of shopping for extra RAM. Can someone please advise if the correct RAM to get is as follows:

    http://www.infonec.com/site/main.php?module=detail&id=436928

    There is a similar one at the following link, for C$8.00 less. I seems to be the difference between the two is "latency timing (CL6 vs. CL5). What does that mean and which one is better?

    http://www.infonec.com/site/main.php?module=detail&id=436798

    Thanks v. much!
     
    Circus_boi, Jan 20, 2009
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  2. K-TRON

    K-TRON Hi, I'm Jimmy Diesel ^_^

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    Go for the cheaper memory. It is actually better. The lower the cas latency the better. CL5 is faster than CL6 so youre getting faster memory at a lower price.
    Go for that one.

    Only buy those if your in Canada.
    If youre in USA, you may want to look at newegg for better memory prices.

    K-TRON
     
    K-TRON, Jan 20, 2009
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  3. Circus_boi

    Circus_boi Notebook Guru

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    Thanks K-TRON. I am in Canada. On newegg.ca, I see a whole bunch of options. Are there any particular ones that are good choices? Other than Kingston and OCZ, I haven't heard of the other brands....I'm looking to get at least 2 x 2GB (maybe more, depending on prices) since I will have Vista Business 64bit which I understand can support > 4GB of RAM?

    http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Produc...052910525 1309221140&name=DDR2 800 (PC2 6400)

    I also see from the newegg page that there is an attribute called "timing" and some RAM are 5-5-5-18 and some are 5-5-5-15. Is the lower again the better?

    Your help is much appreciated!
     
    Circus_boi, Jan 20, 2009
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  4. K-TRON

    K-TRON Hi, I'm Jimmy Diesel ^_^

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    With memory timings, lower is always better. However you will notice absolutely no difference since those values are measured in nanoseconds. Their is not even a 1% difference in speed, so go with what is cheaper

    You will be able to upgrade to 4gb without any problems.
    When buying memory their is really only two things to look for, correct speed and a lifetime warranty.
    Buying kingston, corsair, crucial you name it, it doesnt make a difference. This is because these memory manufacturers use one of five brands of memory chips, (micron, qimonda, sec, hynix or elpida)
    Just go for something which is cheap, and has a lifetime warranty.
    This is a good one to go with:
    http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820134603

    K-TRON
     
    K-TRON, Jan 20, 2009
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  5. sgogeta4

    sgogeta4 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Lower is better but in reality, you will not notice a difference. Get the cheapest with the best warranty. Other reputable brands are Crucial, Corsair, G.Skill, Mushkin, Patriot. Also, try ncix.com
     
    sgogeta4, Jan 20, 2009
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  6. Euquility

    Euquility Notebook Deity

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    If the numbers are the same I would not worry, as long as you are not buying ram with awkward timings you will be fine. If you are really curious I think the numbers are

    tCAS-tRCD-tRP-tRAS

    In general just worry about the CAS latency (and only comapre it when dealing with similar RAM as in dont compare DDR3 RAM to DDR2 and say hey that RAM has latency of 7 while this has 5, it must be faster! (which it might be but probably is asbout the same))


    And you are correct Vista 64bit does support 4GB of RAM (and more)

    looking through Newegg I really like (I like Gskill and have had good experiences with them)

    http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231156

    This is also a very good deal and comes wiht a $20 USD mail in rebate (note sure if you can use it in Canada too)

    http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820146724


    [EDIT] THe Kingston seems fine too but the Mushkin might come out at a cheaper price
     
    Euquility, Jan 20, 2009
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  7. Circus_boi

    Circus_boi Notebook Guru

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    Wow, such great advice. Thanks and + rep to all!!
     
    Circus_boi, Jan 21, 2009
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