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    Totally mystified about memory

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by rsm5063, Apr 12, 2005.

  1. rsm5063

    rsm5063 Newbie

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    Just bought my 1st laptop (Compaq V2205US) for use as an extra computer. I've had many desktops and thought I was pretty well versed 'under the hood'. Well, trying to upgrade my notebook's memory (it has 2 256MB PC2700 chips). So, I go to bestbuy.com just to check prices on 512's and I find Kingston's at $199.99 and K-Byte at $89.99 and a bunch in between!

    How the heck does one make an informed decision??? I'd hate to spend $110 more than I have to, but want decent quality.

    Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

    Thanks
     
    rsm5063, Apr 12, 2005
    #1
  2. qwester

    qwester Notebook Virtuoso

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    buy online!

    Kingston @ $90: http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=20-172-106&depa=0

    Personally I prefer Corsair, lower latency ([EDIT]: sorry same latency) and cheaper @ $79: http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-145-484&depa=0

    Or if you want to go above and beyond and spend a bit more, Corsair XMS with even lower latency @ $130: http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=20-145-542&depa=0
    This is still cheaper than Kingston @ Best Buy and way better!

    If you are familliar with under the hood of desktops I think you know of Corsair and specifically their XMS line is considered one of the best.

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    N6010: P4M 3.2G, 512MB Dual 333MHz, 60GB 7200RPM, ATI 9700M, 17" WXGA+
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    qwester, Apr 12, 2005
    #2
  3. rsm5063

    rsm5063 Newbie

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    Thanks for the advice...just ordered two of the 512MB $79 Corsairs from these guys. Sure beats going to BestBuy and paying more for each and sales tax, too.
     
    rsm5063, Apr 12, 2005
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  4. ricola_pak

    ricola_pak Notebook Guru

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    May I ask what lower latency does?


    Also, I am looking to buy RAM for my IBM T42, is Kingston RAM guaranteed to work?
     
    ricola_pak, Apr 17, 2005
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  5. Plagueth

    Plagueth Notebook Enthusiast

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    Lower latency RAM is better for gamers, but if you are doing normal use like web surfing, then there is no point of getting it.

    It is faster than normal RAM
    _____________________
    IBM Thinkpad T42
    Dell Inspiron 4000
    Dell Latitude C610
    Sony Vaio S
    AST Ascentia A Series
    Toshiba Tecra
     
    Plagueth, Apr 20, 2005
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  6. qwester

    qwester Notebook Virtuoso

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    Latency affects overall performance not just gaming. It increases the total memory bandwidth you can get out of the same speed ram.

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    N6010: P4M 3.2G, 512MB Dual 333MHz, 60GB 7200RPM, ATI 9700M, 17" WXGA+
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    qwester, Apr 20, 2005
    #6