Upgrading memory on old laptop--does brand matter?

Sorry to add yet another thread on RAM upgrades, but I want to be sure I get this right...

I've decided to upgrade the memory on my 5-year-old Gateway 450ROG from 512 MB to 1GB. I've been shopping online for 2 512 MB sticks of PC2700 DDR RAM, and was wondering whether there's any real performance difference between the top-brand (Kingston, Corsair, Crucial, etc.) and the generic ones. I've heard they all tend to perform the same, but what about reliability, longevity, etc? I want this dinosaur to last me at least 2 more years!

-cej

 

you might want 2 1GB sticks
or a 1GB stick and that 256mb stick.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231141 $36 (i have this module in my dell inspiron 8600 along with the 256mb stick)

or 512MB:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145502 $23

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231037 $18 (a lot of bad reviews from people buying incompatible memory)

i personally prefer a reputable brand over generic due to the fact that its better quality in terms or reliability, pcb, etc.

 

Most people agree that brand doesnt matter. Although, i prefer a name brand, like crucial, OCZ, kingston.

mainly, look for a lifetime warranty.

 

Thanks for your reply. I ran a Crucial Scan on my computer and it said that 512 MB modules are the biggest my computer can handle. Is this not the case? I just checked the specs for the Gateway 450ROG and it says it uses the Intel 855PM chipset and has a maximum system memory of 1GB. So would this laptop recognize 2GB?

 

I never cared about a brand for RAM, and had no problems. Just make sure you check your RAM for suffiently long time with the test program memtest86+ (on live cd or floppy).

 

I've ran the Crucial scan on a few computers that said only 2x512 yet I popped in 1Gb modules and never has a prob. But it's trial and error. You don't wanna pay all that money and it not work so you may want to play it safe. I use generic mostly, form eBay cause most still come with warranty. But Kingston, Crucial, A-Data are all good.

 

you're welcome.
well according to a few sources, 2GB is the most system memory it can handle, due to the 855PM chipset. my dell inspiron 8600 can handle 2GB of memory, as it can show 1.25gb. So for 2 more years of use I would suggest either 1.25GB by buying 1 1GB module or getting 2 1GB modules.
that GSkill deal for $36 is probably the best your gonna get for a name brand reputable memory stick at 1GB. it also has a lifetime warranty. just make sure you have the latest BIOS and drivers.

 

Thanks for all your advice, this forum is awesome! I think I'll go with the 1 GB GSkill deal on Newegg, as it's even cheaper than most of the generic sticks for sale on ebay. That should keep XP sailing on my Gateway until it's time to buy a new laptop

 

GSkill is a perfectly decent brand. I've bought their RAM on several occasions and never had any issues.

 

youre welcome
hopefully you come back soon