upgrading RAM from 2G > 4G. Basic questions

Hey folks --

I am considering upgrading my RAM from 2G to 4G and was wondering if I could get some advice from you all. I have upgraded RAM on past computers --- but each time I have to seek out advice anew b/c, in the end, I don't really know what to do.

Anyway, in the past I've used crucial.com to figure out what kind of RAM my machine needs, and it suggested the following two 4G RAM kits:

4GB kit (2GBx2), 200-pin SODIMM, DDR2 PC2-5300 memory module
CT787992

* Module Size: 4GB kit (2GBx2)
* Package: 200-pin SODIMM
* Feature: DDR2 PC2-5300
* Specs: DDR2 PC2-5300 • CL=5 • Unbuffered • NON-ECC • DDR2-667 • 1.8V • 256Meg x 64 ​

..and..

<quote>4GB kit (2GBx2), 200-pin SODIMM, DDR2 PC2-6400 memory module
CT787983

* Module Size: 4GB kit (2GBx2)
* Package: 200-pin SODIMM
* Feature: DDR2 PC2-6400
* Specs: DDR2 PC2-6400 • CL=6 • Unbuffered • NON-ECC • DDR2-800 • 1.8V • 256Meg x 64 </quote>​

..as you can see, the only difference between the two is PC2-5300 vs. PC2-6400 and the DDR2-667 vs. DDR2-800. I have no idea what these numbers mean --- and would assume the 6400/800 is "better." However, both RAM kits sell for the same price... so..

I've looked through the forums for specific advice, and came up w/ a few guides about manufacturers of RAM (crucial seems to be ok, per this board). You can see my current specs in my signature --- any and all advice given will be very appreciated, thanks!!

 

Well, normally faster RAM = better performance.

But: We don't know what the front side bus on your mainboard is - i.e. faster RAM is useless when it isn't supporte and has to downclock - now, in your case it costs the same..

CL x (where x is a number) is latency.. don't ask me what it is and how it works - I stumbled across that on a gaming thread (even though I don't game) here on NBR.

Find out how much your mainboard will support.
And have a look at what you can find about latency - I shall have a look too.

Edit:
I had a look here... http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1558,1637834,00.asp and didn't understad anything...

But unless you need every "inch" of performane...I doubt it'll matter...

 

go with the ddr2 5300(667) that is the highest it supports without down clocking b/c you have the gm965 chipset.

 

Just keep the 667mhz RAM, I doubt there will be any noticeable increase in performance. My recommendation:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231135

$35 w/ free shipping. Good reviews.

 

if they can be bought at same price get the 800mhz cuz it will downclock accordingly to ur mobo fsb and if in the future, u by chance have another laptop that uses similar RAM but can handle 800mhz, then u can take it outta of your current laptop and put it in the new one. there is no harm done by buying pc6400 (ddr2-800mhz) if the price point is the same.

 

Thanks for the tips!

 

To find out the PC# use an multiplier of 8 * FSB of your CPU. For example the FSB is 800 then you will need PC-6400, FSB is 667 use PC-5300. Also watch out for PC2 and PC3, the PC3 is for DDR3 which will not fit most older NB's. PC3 is 204 pins instead of 200 pin and will not physically fit. Hope this helps.