Any *disadvantage* to putting DDR3/1333MHz RAM in Z820 ?

I have a Vaio VGN-Z820G that came with 4GB (2GBx2) of DDR3/1066MHz RAM. I am thinking of upgrading to 8GB of RAM. On Newegg 8GB (4GBx2) of DDR3/1333MHz RAM is actually cheaper than 8GB of DDR3/1066MHz RAM.

First, if I buy the 1333MHz RAM, it should be compatible, right?

If I buy the 1333MHz RAM, I realize that it will only run at 1066MHz. But is there any *disadvantage* of putting the (less expensive) 1333MHz RAM in there? Is there any *advantage* (other than saving a few bucks)?

Thank you!

 

It will be compatible without any disadvantages.

 

Thank you, Trottel, for the reply. The 1333MHz RAM has a cas latency of 9. When I put it in my Z and it runs at the downclocked speed of 1066MHz, can I expect the cas latency to drop from 9 to 7 (which seems to be the standard cas latency for 1066MHz RAM)?

 

It depends on the SPD settings for the RAM.
Almost all DDR3-1333 will run at 7-7-7-[18-24] when running at DDR-1066. But the keyword being almost. Very Cheap RAM and RAM marketed towards overclockers may lack SPD settings for other than the rated speed and faster, in which case you'll get the 1333 SPD latencies, as it's the closest SPD setting available.

You'll most likely be fine, though. Just make sure you buy from somewhere with a return policy.

 

Thanks, arth1. I've read posts you've written elsewhere, and you certainly seem to be one of the very most knowledgeable guys around.

I am planning to buy 8GB of G.SKILL DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600) RAM (seen here). Since it is from G.SKILL, I imagine it will run at the timings you mentioned.

As an aside, do you know what difference (if any besides price) there would be between the following two G.SKILL 4GB sticks that are both DDR3 1333: the PC3 10600 stick seen here and the PC3 10666 stick seen here? They seem identical to me. . . .

As long as I'm going to get 8GB RAM for my Vaio Z, I'd like to get some good RAM, and I don't mind paying a bit more for quality, but I don't want to spend more money for no good reason.

Thanks again.

 

If the pictures can be trusted, take a look at the third picture for each. While the product name on the label is the same, F3-10600CL9S- 4GB, the $44.99 one's second line says DDR3- 4GB and teh $49.99 one says DDR3- 2GB.
I have a suspicion that the more expensive one might be a set of 2*2GB = 4GB, and not a single SO-DIMM. In which case the safer buy would be two of the cheaper one.

 

Wow, that's a great catch. If the pictures can be trusted, what you point out is strange indeed.

I was mostly just wondering if there is any appreciable difference between PC3 10 600 and PC3 10 666 since I cannot discern one (other than price). At any rate, I've got to think that even if there were an difference, it wouldn't amount to anything I'd be able to notice in the real world, so I think I'll just go with the less expensive PC3 10 600 sticks.

Thanks again very much for your comments.