SZ Memory

Just got my new (actually refurbished) SZ. It comes with two 1GB memory sticks, 2GB total. I'd like to upgrade it to 3 or 4GB.

Surprsingly, the Sony manual doesn't even say what kind of memory it takes.

I looked at the Crucial.com site, typed in model #, and it lists two different kinds that can be used: DDR2 PC2-5300, and DDR2 PC2-6400. Surprised that it can take two different types of memory modules.

What is the difference between the two types? I don't see any difference in the specs, and the price (from Crucial) is the same for either.

Which kind is better? Or, does it depend on usage?

Or--are they actually two different names for the same module?

 

Its possibly the speed of the memory.
My SZ has two 333Mhz 2GB "sticks".

There is definitely also 667MHz around...

 

AFAIK the SZ has a 800MHz FSB, but only runs RAM at 677MHz, so basically it's built for PC2-5300/5400 (677MHz) RAM. It will also work with PC2-6400 RAM (800MHz), although it will downclock it to 677MHz anyway, so unless the price is the same, it's not worth it. If the price is the same though (as is the case with newegg.com last time I checked), getting the faster RAM can't hurt, and I think it will be slightly more responsive (less latency even though it's not running at 800MHz).

 

Both of those memory sticks will work but the 6400 memory will probably downclock to 5300 667mhz memory in your laptop.

The Sony SZ7 takes standard 5300 667mhz memory. Sony must have been cutting corners to put 333mhz memory in your laptop.

Edited to add:
Lol i see that ac500 beat me to it.

 

Well, at least that's what CPU-Z claims on my German SZ7VN/X's memory:
(Made in Japan by the way)
Samsung PC2-5300 (333MHz)
...

 

You do mean 533MHz instead of 333MHz right?

 

Hmm...
I've got 3 versions of CPU-Z... I've now used 2.
They say the same:
->

 

Interesting... CPU-Z reports PC2-5300 (333 MHz) for me too (although my RAM is manufactured by Hyundai Electronics rather than Samsung).

 

Ok... so what happened?

Stranger still, type in "PC2-5300" into Google - and what do you get? RAM with a 667MHz FSB.

Even one that explains why its called 5300... (something with transfer rate at 64 Bit)

??

 

Ok i just downloaded that CPU-Z and mine reads the same and i replaced the 2GB of ram that came with my notebook with 2x2GB of Transcend ram that runs at 5300 667mhz. Maybe CPU-Z is not correct in reporting the memory or Sony did something somewhere to make the ram run at a lower bus.

I tried in stamina and speed mode using the high performance profile and it made no difference.

 

That's the sad thing - CPU-Z doesn't report on your BUS speed, I was thinking it may be limited - but then, shouldn't CPU-Z still list it under the actual "device info"???

 

I downloaded Everest and it recognised the correct memory that i have installed 667mhz.
I think with CPU-Z you are meant to X by 2 the mhz reading to get to the correct reading as the CPU-Z i think only shows a single channel reading. My CPU-Z mhz reading shows 332.5-6mhz so if i times that by 2 i will get 665.X mhz which is basically more or less the memory that i have.

 

Any difference in buying memory from a major vendor, brand name, etc., or is it all the same, so go with the lowest price?

 

I think it depends:
My Medion laptop is tunning on a company I've never heard of before (upgraded RAM) but they give you (the buyer) 5 years of warranty in the UK! (standard 1 year)

I think you don't necessarily want a "no-name" brand in the way that its the cheapest as RAM is an important part.
However, going for, for example Samsung just because they are known is a bad thing too.
The best thing to do is probably to go to a little private computer shop and ask what they have got in stock.
Or wait for a recommendation in this forum.

 

how is the g skill ram I found a really good deal on them