Upgrading RAM question

[brownsfan019 17]

I am planning to upgrade the RAM on a laptop that I recently purchased. The question I have is - is it better to keep all the RAM sticks identical (manufacturer, make, model) or does it not matter?

 

The current setup is that there is a 1 gig stick and 1 available slot for additional RAM. The max it can handle is 2 gig. The current stick is some off-brand that you normally find in prebuilt computers.

 

Since the cost of new RAM is not expensive, using 2 identical sticks is not a problem. But, if there's no difference, then I'll just buy 1 stick.

 

Let me know computer guru's!

Thanks!

 

If it helps, here's a link to the type of RAM that I need: CT12864AC53E - 1GB, 200-pin SODIMM , DDR2 PC2-4200 from Crucial.com

[TinGull 10]

It really shouldn't matter a whole ton to get from different manufacturers. I tend to get from the same...just cause I get that way about my gear...but I dont think it would matter.

[Guest cooter]

It really shouldn't matter a whole ton to get from different manufacturers...

 

It shouldn't but it often does. I think Crucial has a RAM compatibility checker on its site, so you might want to use that first before buying another stick.

 

Memory upgrades from Crucial.com - Determine My Memory Needs

[brownsfan019 17]

It shouldn't but it often does. I think Crucial has a RAM compatibility checker on its site, so you might want to use that first before buying another stick.

 

Memory upgrades from Crucial.com - Determine My Memory Needs

 

Cooter - that's what I used to find the initial link I posted, but not sure if that utility just checks to see the spec's of the RAM you need or if it looks for compatibility as well.

[Soultrader 12]

Brownsfan, here is a site where I buy my RAM from. Great store: Memory-Up.com

 

Although you shouldnt have a problem using different brands, I tend to stick with the same brand for my RAM and video cards.

[nickm001 10]

it is always better to buy the same memory sticks to be on a safe side.. especially if your mobo is dual channel.. it will only work if sticks are identical.

[Kiwi 16]

Buy 1 G of new ram. If the machine stops working properly then buy the second G of the new ram type.

[brownsfan019 17]

I'm surprised there isn't a rule of thumb with this. I just assumed it would be either it's ok or it is not.

 

Probably will just get 2 sticks to be on the safe side.

 

Another question - I know price of RAM fluctuates, so is now a good time? I thought the price was higher a few months ago when I looked at the 1 gig stick. The one I need is currently $64.99/stick at crucial (http://www.crucial.com/store/partspecs.aspx?imodule=CT12864AC53E) and I thought that was lower than a few months ago, but could be wrong.

[TinGull 10]

RAM price is always falling, but if you keep waiting for the cheaper price you'll be always without it. If the RAM is 65 bucks for a 1gb chip...I'd get it. That's about what I paid recently for my RAM upgrade on my Mac.

[Soultrader 12]

I paid around $89 for my 1gb stick. So $65 seems cheap to me. RAM sticks are expensive in Tokyo starting from over $150 so I tend to get my hardware shipped from the US.

[Kiwi 16]

RAM varies a lot with speed as well Soul. You can get 800M+ sticks now but I wouldn't imagine a laptop could use those sorts of speeds.

 

Also, matched pairs seem to be more expensive.