memory upgrade

I forgot the new memory I have been 0ffered also has
PC2-5300s, as part of its describtion

Question: What comes after A100 in your model number? According to , the A100-ST1042 and ST8211 both are limited to DDR2-PC24200, the rest will accept (and be able to benefit from) DDR2-PC25300 RAM.

While you may be able to use 5300 RAM, it will only operate at 4200 speeds.

I would warn anyone about eBay's notoriety for questionable deals, especially for something as important as system RAM. This is one category that you don't want to pinch pennies...most times there will be a cheaper price and a known quality brand like Kingston, Corsair, etc. at , and the performance will be noticeably better than generic stuff. Crucial is a known top brand too, while you're there see how the price compares to your eBay offerings.

I buy lots of stuff from eBay, just not system RAM.

Tony

Users helping Users...

Not trying to go cheap, just want to find a good generic ram to upgrade with.The 2-512 mem cards existing(that it came with are both different manufacturers).Should I be getting 2 x 1024 or 1 - 2GB.(max upgrade is to 2GB.Been to a few computer shops and they seem to contradict each other.Any help would be great

The label says//Toshiba Satellite A100-VA1 system unit
Model PSAAKC-VA104C

If all you can handle is 2 GB, then save the $$$ and get (2)-1GB sticks of 4200 or 5300. I would at least aspire to the level of Samsumg RAM. This RAM is only $1 more than generic:


Best of luck.

Tony

Users helping Users...

Just one more question what's the meaning or difference between 2Rx16 DDR2 & 2Rx8 DDR2

The "R" stands for ranks, or the number of memory banks on a module. So 2R means two ranks, obviously. The x8 or x16 refers to density on each module. The lower the number, generally the more compatible it will be on various motherboards particularly when running in dual-channel configurations. The higher x16 is cheaper to manufacture.

This article gets kind of technical but is a good overview:

Usually this rating only matters to you based on the number of memory sticks you are installing. Most newer motherboards have this mentioned in their manual showing you which memory slots to use and how many sticks of each kind will work.

Another good link:

~cdogg
"Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." - Einstein
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cdogg said:

The higher x16 is cheaper to manufacture.

Click to expand...

How counterintuitive is that??? I suppose it uses less material, leading to lower manufacturing costs. Excellent info, I knew the cdogg would come along and answer this question. Excellent reference too.

Tony

Users helping Users...

Thanks, I'm glad you found it useful! Guess I've just got this knack for searching...

As for x16, I'm guessing it's like the smaller CPU die size. The higher yield you can produce given the same amount of area, the cheaper each unit costs.

They call it real-estate, meaning the amount of physical space it takes for a device to perform its function(s). These days, real-estate is the most expensive item on a circuit board.


"We must fall back upon the old axiom that when all other contingencies fail, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth." - Sherlock Holmes