Question on Memory Quality

[ZrO-1]

Well for one thing, it's PC 133 RAM. Almost all of the newer systems are using PC 266 (DDR) RAM. So unless you are on an older system that doesn't use DDR I wouldn't get it. For one thing if you did put 133 RAM into a DDR system, ALL of the memory (and I think the FSB) would be clocked down to 133. So unless you have a system that uses 133 RAM don't get it. If you do my personal opinion is that you get what you pay for. Generic memory (IMO) isn't worth the silicon it's made of. I wouldn't put in my system if I wass paid to (unless it was enough $ to buy good RAM instead).

[windarr]

My system is not that new, 133 is the clock limit for memory, so yeah I would be looking at that kind of memory for the system. So you think Generic would be a really bad idea...but why? I mean shouldn't it be made to the same specifications as everything else? I'm just wondering if anyone has any basis for their dislike of Generic, or if they just go with what they hear? I mean in most cases for other products generic is just as good as the brand name except the company producing it doesn't spend as much money on advertising. So is this the same case or is there a real solid reason to be distrustfull of generic memory?

Thanks.

[ZrO-1]

Here's my one experiance with generic memory:

I bought a 256MB stick of RAM from CompUSA, it was the "CompUSA" brand (basically generic stuff). When I put it in my mobo my system wouldn't even boot with it in the #1 slot, and when I moved it I could boot and my BIOS detected that it was there, but when I checked in Windows it wasn't shown in the hardware config window but the OS was using the RAM in other things. While I had the stick of memory in my mobo I couldn't go 1 hour without a BSOD (blue screen of death) and it was always related to a read/write error to/from memory. So I ended taking it out and my system went back to normal. That is why I say Fu*k generic.

[Tellerve]

I would agree, stay away from bad (see generic) ram. The reason being is that if you can get it up and running which may very well happen, lots of times it can cause annoying problems later on that are hard to troubleshoot. Random memory errors, freezes, computer looking at you funny, etc.. I, personnally, feel it is one of those things you should just invest a bit more money in for the whole "peace of mind" thing.

Tellerve

[underdog]

That's not to say that the higher priced "quality" stuff can't fail. The only stick of ram I've had go bad on me was a 512mb stick of Crucial, which is supposed to be decent stuff. On the other hand my older computer has a lot of cheaper pny ram I bought on sale at Best Buy. It's been running for over a year with that ram with no problems.

Some times you luck out I guess.

[windarr]

Ok guys, thanks. I'll definitely skip on the generic then. I'm still a little confused how they can get away with selling crap though. But I guess if people buy it they keep getting by. Anyways...so if I need to go namebrand what would you say are good reliable name brands?

Thanks.:)

[ZrO-1]

Crucial, Corsair, Samsung, Kingston, Micron.
All these are good.

[windarr]

Cool, thanks. Anyone else have any they like?

[windarr]

How about PNY? Has anybody had problems with PNY? Or is it also a good brand?

Thanks.

[windarr]

Anybody know about PNY? Still looking for an answer please.

[dvornik]

Mushkin is one of the best. Good customer service. Not cheap, though. Try their memory test, too.

[H2600]

I had a similar problem with generic brands:

I too was lured by the tempting price of a 128MB stick at CompUSA, upon installing it my computer became unstable and eventually it got so bad that I could barely boot without it crashing on me. Unfortounately for me :( I didn't realize that the ram was causing the problems and I reformatted and reinstalled windows. When I finally realized that the ram was the problem, I returned it to compusa for some better stuff, but that was also causing errors. I think the kind I have in there now is PNY and it seems to be working pretty well, I've had a stable computer running for about 8 months now with a "best uptime record" of 3 weeks and 5 days before a reboot. So yes, stay away from generic, shell out a little more money for the brand-name stuff and you will be rewarded.

[windarr]

Well I had wanted to get a 512 MB stick. But I ended up getting a stick of 256 MB of PNY. I've had it installed for a few days without any problems, but I just wanted to thank everyone for their opinion, I was probably going to get a generic stick if it wasn't for all of your input.

[Synthetic Form]

I'll just echo the sentiments and also suggest you stay away from generic ram. Imo, Crucial is the best. Outstanding service, great prices, great ram.

[Neil]

sorry about the late response, but PNY runs fine

[windarr]

Thanks, I was hoping someone might make that statement. Yeah, I've had the memory in my system for almost a week now, and there haven't been any problems.

I'm sure there is better memory out there, but price is an issue to, so I'm happy with my purchase.

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