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RAM for m9750 - still confused

post #1 of 19
6/24/07 at 4:58pm
Thread Starter 
Ok, I've read the various threads on this and I'm still a little confused, so I'm asking for some advice.

I'm (soon to be) the proud owner of a m9750 and want to upgrade the RAM first thing.

Should I go with the slower, but more RAM configuration... i.e. 4 GB (2x2GB) DDR2 667 CL5 (PC2 5300)

or...

the (I think) faster RAM, but less of it... i.e 2GB (2x1GB) DD2 533 CL4 (PC2 4200)

Yes I know, I won't be able to get the full use of 4GB out of the RAM, but I'll be able to at least get roughly 3GB and would be in a better position for the future when I could make full use of it.

I'll be running Windows Vista Home Premium for the time being (with no immediate plans on upgrading to the 64-bit version, at least not until it is stable and backwards compatible)

Oh, and I'll be running one 7950GTX for the time being, but plan on upgrading to SLI down the road, probably when the dx10 cards become available.

Lastly, does the brand of RAM really matter? Or is it just so long as the 2 sticks are from the same manufacturer?

Thanks for the input!
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post #2 of 19
6/24/07 at 6:12pm
Vista can use 4G of memory.

The 533 memory is slower than the 667 memory, these numbers are the MHz the memory runs. The CL is "cas latency" which has to do with one process of the memory itself, but the CL 5 will likely be more stable than the CL4, and less expensive... You should do a google search for memory speeds and cas latency to figure it all out.

Memory brands won't matter if you get good sticks of memory, but you're more likely to get stable memory from more reputable companies as they have better manufacturing and testing techniques before they ship.
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post #3 of 19
6/24/07 at 10:43pm
Go for cheapest RAM on the Alienware Configurator and purchase the RAM that you want etail...(you'll have RAM purchased from Alienware w/machine in the drawer for troubleshooting etc. in the future)...just my two pennys.



Zoid
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post #4 of 19
6/25/07 at 10:14am
Thread Starter 
Thanks HH... So, from your experiences, any of these brands any better than the other?

Patriot, Transcend, Corsair, PNY Optima?

I was thinking about GeIl of GSkill, but I'm worried that the heat spreader won't work or won't fit in the m9750.
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post #5 of 19
6/25/07 at 3:03pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by burgundian View Post
Thanks HH... So, from your experiences, any of these brands any better than the other?

Patriot, Transcend, Corsair, PNY Optima?

I was thinking about GeIl of GSkill, but I'm worried that the heat spreader won't work or won't fit in the m9750.

I know AW has used Corsair and Patriot memory... Not sure what they're putting in the m9750.
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post #6 of 19
6/25/07 at 3:05pm
i've used Geil in my 5750 (pc 5400 667mHz) and it works fine...should work fine in the 9750 as well...
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post #7 of 19
6/25/07 at 9:29pm
Thread Starter 
So, does the heat spreader make any noticable impact?
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post #8 of 19
6/26/07 at 8:16pm
You can take the heat speaders off the RAM to make it fit in the m9750 if it wont fit...
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post #9 of 19
6/26/07 at 10:16pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks. I just ordered the Geil RAM off of Newegg... 4 GB for $200 after rebate!!!
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post #10 of 19
7/2/07 at 2:00pm
Anyone got suggestions for a complete moron in regards to RAM and such? =( I'm hoping for 2 gigs, but if I can find a 2-gig stick at a reasonable price, I'd take that (put it in alongside one of my 512s probably). I have a stick of ram marked on NewEgg that'll cost me around $36 for one (1 gig stick). I'll have to post the link to it when I get to my home computer. At work right now >__>
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post #11 of 19
7/2/07 at 3:31pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by GeopAg View Post
Anyone got suggestions for a complete moron in regards to RAM and such? =( I'm hoping for 2 gigs, but if I can find a 2-gig stick at a reasonable price, I'd take that (put it in alongside one of my 512s probably). I have a stick of ram marked on NewEgg that'll cost me around $36 for one (1 gig stick). I'll have to post the link to it when I get to my home computer. At work right now >__>
Is this RAM for a notebook or a desktop? Since you talk about putting more RAM "alongside" your old, I'm assuming you have a dual channel system. Therefore, if 2 gigs of RAM total is your goal, you'll probably want two 1 gig modules. Matching the brand is unimportant, but match the size (ie. 512mb) and speed (ie. Pc3200). A good site for RAM "morons" (j/k) looking to upgrade is http://www.crucial.com. Using their memory advisor tool, put in your make, model etc. and it will direct you to the memory you need and tell you the most RAM your system can handle. Even if you don't buy the memory from crucial, you'll know what you need.
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post #12 of 19
7/2/07 at 3:34pm
It's for an Alienware m9750, sorry. Forgot to mention.
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post #13 of 19
7/3/07 at 5:07pm
Hey is GeIL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 200-Pin DDR2 SO-DIMM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Dual Channel Kit Notebook Memory - Retail a good RAM to place in the m9750.. or should i put another company of RAM
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post #14 of 19
7/4/07 at 9:47am
Geil is good, just don't ever use Patriot. There's a plethora of posts on NBF about problems with that brand. I personally have Kingston, PNG and Samsung in my laptops. All of them have never been an issue..
a good eTailer to find RAM is clubit.com
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post #15 of 19
7/4/07 at 2:48pm
I have used Crucial RAM myself. I have been happy with it and have not had any problems.
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post #16 of 19
7/5/07 at 10:27pm
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231069 Any complaints with purchasing this RAM? If so, got a recommended alternative?
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post #17 of 19
7/5/07 at 11:11pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by GeopAg View Post
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231069 Any complaints with purchasing this RAM? If so, got a recommended alternative?


Can't directly answer your question, as I don't have the 9750. But I do use this ram (the 2x1 gig set for 89 bucks) in my little 14" asus laptop. Detected right away and has been workin perfect since I bought the machine. For the money it is a nice 2 gig set of ram that does work as advertised (at least in my case). I would recommend it.
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post #18 of 19
7/5/07 at 11:13pm
So I assume that it should be compatible, at least? =o I dunno if I have all the technical stuff down right or not. Plus, I've never heard of the brand before (not that I'm a RAM-guru or anything of the sort).
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post #19 of 19
7/5/07 at 11:24pm
Well in theory it should be compatible with the 9750. It is the correct ram for that model. That said unless AW has tested that ram with that system it may or may not work (highly likely that it will though). I would guess it to work just fine but sometimes certain motherboards can be real picky about what brand of memory you use. Also may want to call AW and ask them at what voltage their memory runs at. Some can be higher or lower, which could cause a problem. I'm running the memory in a c2d laptop like this one with the 7200 merom. I can't say for sure it will work but my best guess is you would be just fine. One way to find out, you can most likely return the memory if you have an issue with it (depending on where you buy from).
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