Upgrading RAM on laptop

baby_frogmella

Hello Folks

I'm want to upgrade the RAM on my newly arrived Sony notebook (VGN-FZ31S) to 4GB but Crucial UK is giving me 2 options:

OPTION 1
4GB kit (2GBx2), 200-pin SODIMM, DDR2 PC2-5300 memory module
# Module Size: 4GB kit (2GBx2)
# Package: 200-pin SODIMM
# Feature: DDR2 PC2-5300
# Specs: DDR2 PC2-5300 • CL=5 • Unbuffered • NON-ECC • DDR2-667 • 1.8V • 256Meg x 64 •
PRICE: £58.74

OPTION 2
4GB kit (2GBx2), 200-pin SODIMM, DDR2 PC2-6400 memory module
# Module Size: 4GB kit (2GBx2)
# Package: 200-pin SODIMM
# Feature: DDR2 PC2-6400
# Specs: DDR2 PC2-6400 • CL=6 • Unbuffered • NON-ECC • DDR2-800 • 1.8V • 256Meg x 64 •
PRICE: £65.79

Is DDR PC2-6400 likely to be significantly better than PC2-5300? Is the £7 price difference worth paying? I will be using Vista 64 bit so should be able to see >3GB RAM.

Thanks:)

trcooke

Tricky one there. Assuming that you're adding new memory to existing memory then you'd need to find out what speed / type your existing memory is and buy the same to add to it.

If you're upgrading by way of replacing the existing memory then the choice it yours. The PC2-6400 is faster so, in theory at least, your machine will run faster and on that basis would be my choice.

To find out the type you currently have I think the easiest way to find out is to open up the case and have a look at it. There's most likely a mfr sticker on them telling you what they are.

fwor

You'll need to check the precise spec with Sony, but I think that the maximum clock rate that model will support is DDR2-667, in which case the higher spec should work, but would be a waste of money.

Also note that the supposedly higher spec module has a higher CAS latency, which to a certain extent would negate the effect of the higher clock rate.

baby_frogmella

trcooke wrote: »

Tricky one there. Assuming that you're adding new memory to existing memory then you'd need to find out what speed / type your existing memory is and buy the same to add to it.

If you're upgrading by way of replacing the existing memory then the choice it yours. The PC2-6400 is faster so, in theory at least, your machine will run faster and on that basis would be my choice.

To find out the type you currently have I think the easiest way to find out is to open up the case and have a look at it. There's most likely a mfr sticker on them telling you what they are.

The existing memory (2 x 1GB) is same spec as option 1 but i will be taking that out and replacing it with 2 x 2GB modules. I think i will go with PC2-6400, if it doesn't work i'll get a refund from Crucial anyway. Thanks for your help!

trcooke

fwor, you are quite right. This laptop uses DDR2-667 so buying the more expensive DDR2-800 memory will reap you no performance rewards.

Go for Option 1


http://vaio.sony.co.uk/view/ShowProduct.action?product=VGN-FZ31S&site=voe_en_GB_cons&category=VN+FZ+Series

Look for "Memory Speed (MHz)"

fwor

baby_frogmella wrote: »

The existing memory (2 x 1GB) is same spec as option 1

That is a good indication that PC2-5300 is the highest clock speed the board will support, and anything higher spec would be a waste of your cash.

Another thing to consider is that if you buy PC2-6400 and it is clocked by the board at PC2-5300 and it runs with CL=6 then you would get ~worse~ performance (lower CL is better).

However, having said that, with most DDR memory the CL gets better as you reduce clock speed, so in reality you'll probably just spend more money and get the same performance anyway.

[Edit: just saw trcooke's link - it's bad that Sony can't get their specs right, in that 667 is not quoted in MHz, but anyway, the link seems to confirm that option 1 would be best for you).

Idiophreak

Unless you're heavily into benchmarking or otherwise using your laptop to boost your ego, I don't think it's worth the extra £7 - I'd be shocked if you noticed a difference.

baby_frogmella

Thanks guys, looks like PC2-5300 is the way to go. However i have just found it cheaper at play.com
http://www.play.com/PC/PCs/4-/3477790/Laptop-Memory-2GB-PC5300-DDR2-200pin-SODIMM/Product.html

Its £50 for 2 x 2GB but is this likely to be as good Crucial's?
EDIT: On play.com version, it has CL=4 so should be better than Crucial's CL=5 right?

Thanks

Idiophreak

It's generally better to buy a kit of two sticks, rather than two individually.

I'd feel happier with named memory, although I'm sure the play stuff is fine.

fwor

baby_frogmella wrote: »

On play.com version, it has CL=4 so should be better than Crucial's CL=5 right?

It's difficult to know for sure without knowing the full spec (e.g. 5, 5, 5, 15 versus 4,4,4,12) but it will probably be marginally faster - assuming the laptop can be set to (or can automatically) exploit the lower CL.

spud17

I recently bought from Play.com 1Gb DDR2 PC5300 for a laptop.

When it turned up 36hrs after ordering it turned out to be Samsung, although there was no mention of this on the Play site.

So it could be as good as Crucials.