Adding RAM to laptop, need help.

[slapkey]

Hey,
Although it doesn't seem to be all that complicated, I've been kind of wary to upgrade my RAM on my laptop because I wasn't absolutely sure I was buying the correct type.
I saw a couple of threads on RAM deals over in the Hot Deals section of these forums, and so I wanted to start looking around for myself.

I have a Dell Inspiron 9300, with 1GB of memory currently (2x512 sticks).
I'm looking to get 2x1GB sticks to have a total of 2GB.

When I looked around a while ago, I had been recommend PC4200, but then told that other types were compatible as well.

Any helpful advice? Is PC-4200 the best fit, or are there faster options?

 

[aCynic2]

What does dell have to say? Doesn't your service id grant you access to upgrade info?

I know you don't want to buy from them, I didn't when I upped the ram on my INSP8100, but there might be some technical info useful to you.

 

[slapkey]

Yea, the dell website is where I got the PC2-4200 information, but as I didn't want to buy it from them (at a little over $100 a stick), I was trying to determine if that was my only option, as I had seen other types come up as "compatible" at different websites...and was wary about that info.

 

[JimiP]

Do you know if your memory uses the 200-pin interface or the 214-pin interface? PC-4200 memory comes in both.

Here is some pretty good 200-pin memory, (2GB 1x1GB PC-4200) from G.Skill. G.Skill PC-4200 200-pin 2GB

 

[tcsenter]

Qimonda (formerly Infineon) Original DDR2-667 1GB SODIMM - $38.11 plus shipping

Should work with any Intel-based notebook accepting PC2-4200. The memory frequency likely will not operate any higher than it is already. But PC2-4200 (DDR2-533) is not any cheaper so might as well go with the higher rated modules.

 

[slapkey]

I'll check how many pins, I believe Dell's site mentioned that, but I didn't know that varied among the same type (like pc-4200).

thanks for the help guys!

 

[tcsenter]

Inspiron 9300 requires 200-pin SODIMMs (DDR2).

214-pin is a MicroDIMM or Micro SODIMM. Dell doesn't use this memory in any laptops I'm aware of. Very, very, very few laptops exist that use the 214-pin type.

 

[slapkey]

^^ confirmed that the memory in my laptop has to be 200 pin.
Again, much thanks..I may be making a purchase in the next couple days