Generic or major brand memory?

[trackie23]

Does it really matter whether I get generic or a major brand of memory (corsair, crucial, mushkin, etc)? For a new PC I can either get 256MB PC2700 of a major brand or generic 512MB of PC2700 due to price differences. If there is a performance difference between generic or a major brand is it even noticable?

 

[Fencer128]

Hi,

You may - but not always - get some performance increase (the ability to run at tighter memory timings) by using brand name memory over generic. However, this would not be my prime reason for purchasing it! Generally you're much less likely to experience compatibility problems, unexplained errors, etc. by using brand name memory. Usually there's a reason why no one puts there name to generic memory!

Good luck,

Andrew

 

[ojai00]

Welcome to the forums. The main reason to get a brand name stick of RAM would be the warranty. If anything happens to it, you can always send it back. I think Crucial has a lifetime warranty. Other than that, they're basically the same.

 

[Kingofcomputer]

The price difference of generic and major brand (like Kingston Valueram or Crucial) is almost nothing now,
why still consider generic?

 

[RanDum72]

All the major brands have Lifetime warranties. Crucial, Kingston, PNY, Corsair, Centon etc...
It really doesn't make sense to go generic anymore unless the price difference is that great.

 

[Sunner]

In no particular order:

Warranty
Compatibility
Quality

 

[jeffrey]

For a new PC I would get the 256mb of branded (warrantied) memory. However, if you are buying this for a dual-channel chipset two 256mb sticks is what you would want. Hunt for the best deals and good luck.

 

[Electric Amish]

Some generics have lifetime warranties as well.

The only reason I'd get name brand over generic is if I was trying to push the memory hard. For standard usage generic should be fine.

amish

 

[CraigRT]

generic is fine by me.
i use it in 2/3 computers at home with zero problems.
the only reason i buy a good brand would be for overclocking.