Let's end this discussion now. Like any other technology component, memory is available in different levels of quality for different levels of price. I use Mushkin and Crucial and they are both excellent. Of course, perception of quality affects price as well, even if the perception is somewhat exaggerated. In many reviews, Mushkin is more overclockable (160MHz CL2 in one review), but for the current prices, Crucial looks very nice. As for Asians in a basement, sh!t if I care who picks the chips for my ram. As long as the stick performs I could care less. Technology doesn't concern itself with race.