Notebook memory, are there really that many compatibility issues?

[bcterps]

I want to buy some memory for my Toshiba Sattellite 2805-S402, does it really matter where I buy it from as long as its a 144 pin SO-DIMM Non-parity CL2? I was going to pick up a 256 MB Corsair stick, but so many different places stock a lot of different kinds of memory depending on who your notebook manufacturer is. Are there really that many compatibility issues with notebook memory?

--Ben

 

[TexDotCom]

I worked laptop tech support for a couple of years and can tell you that there really are NOT that many compatibility issues. As long as the RAM is not defective and meets the system requirments, it should work fine. Granted, I have not used a Toshiba, but I have used an IBM, NEC, and did the support on Fujitsu notebooks. I have gotten the same results with many different brands of SODIMM. You probably need a 144 pin DIMM. Beyond that, the brand should not matter too much.

Just MHO, though.

 

[Pederv]

I work with several different types of laptops and some will take the same memory, most won't. Who manufactures your memory is your choice, but get the right part. Check what the Toshiba part number is see if your choice is compatible.

 

[Apex]

The problem comes at the 256mb level. The compatibility is great at 128mb or less. At 256mb it gets dicey. I've had memory from HP that doesn't work with dell or ibm, memory from compaq that doesn't work with hp, memory from infineon that doesn't work with hp, compaq, ibm, sony, or toshiba. Sheesh.

I'd say spend the extra few bucks and get the $76.49 Crucial 256mb SODIMM.

 

[RDMustang1]

some laptops actally use propriatary ram (almost all say they do, but only a few do).. if you have one of these then you will have to buy their ram and not a different brand.. it sucks but it's how they get more $ out of you.