RAM confusion-samsung pc2700 original vs. generic

[bobbob7]

So I'm building a system and have gotten most of the parts but am shopping on the internet for RAM and have a few questions regarding what I am trying to find (Samsung PC2700 512mb)

From what I've read in different posts there is Samsung RAM that is manufactured by Samsung and uses the chips and the modules and then there is Samsung Ram that has samsung chips on a generic module. Then there are places out there that give you samsung pc2100 chips on a module
and claim that they are giving you pc2700 because the pc2100 is overclockable.

Am I getting all of this right?

Anyway, I've been looking for RAM on the internet and am slightly confused. A search on pricewatch came up with a bunch of cheap places and one was www.knowledgemicro.com. They have these two:

D512M333SA Samsung pc2700 ddr 512 for 102 bucks
D512M333SO Samsung original pc2700 ddr 512 for 96 bucks


In the shopping cart when you buy, it lists the first one as being from "pw" so I was curious if these are exactly the same and then if you went to the site via pricewatch it charges a little more. I can't understand how one marked "Samsung original" would cost less than something else. Anyone want to clear this up for me (just don't want to order some RAM and later find out it's 2100 or samsung chips on a generic module). Thanks.

 

[bobbob7]

Also, if anyone wants to recommend a mailorder RAM place, that'd be great too. Newegg is out of stock of pc2700 512mb samsung.

 

[Achilles97]

Ya, I noticed that too. I am in the market for some Samsung (or better) DDR 2700, and I went to a site to order some. I was about to place the order when I noticed a check box at the bottom that said:

_ Check here for real 2700, not overclocked(+$20)


WTF? That's stupid. It shouldn't be advertised at 2700.

I think I'll just get some generic ram. I found some at mwave for $38 for 256m.

 

[bobbob7]

 

[bobbob7]

Thanks for the warning. I never saw the "overclock" box.. scam scam scam... (or not completely since they have the box but hey.. not everybody in the world is up on overclocking).

 

[everman]

crucial makes good ram also.

 

[chizow]

Here's what I've gathered on the Samsung RAM much of which you have already covered correctly:

Samsung Original True PC2XXX - Means it is Samsung RAM (Samsung) modules on a Samsung PCB (Original) with True rated chips based on ms and stepping. For instance, OC'd PC2700 is really just TCB0 chips that can handle PC2700 speeds, but don't expect much more than that. TCB3 chips are rated to run at PC2700 by Samsung, and have 6ms (pretty sure) modules.

The generic stuff is usually denoted differently, the key thing to keep an eye on is the actual memory chips used. I'm pretty sure all PC3200 Samsung is essentially OC'd PC2700 (the highest spec Samsung actually recognizes in adherence with JEDEC specs) with TCB3 chips.

Chiz

 

[anomaly]

Even if it is OC'd 2700, I have still seen higher FSB speeds with 3200 than 2700. It's basically what Crucial does. They just pick the best and rate them higher. The max I have seen w/ 2700 was 404mhz, and w/ 3200 it was 436mhz. This was on the same system. He just replaced the ram. Any explination?

 

[John]

Originally posted by: bobbob7
Also, if anyone wants to recommend a mailorder RAM place, that'd be great too. Newegg is out of stock of pc2700 512mb samsung.

Newegg has 512MB PC2700 Samsung Original in stock.

PNY 512MB 64x64 PC2700 DDR RAM (SAMSUNG ORIGINAL) chipset, 184-Pin, CAS 2.5 Unbuffered 2.5V, 6-Layers DDR333 / Model# 512DDR333BDIMM
Requires DDR supported Motherboard - Lifetime Warranty. OEM Model#: M368L6423DTL-CB3

$84.00 shipped

Samsung Original PC3200 modules utilize 5ns chips (TCC4)