Ram Clock Speed issue

[wallsfd949]

I have been contemplating upgrading my Gateway 500x's 512MB Ram to 1GB, however the "friendly" Gateway tech/sales advisors have confused me. The original Ram that came in my system is here:
http://support.gateway.com/s/MEMORY/DIMM/5000667/5000667nv.shtml
I have been told 2 different things by 2 different Gateway techs. Also $280 for 1-512MB Module from Gateway makes me wonder....

#1 told me that Kingston value ram (512MB 333MHz DDR SDRAM $70) was "2Clock speed ram" and Gateway's $280 RAM was "4Clock speed ram". He said the value ram would work but my 4CL speed ram would down clock to 2CL speed and thus I would not notice near the performance difference than the Gateway $280 ram.

#2 told me that Kingston value ram was Low Density ram and that it "would not work at all" with my Gateway and that $280 ram was High Density ram.

I shoped on Kingston's website, chose my system, and found this for $119 http://www.ec.kingston.com/ecom/configurator/partsinfo.asp?ktcpartno=KGW500XL/512
supposedly made for my system.

Will both perform exactly the same? What is 2Clock speed vs. 4Clock speed? I can't see spending $280 for 512MB ram.

 

[_Tron_]

Again, yet ANOTHER reason to stay the hell away from comp manufacturers.
I looked at the link you posted, about the memory installed in your machine currently, and came up with another manufacturer and a much cheaper price than you did

Crucial PC2700 512mb

you may find it cheaper somewhere else, or maybe not, but this is what crucial recommends. I'd trust them.

Sure beats the Gateway scam. They'll try to confuse the crap out of you, just so they can sell their overpriced parts. stay away. good thinking to come here.

 

[wallsfd949]

Originally posted by: _Tron_
Again, yet ANOTHER reason to stay the hell away from comp manufacturers.

Yep! I spoke with a tech at Kingston, they didn't seem surprised that Gateway would tell me something like that. They were able to explain the CL (which Gateway claimed is ClockSpeed) as CAS Latency - lower is better. Kingston Rep also told me that adding their RAM would not void my Gateway waranty - it's a scare tactict companies use by saying that this "May" void your waranty.

Sure beats the Gateway scam. They'll try to confuse the crap out of you, just so they can sell their overpriced parts. stay away. good thinking to come here.

Crutial does have some good prices. This is where I will buy from, they appear to be very reputable. Thanks for the help!

 

[_Tron_]

Great! The Kingston information you received is correct. You'll see the CL letters in relation to RAM sticks pretty much every time. The lower the better is right.
And Crucial is a great company, they haven't done me wrong once in the few years I've been using their products.
Good to hear you got it figured out.