RAM question

[techfreak]

Looking to get 2 sticks of 1GB RAM. Now a simple question. Does the maker/brand REALLY matter that much? I mean would cheap DDR 2 PC4200 (like Crucial/Kingston/Corsair) be just as good as say, OCZ or one of the other "high performance" brands. Mainly a gamer, but also do a bit of video editing/burning.

I'm looking to but inexpensive...but not CHEAP memory.

[jtfields]

Quality brands like Crucial and Kingston will give you very good performance. If you have a very high end computer and really push it then, yes, you can tell the difference with high performance memory such as OCZ. Where high performance memory can really set itself apart is if you overclock it.

My favorite memory is Mushkin High Performance. I've used Mushkin HP in several computers I've built. I've also used Crucial, Corsair and Kingston and like them as well.

Most of the well known brands have several lines of memory that include high performance. For example, Corsair makes both expensive high performance memory and more affordable models as well.

If you don't overclock and your computer is not "top of the line" then I'd venture to guess you'll be happy with any of the brands mentioned so far.

[Ioman]

I have always been a Crucial fan. I find their memory to be the most compatible with systems out there. Plus they are priced competitively IMO.

[jtfields]

My opinion of the various brands has always been (and this is just my opinion, I have no real data of any kind to back it up):

Top Tier - Mushkin, Corsair, OCZ, Geil
Middle Tier - Crucial (Micron), Kingston
Bottom Tier - Generic, PNY

Keep in mind each has it's own lines of memory intended to compete in different market segments. I would be willing to spend my money on any of the brands in the middle and top tiers. Again, this is just my subjective opinion I've formed over the years.

Be sure and check the memory manufacturer's websites. Some, such as Mushkin, only sell their best stuff online.

[Ioman]

I have heard bad things about OCZ. I know back in the day they were busted for sending reviewers better memory than what customers bought so they would get a good score.

Remember, even OCZ and Corsair do not make their own memory modules, they are using Crucial, Samsung or others instead.

[jtfields]

Remember, even OCZ and Corsair do not make their own memory modules, they are using Crucial, Samsung or others instead.

Correct but the best quality modules are reserved for high performance. The lowest quality modules are sold off for use in generic RAM.

[jomama206]

I like crucial, plus i really like their site. it makes is super easy to find the correct type of memory you need.

[Ioman]

Correct but the best quality modules are reserved for high performance. The lowest quality modules are sold off for use in generic RAM.

But buying Crucial brand memory should mean the high quality modules right?

[techfreak]

Thanks guys. Going to check them out. What brand would you say is best bang for your buck?

[jtfields]

But buying Crucial brand memory should mean the high quality modules right?

Higher quality than generic but not as high quality as something like Mushkin High Performance. While some brands are more expensive than others in the same performance category, in general, you get what you pay for.

[jtfields]

Thanks guys. Going to check them out. What brand would you say is best bang for your buck?

Crucial and Kingston will probably be better bargains than Corsair or Mushkin.