RAM question

[_aravena]

So I have $140 to spend at B&H and I'm so torn. I need a new laptop, another camera, this and that...it's crazy. I keep picking out this and that and then thought, I only need a faster computer. I run 1GB with LR 2.2 and PS so you get the idea. So...on that I decided to look at what B&H offered in RAM.

They seem to only have in diversity Transcend and Crucial. I hear great things about Transcend and their memory cards. I plan on trying them out when I need a 8GB card for my future 40D. So how is their RAM? How is Crucial? I figure I can save myself $600 -$800 in buying laptop with a bigger HDD space (woot) and a few other details I don't need when all I need is some speed and I can buy that and have it installed for cheap or do it myself.

So, any help in RAM decisions? Thanks guys!

-Nate C.

[Zepher]

I'd shop around for ram before buying it from B&H.
Look at www.newegg.com, www.frys.com, www.mwave.com

Crucial is a good brand, as is G.Skill, Geil, Corsair, and Kingston.

More ram and a faster internal drive will help you out a lot.

[_aravena]

Well, I have $140 in gift cards is why and I want something I need more than I just want. I need more speed for my computer, don't really need a new bag, as much as I want one. :D

Good to hear Crucial is good. I started checking them out after that post and they have good reviews.

[Zepher]

Ok, didn't know you have B&H gift cards.

[thumb]

I've tried various brands but find that Crucial has been the most reliable. Sometimes buying direct from crucial can be cheaper, sometimes not. Check newegg.com as well. I've not bought computer stuff from B&H though.

[FZ1]

I have had issues with Crucial sticks dying on me (Ballistix). I'd go with Transcend but you'd better check your motherboards qualified vendor list of compatiable RAM. Corsair seems to be the most compatible across the board.

[tim]

Kingston is a good brand. I used their value ram for years with good results. I have something else in there now, Corsair Dominator, it works perfectly.

[Moppie]

I've used lots of Kingston value ram and Corsair XMS2, and only had one small problem.

[FZ1]

There aren't many "bad" brands out there. If you don't plan on running the RAM faster than spec'd, buy "value" RAM from KIngston, Corsair, or whoever. The more expensive sticks are "binned" as they have more headroom for overclocking.

[orion25]

Crucial is hit or miss but they have great customer service if you have a problem. Corsair, GSkill and OCZ are very good brands. I have had / have each of these with no problems. The corsair dominators are very good in the DDR2 version. If you need DDR or DDR3 then I have no idea.

[BeritOlam]

Crucial is generally regarded in the computer building industry as one of the best. Sure, there are going to be bad sticks here and there, but (as noted) they have a great replacement policy if upon that rare chance you get a defective stick.

[orion25]

Crucial is generally regarded in the computer building industry as one of the best. Sure, there are going to be bad sticks here and there, but (as noted) they have a great replacement policy if upon that rare chance you get a defective stick.

Yes they have great customer service but I had to RMA 2 sets of Ballistix PC8500 because they could not run at their rated speed. Now, my RMA's went very smooth and I had my new sticks within a week but I would have been without a computer for a week if I had not had a set of GSkill around for a backup......................

[FZ1]

OCZ has some of the best customer service out there for RAM mfgrs