I suggest that you replace both SODIMMs at the same time, to avoid compatibility issues caused by mixing memory with different specs. You can get a small price break for buying a pair:
Newegg.com - CORSAIR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 200-Pin DDR2 SO-DIMM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Dual Channel Kit Laptop Memory Model VS4GSDSKIT667D2 - Laptop Memory
You may not get the full capacity of 4GB of RAM in Win7 X86 (32 bit, widely know addressing limitation), but you'll max out the RAM.
I second that... most memory issues occur when you have a mismatched pair!
As for what memory to buy... Crucial, Kingston, Mushkin, all are good brands! And all offer a lifetime warranty, for an extra approx. $6.00 USD... WELL WORTH IT! Remember, you get what you pay for!
I'd use the memory configurator at any of the above memory manufacturers website or neweggs! I am a big newegg fan, they always come thru with price, service, and relaibility!
So you believe Corsair is a good brand?
Thank you. This is the information I wanted when I asked this question. Compatibility issues and things of that nature. Also, since I have toshiba memory, do you think adding a 2gb toshiba RAM to my PC, making a total of 3gb and about the amount 7 x86 will use, combat this compatibility issue? Or is it more of a gb issue than brand? On Toshiba Direct, the 2gb is $69.99 anyways so it would be $18 to get the 2 x 2gb.
All in all, should I stick with buying the 2 x 2g Corsair or just buy the 2gb Toshiba?
I'd buy 2x2GB of something new and matched... On newegg for example you can get a 2x2GB kit from anywhere between $82 and $105... much less than the Toshiba memory!
It's not a brand issue it's more a timing and speed issues, there are many different factors. It is considered best practice to install matched pairs of DDR ram. Also considering that you can get 4 GB for slightly over what toshiba would charge for 2GB... I'd get the Corsair or similar.
Hope that helps!
Thanks. Ordered the 2x2g Corsair. Can't wait to see how much improvement it makes!
Well, just received the RAM in the mail today, and installed it and it installed fine. Recognized right away. Kind of bummed though. I was expecting it to load applications faster, and I can't really tell a difference. I'll keep checking to see if it does get better. As of now, iTunes and Firefox loads about the same speed, but CCleaner did load super fast, so undecided still.
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