Solved RAM Jargon

[caleb97]

Hi,

I'm currently looking into buying RAM for my Toshiba A210-1C4 laptop. I've used the Crucial system scanner to check which types are compatible.

I want to max it out to 4GB. There are 2 4GB sets (2x 2GB sticks) shown as being compatible. One has a specification of PC2-5300 and the other has PC2-6400. If you need more information the link is here.

What is the difference between these 2 sets or is there any? Will the PC2-6400 be faster?

Thanks in advance!

 

[marsmimar]

For all intents and purposes, you probably won't notice any difference between the two. However, since the prices are the same, I'd go for the 6400 for the very slight improved performance over the 5300. If, for some reason, your machine can't handle 6400 it would be backwards compatible and run as a 5300 anyway.

 

[linnemeyerhere]

caleb97,
Yes the 6400 will be modestly faster.

 

[caleb97]

Excellent,

Thanks very much for your help marsmimar and linnemeyerhere!

 

[DeaconFrost]

Chances are, the memory won't be any faster. It all depends on the speed in which the memory will run as set by your computer's BIOS. Since it is a laptop, you probably have little to no control over it, so most likely, the memory will run at the same bus speed as your processor. For example, if you buy the faster memory, PC2-6400, and the BIOS sets it to run at PC2-5300, then it will be identical.

Buy whichever spec is cheaper, because you wouldn't see any difference either way.