Which memory do I choose?!?! This page is intended to answer some of the common questions about which memory to choose. If you have any further questions or if you need further explanation let us know at sales@ecspc.biz.

We do want to make one point before we answer any questions in regards to memory. Selecting a good memory is a very important part of having a stable system. Memory is not one of the areas that you want to skimp on in your system. Stay away from OEM or generic memory modules. We don't even carry them because of the problems we have had with them. We feel that the memory we carry is the best of the best and that you will have a minimum amount of problems with it.

• What is the new DDR-2 memory?
  We can sum up the major advantage of DDR2 in one word: speed! DDR2 starts where DDR stops. DDR2 memory will be introduced at speed grades that are the top limit of current DDR technology. Future DDR2 speeds will significantly outperform the fastest DDR speeds. Plus DDR2 requires 28% less power than DDR chips. DDR2 truly is the future of memory, but will require some changes as the technology is not backwardly compatible and only motherboards specifically designed for DDR2 memory will be able to support these chips. Click here for a PFD that answers common questions about DDR-2.

• Registered or unregistered - Which one do I want?
  Registered memory is only required in a couple of situations. The first being dual AMD processor setups. Most all dual AMD mainboards require registered RAM before they will even boot. The second situation is in some instances where large amounts of memory are installed in a system. For example, if a customer has 3 sticks of 512 MB PC2100 DDR installed and the system seems unstable then registered memory may be required. The long and short of it is that in most all cases it is NOT required, but we have it as an option so when it does become required we can fulfill the customers needs.

• What is TWINX or Matched Pair?
  TwinX or Matched Pair RAM is memory that has been tested by the manufacturer and then packaged together as a set. When you order this RAM you will be getting TWO STICKS of memory!

• PC2100, PC2700, PC3200, etc. - Which one do I need?
  The first thing to consider when deciding which type of memory to get is if your mainboard will support the faster memory? If it doesn't support it then it is a pointless upgrade. We recommend to get the fastest memory, that is in your budget and that your mainboard and CPU will support. In regards to price, if it costs $100.00 more to go to PC3000 over PC2700, then we recommend you stick with PC2700. The large price difference is not worth the minimal speed difference you are going to see between the two.

• Value Select - What does it mean?
  Our value select line of memory is made by Corsair company. The difference between it and "normal" memory is that on the value select Corsair may use "lesser" quality memory chips on the module. For example, on Corsair's "normal" memory, you will find chips from companies such as Micron and Nanya. On value select you may occasionally find the better companies, but also may find "lesser" quality chips such as SpekTek. Our take on this issue is this. If you don't intend to overclock and are looking at getting PC2100 then the Value Select is a perfectly good answer. If you are the type that may overclock or want to have the better chip, then select the "normal" memory. All of our Corsair memory comes with a Lifetime Warranty!

• Corsair vs. Major Brand - Which one do I choose?
  Both are very good memories that stand behind their products. We started carrying "Major Brand" because their pricing was, at times, better than Corsair's without sacrificing quality. corsair has a lifetime warranty and "Major Brand" has only a three year warranty. If you are an overclocker or like to tweak the settings to get every lost drop of performance out of your PC then you will want Corsair RAM.

We hope this helps and makes sense. Please realize that some of the view expressed above are opinions that we have developed over the 5 years we have been in business. As you know, everyone is entitled to their opinion and may not agree with ours, so take the above information for what it is worth.

Again, if you have any questions on this issue please contact us at sales@ecspc.biz or 888-381-7347.

Thanks!
ECS Sales