Dell RAM in Vostros - Compared to Value RAM?

Just got my Vostro 1500 this past week, and am looking to upgrade the RAM from 1GB to 2GB.

I've got 2 options I'm looking at. I know I can get a ton of different types at prices starting at $80-$85, but because I need guaranteed delivery it in 2-3 days, so shipping costs are a factor (looking at Frys, Newegg, and Dell).

1) 2x1GB DDR2 PC5300, lifetime warranty, from Dell for $97 shipped (overnight)

2. 2x1GB DDR2 PC5300, lifetime warranty, from Frys for $81 shipped (2nd day air).

I'm not looking to overclock or anything, but does anyone know differences between these two are in terms of timings? Is the Dell RAM in the Vostros plain generic stuff or is it better than baseline generic stuff? How would it compare to Kingston ValueRAM?

 

Neither Dell nor Frys makes their own RAM. It might be helpful if you put up the specs of each.

 

You can get 1GB sticks for around $25 after rebate pretty regularly... I never buy from Dell, buy from somewher else, replace your Dell RAM and hock your Dell RAM on ebay or something...

 

No kidding they don't make their own RAM. I'm ASKING performance questions for those who have run SiSoft or the likes on their Vostro with Dell-branded memory.

Dell doesn't list any CAS ratings (neither does Frys), and Frys doesn't list a mfr part #.

 

Personally if the specs are same, im usually not picky about ram on laptops as I am on desktop.
1) You're not overl****ing on a laptop.

2) you're not overclocking on a laptop.

3) Did I mention you can't over clock a laptop?

Most of not all the ram I've seen on a 200pin config is DDR2 667 with a CAS of 5.
I'd get the cheapest from there. If you can wait, Newegg gets Crucial deals often. My brother picked up 2x1GB crucial for $44 After Rebate (rebate just came last week).

Also ask dell if buying your own ram voids warranty. If it does, well what you can do is keep your old sticks around and swap if you ever need to send it in for warranty.

 

Point is, I need it delivered by Wednesday. If I order from Dell I will get it Tuesday. If I order from Frys I will get it Wednesday (with 2nd day air shipping).

I'm a guy who has building his own PCs for 15 years (25 MHz Intel 386 with 2MB RAM was my first). I've bought my share of crap RAM, so I don't care spending a little more to get something a little better, and to guarantee I get it on time. I've seen some people mention that one of Dell's suppliers is Samsung...which I would prefer over Kingston...etc.

Oh, and you absolutely can overclock a laptop (or were you just being funny?)...certainly much more difficult on Dells (pesky BIOS...tsk tsk...ever hear of mods?), but I simply pointed that I'm not.

EDIT: Ya....most of what I've seen is CAS5...which is fine.....I'm just afraid of buying RAM with unadvertised specs...sometimes there is a reason for not advertising it.

Thanks for all the replies so far...

 

I have always purchased Corsair ValueSelect RAM (top-rated) from Newegg for my customers and I have still yet to come across any issues with even a single stick.

 

I was on a hurry like you and just went over to BestBuy and picked up PNY sticks for like $42.50 a stick (no waiting)