Barebones RAM

I'm planning to buy my Clevo off of RJTech.com. They only offer 667MHz FSB, but I would prefer to make the most out of the processor and get 800MHz. I've got three questions:

1) Will 800 be a big improvement over 667?
2) RJTech offers Corsair/Kingston/Major Brand. Which one is the best, if any?
3) Is it possible to use one stick of 667 and one of 800?
4) Where the hell can I get 2x2GB of 800MHz notebook memory?


Thanks in advance.

 

If you're running Santa Rosa, 800mhz ram is useless. It will just downclock to 667mhz.

 

Not if he has an 800MHz FSB it isn't.

OCZ recently released 800MHz DDR2 laptop memory.

 

So, I will be purchasing an ExpressCard eSATA. I assume that since it's PCI-e, there will be no bottlenecking of the HDD. I am planning on purchasing this enclosure along with this HDD. Does the HDD have to be SATA3.0GB/s for it to work with eSATA?

Thanks again.



Also, will any 800MHz RAM work in the notebook, regardless of what type it is (ie this)?


I'm sorry for asking so much, but this will be my first notebook, and I don't want to screw anything over.

 

eSATA is not the same as PCI-e. PCI-e is an internal interface, used for connecting the GPU to the Motherboard. eSATA is an external interface. PCI-e is not used for HDDs.

No it does not, but eSATA and SATA 300 (3.0GB/s) have the same transfer rates, so you'll have no bottleneck there. You'll also need one of these http://www.usbgear.com/computer_cable_details.cfm?sku=SS-2EXP&cats=496&catid=496
to connect the eSATA drive to your notebook.

The FSB is 800Mhz, but I believe the chipset only runs at 667Mhz, but I'm not exactly sure. According to what I know, there is no point getting 800Mhz RAM, and it will run at a slower 667Mhz. 800Mhz RAM is very expensive, and is an overkill and waste of money at the moment. You wont see very much speed over 667Mhz.

Any major brand will do. There isn't much distinction between different reputable brands. Consider OCZ and Crucial RAM as well.

Both modules have to run at the slowest speed, so if you use 1 800Mhz module and 1 667Mhz module, the 800Mhz module will run at 667Mhz, at you'll have wasted your money.

 

I meant that the Express Card is connected through PCI-e.

So, I've decided to take your word for it and just go with 667MHz. What's the difference between 5300/5400? Is one better than another?



EDIT: Do I need to use a heat spreader for a 1GB stick of RAM? Or will I be able to live without?

 

there is no difference between 5300/5400. They are both DDR2-667 ram.

DDR2 memory module ratings are calculated by multiplying the clock(667mhz) by eight.

667 * 8 = 5336

Some manufacturers round up to 5400 or down to 5300 yet they are the same thing.