I’ve got an old laptop that takes DDR2 memory modules. I want to replace the existing low-capacity module with two higher-capacity (1GB) new ones. Online vendors offer 1GB modules in both 400MHz and 533MHz speeds. They both sell for about the same price. Which speed should I get, and why?
I realize that I did not supply any specs about my laptop. I have a feeling that this question can be answered without them. But if that is not the case, just tell me what you need to know and I will be happy to post particulars.
I can’t answer the particulars of your question, but I’ll supply a general answer that has served me in good stead for many years: go to www.crucial.com and let them “analyze” your system. They will suggest the best memory upgrade for you, and sell it to you all at the same time. It sounds kind of self serving on their part, I admit, but I’ve never gotten a bad deal from them, and have used their service many times, always to a happy outcome.
It matters insofar that one is 33% faster, i.e. data can be transferred to RAM at a higher speed, but functionally they are the same. Even if your laptop RAM socket utilizes a lower bus speed, let’s say 466 MHz, the 533 MHz RAM will automatically be configured to use this speed instead, so as long as the price is similar there’s generally no reason to get the lower spec.