Something confused me about how to add memory for A397XP

[binru]

In A397XP, it is only 512M memory. I would like to add another 512M memory. Therefore, I went to the UK sonystyle.co.uk website to see what is the model number of A397XP 512 Memory and how much it is. In the website page, it said the memory model number is : VGPMM512L.AE,

However, it explained " Expand your VAIO laptop's memory with this 512 MB memory module and run even more applications simultaneously. Sony memory modules are supported by VAIO Link and are made of top quality components. Using other memory modules not manufactured by Sony can damage your VAIO.
Compatible with VAIO A and S3 Series laptops.
Storage capacity: 512 MB
PC2700 DDR SDRAM
SO-DIMM
DDR333 "

Is it DDR 333, not DDR 2 PC2-3200¿

And the price is very expensive, £ 209.00 VAT incl. Is there other way that I can buy this cheaper?

Thank you!

[rich912]

Do you think A397XP support DDR2 533?

According to Crucial it does and they are rarely wrong. If they are you get your money back:smileyhappy:

[binru]

Do you think A397XP support DDR2 533?
 

According to Crucial it does and they are rarely wrong. If they are you get your money back:smileyhappy:

I just wonder whether I need to buy two same Crucial memory instead of this laptop original memory. But ,it cost a lot and how do I deal with the original one?

By the way, which brand, the quality is better, Crucial or Kingston?:smileyconfused:

[rich912]

It is always safer to have two modules of the same manufacture, but different proprietary modules can coexist quite happily and rarely cause problems if the specification is the same.
Both Crucial and Kingston are good quality.

[binru]

It is always safer to have two modules of the same manufacture, but different proprietary modules can coexist quite happily and rarely cause problems if the specification is the same. 
Both Crucial and Kingston are good quality.

Yes, I think so. It is better to buy two modules of the same manufacture. But, the A397XP offers the Samsung DDR2 400 (PC2 3200), if I bought Crucial, it will be DDR2 533 (PC2 4200). Do u think if I mix these two different manufacture and different specification, will cause some problems?

[rich912]

Do u think if I mix these two different manufacture and different specification, will cause some problems?

I don't know and I doubt that Crucial or Kingston would give you any guarantees on this. If you want to be absolutely certain then buy Sony memory at a vastly inflated price or discard what you have and purchase two cheaper modules.

[binru]

Do u think if I mix these two different manufacture and different specification, will cause some problems?
 

I don't know and I doubt that Crucial or Kingston would give you any guarantees on this. If you want to be absolutely certain then buy Sony memory at a vastly inflated price or discard what you have and purchase two cheaper modules.

It is really tricky question. I do not have any idea about how to update memory or just give up!

[seb21__]

Excuse me, but I have not the desire to answer the same question every time.

There is preinstalled RAM in your VAIO! So, how many modules are in your VAIO? 2X 256MB or 1X 512MB?

If you have 2X256MB RAM, then the question"can I use different RAM" is totally uninteresting. Because if you want upgrate to 1GB then you need 2X512 MB.

If you have 1X512MB RAM on your system, then it's NO problem to instert a second 512MB module. It would be fine, if you would use the same Ram. But you don't need this.

The only thing is, it would be better if the RAM has the same specs like the preinstalled RAM.

Look at the Ram timings, for example 2.5-3-3-6 (use Everest Home for this) I would be usefull if the timings are the same. And if your VAIO not supports 533 MHz, then the RAM runs only with 400 MHz!

Please call VAIO-Link. These guys know which RAM your VAIO supports. And please irgnore the sentence from the VAIO-Link "you can only use Sony RAM" That is a lie.

So, that's all

[rich912]

It is really tricky question. I do not have any idea about how to update memory or just give up! 

It is that! It is a question of how much money you are prepared to throw at it. Are your applications working as fast as you would wish, if so why upgrade? If not, you have the alternatives.

[seb21__]

Do you think A397XP support DDR2 533?
 

According to Crucial it does and they are rarely wrong. If they are you get your money back:smileyhappy:

Sorry Rich,

but I think not that is possible. You get the RAM in a special anti-static Case. If you have open it, then you can't sell it anymore as new RAM. Maybe you can sent it back and take a other one. But I think not that you get the money back. But I haven't read the AGBs. So, maybe I wrong.

binru:

I think this link is importend, before you by anything.

http://www.crucial.com/kb/

[binru]

It is really tricky question. I do not have any idea about how to update memory or just give up! 
 
It is that! It is a question of how much money you are prepared to throw at it. Are your applications working as fast as you would wish, if so why upgrade? If not, you have the alternatives.

Thank you for your advice!