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First and most importantly the computer memory market is very fluid, prices change by the minute.
The least expensive RAM is generic RAM, next there is generic brand built on name brand chips such as Samsung, then of course there is manufacturer sealed RAM that will vary in price depending on use, over clocking possibilities, etc. Top this off with ECC, registered and the price starts climbing quite fast.
But wait…that is not all there is also competition. Between eBay sellers, wholesalers, resellers and the like the RAM market can become at time a true buyer’s market. I have seen RAM go for less on eBay than it costs to make…that is crazy!
But how do you know you are getting the best RAM for your system? The easiest thing to do is to buy from a seller that offers a no-questions asked warranty that has a reputation for selling good quality RAM. The fastest most expensive RAM in the world will do you no good if you cannot get help if it doesn’t work or blue-screens your computer.
Another thing to watch for is tricky names. Sometimes sellers will offer the same RAM but trick the buyer with different names. Because it is confusing enough for the normal person to buy RAM I have made a couple of easy tips to follow.
1) Know the RAM you need. You can ask any seller what your system requires and get an answer of not only which RAM goes in your system, but also how much it will take. Listen closely if it is SODIMM, DIMM, NonEcc, Dual Channel and PC100, PC133, PC3200, DDR, DDR2 etc.
2) Once you know what your computer needs you can start shopping. So if you need PC3200 184 pin DIMM then you would want to look for either a low price or name brand, whichever is the most important to you... If the same seller has PC3200 DIMM and there is no difference except in the description then you are often perfectly fine going for the lower price RAM. Descriptive words such as performance are not going to make the RAM faster.
3) Look for customer support and warranties. When RAM is properly cared for it is stronger than most people realize, but there are times that a faulty stick will slip out. A good seller is there to back the customer with a replacement sent quickly.
4) My biggest tip of all is to talk to the seller. Not everyone will gel with every seller. Establishing good relationships with a seller is important. Not only can they support you with install and any upgrades you may want to add later, they can often tip you off when the market is priced right.
As I said, the computer memory market is very competitive. Take advantage of it. Make the seller work for you. In the end it can be a win-win for both of you!
This guide was designed to help the buyer with little experience. If you see things I can improve, please let me know. I truly want to help people buy RAM…whether from me or another of the many wonderful eBayers selling quality RAM products.
Approved Memory RAM
The least expensive RAM is generic RAM, next there is generic brand built on name brand chips such as Samsung, then of course there is manufacturer sealed RAM that will vary in price depending on use, over clocking possibilities, etc. Top this off with ECC, registered and the price starts climbing quite fast.
But wait…that is not all there is also competition. Between eBay sellers, wholesalers, resellers and the like the RAM market can become at time a true buyer’s market. I have seen RAM go for less on eBay than it costs to make…that is crazy!
But how do you know you are getting the best RAM for your system? The easiest thing to do is to buy from a seller that offers a no-questions asked warranty that has a reputation for selling good quality RAM. The fastest most expensive RAM in the world will do you no good if you cannot get help if it doesn’t work or blue-screens your computer.
Another thing to watch for is tricky names. Sometimes sellers will offer the same RAM but trick the buyer with different names. Because it is confusing enough for the normal person to buy RAM I have made a couple of easy tips to follow.
1) Know the RAM you need. You can ask any seller what your system requires and get an answer of not only which RAM goes in your system, but also how much it will take. Listen closely if it is SODIMM, DIMM, NonEcc, Dual Channel and PC100, PC133, PC3200, DDR, DDR2 etc.
2) Once you know what your computer needs you can start shopping. So if you need PC3200 184 pin DIMM then you would want to look for either a low price or name brand, whichever is the most important to you... If the same seller has PC3200 DIMM and there is no difference except in the description then you are often perfectly fine going for the lower price RAM. Descriptive words such as performance are not going to make the RAM faster.
3) Look for customer support and warranties. When RAM is properly cared for it is stronger than most people realize, but there are times that a faulty stick will slip out. A good seller is there to back the customer with a replacement sent quickly.
4) My biggest tip of all is to talk to the seller. Not everyone will gel with every seller. Establishing good relationships with a seller is important. Not only can they support you with install and any upgrades you may want to add later, they can often tip you off when the market is priced right.
As I said, the computer memory market is very competitive. Take advantage of it. Make the seller work for you. In the end it can be a win-win for both of you!
This guide was designed to help the buyer with little experience. If you see things I can improve, please let me know. I truly want to help people buy RAM…whether from me or another of the many wonderful eBayers selling quality RAM products.
Approved Memory RAM
Guide created: 06/02/06 (updated 08/22/08)
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