RAM brands query...

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I've seen a good deal on some RAM sticks. I have the choice of either Kingston or Hynix brands. Both are in used, checked and fully working condition and guaranteed and I can return them for any reason for a full refund.

Is either of the aforementioned brands better in terms of build quality/reliability etc. or is there nothing noticeable between them?
 

pigoo3

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There really aren't that many ram manufacturers in the world. Many times resellers just slap their label on the ram. Undoubtably...some ram sellers may demand slightly higher quaiity standards on the ram they buy from manufacturers...but then that ram costs more...and this cost is passed onto the buyers.

With the ram selling being VERY competitive...no one wants to appear a lot more expensive than other resellers. Thus...most ram (at least for Mac's) is pretty similar in quality (so ram is ram).

Make sure the "good deal" you may be getting on this ram really is a good deal...by checking how much the same density ram costs brand new. Also, many sellers of brand new ram (at least for Mac's) include a lifetime replacement warranty (to the original purchaser).

- Nick
 
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Thanks for your reply.

Are the two brands I mention above RAM manufacturers or 'label slappers'? Regardless of the answer, which would you personally choose?
 

pigoo3

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...which would you personally choose?

As long as they both are 100% compatible with the Mac computer you are buying the ram for...I would buy the one that was the least expensive (ram is ram).

And like I mentioned...I would also be doubly sure the price for the used ram was significant lower vs. new ram with a lifetime warranty.

- Nick
 

Raz0rEdge

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Just to clarify a little, the raw materials for the memory chips come from a small handful (3 or 4 from what I remember) companies in Asia..

So Kingston and Hynix both manufacture their own RAM. I've used RAM from both of these guys and they work fine..

Another name that's also good is Crucial.

But if you are only looking at the two names you mentioned, I don't think it really matters which one you go with..
 
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Here in the UK the 2 x 4GB sticks I want will cost me £70 ($120?) new.... won't get it cheaper. The RAM I mention above I can get for under half that, so with the guarantee and no quibble returns policy it seems a no-brainer to me. I was just curious about the two brands but you've both clarified that for me so thanks.
 
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Best advice stick with Crucial and OWC Mac specialists. Avoid cheap memory like the plague.
 
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Thanks for all your replies.

The RAM stick specs for my Mac Mini are: PC3-12800 DDR3 204-pin SO-DIMMs 1600MHz: is there anything else I need to check to ensure compatibility or will any sticks with these specs be suitable?
 
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chscag

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As long as you purchase quality memory modules with the specs you gave above it should be OK. It's important to purchase memory from a dealer who guarantees it and will refund your money if there's a problem.
 

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