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Reliable memory, great vendor, poor packaging

Product: Corsair Value Select 2GB PC2-5300 667 MHz 200-Pin DDR2 CL5 SODIMM Notebook Memory

Computer used: Dell Mini 9 (Inspiron 910) with Windows XP ULCPC Home SP-3

The Mini 9 came from Dell with a mere 512MB, which bogged down the already slow computer with the pre-loaded Dell bloatware. I wanted to max out the memory as early as possible and Dell charged an outrageous price to upgrade to 1 GB from the factory. For the same price, I could buy a 2GB stick and max out the laptop, so it came down to the few quality vendors that produced 2GB DDR2 SODIMM modules. Corsair has a great reputation and the best price and I did not even have to mess with rebates.

The RAM is advertised with a CAS Latency of 5 at 667 MHz. The Dell Mini 9 and other netbooks that use the Intel Atom N270 processor (533 MHz FSB) will run the memory at CAS 4 straight from the SPD settings. I was not expecting or demanding lightning fast performance from the Mini 9, but I did want to max out the RAM capacity. I’ve run XP in 256MB and 512MB environments and found XP to be livable at 512MB so long as you’re not using “intensive” applications like Firefox, Photoshop, audio editing applications, Office, and anti-virus programs. Many new applications like Norton, Symantec, AVG, and Avast are bloatware disguised as applications. From experience, a clean XP boot with normal applications like Outlook, Firefox, and Avast Anti-Virus will require at least 300-400 MB of physical memory. Once you start to do work with some applications, that quickly exceeds 512MB and begins to use your page file. Therefore, I recommend at LEAST 1GB of RAM for XP and Vista. 2GB sweetens the deal because the only time I have gotten close to using up 2GB in XP is with GTR Evolution at Nordschleife Nurburgring which is over 13 miles of twisty windy digital roads. Bottom line is that you’re not going to tax out the 2GB in a netbook, but it is good to have!

Back to the RAM itself, the Corsair packaging is HORRIBLE. They clipped the module into a clamshell casing that requires the user to pop the module out of the shell. This can severely damage the PCB and SMT components. I chose to bend the plastic shell so the module would come right out without force applied to the module. Memory modules are EXTREMELY static sensitive so I did not appreciate having to gently remove it out of a poorly designed clamshell. Crucial and OCZ use better methods of packaging their modules and Corsair could learn a thing or two from its competitors.

Pros: Great price, Corsair reputation, no BSOD’s or problems from the Dell Mini 9 with the module loaded. The BIOS detected the 2GB and XP booted up without any drama.

Cons: Corsair must improve their packaging. The clamshell memory module retainer will damage the module if you pry it out. Be careful not to touch the SMT components but do not force the module out.

Overall: This memory is a must-buy if you have a netbook or laptop that takes 2GB or 4GB respectively.

Update (5/17/2012): This item is currently on sale here for the lowest price I’ve seen. I also found some auctions for this item here.

The featured review for this product, Corsair VS2GSDS667D2 ValueSelect 2 GB PC2-5300 667 MHz 200-PIN DDR2 CL5 SODIMM Laptop Memory Electronics, was written by Charlie.

The average rating for this item is 4.7 out of 5 stars, according to 3 reviews.