Kingston doesn't manufacture memory chips, they just assemble the modules (apparently in China like most everybody else). There is only a handful of IC manufacturers worldwide that make 'em and Samsung is one of them. I would feel better about Samsung than e.g. Nashua who's chips are usually found on cheaper sticks.

The difference is usually that Kingston tests the memory sticks a little bit more stringent and asks a premium price for that, thus making them "branded memories".
Memory sticks either work in your system or they don't. Plug 'em in, run 'em for a couple hours so the system gets up to full operating temperature and let the system crunch for the afternoon. If the PC doesn't crash (in this case quite unlikely) you are good and have nothing to worry about.

Hope this helps.

MisterBlue.

Well, I agree in some essence here but NEVER, I repeat, NEVER get a cheap rand of memory..you're asking for problems there!

Samsung indeed is a great brand and most people indeed use them very frequently.

Kingston is my preferred choice as I have had a great track record with them...never a single bad stick o ram!

Prices are not that much over Samsung...differences are about 5-10 between the two if that.

Remember you get what you pay for!

Opus :D

Oh ... and in addition to my statement above:

I have only bought "cheap sticks" in the past and only once had a problem with a module that would run stably at full speed. I took it back and exchanged it for another one that just works.

I suggest to save your money and go for the "sale memory sticks" if the store has a reasonable return/warranty policy.

Besides, memory is really cheap these days, $200 for 512MB is simply outrageous. Anything above $80/75 Euro is in my opinion a bad deal. My last 512MB cost $50 .

MisterBlue.

Once is one too many times IMHO!

MisterBlue,

Your knowledge is good but to be honest some of your statements are a little "outfield" to be honest.

I build PC's for major people here in LA and one thing you do not do is take chances on No-Name brand components or cheap components.

If you want to take chances on your components that is completely up to you. Buyer beware is the phrase that comes to mind.

Hope you understand where I am coming from.

Peace

Opus

Opus,

I agree with your statements and I do understand and fully respect (heck, even support) your position.

Your business objective is to create a reliable, quality PC that NEVER creates any problems for your customers. I think you are taking the right approach and you absolutely should use the premium materials.

I am taking the position of the little guy who is willing to take certain (calculated) risks in order to save some serious money when building a PC.

When the difference is between $200 for a "premium brand" of memory and I can get a "sale brand" for $50 at a local store with no questions asked if I have to return it I will not hesitate to buy the cheap stuff and take my risk. If the difference is $10-20 I am with you. Not worth my time to take 'em back. My observation, however, is that the price difference is usually significant (although admittedly not usually 300%).

Hope this explains my position and also makes sense to you. You will find other comments of mine in the "Computing" section that will lead us to the same kind of discussion on other parts of a PC.

Hope you agree that both positions are valid as long as the frame conditions and limitations (in terms of risk or performance vs. cost) are considered.

Respectfully,

MisterBlue.

Ok, but who cares about the little guys.... :D