Memory question

[Eagle Eye]

Me not really knowing much about computers I have a question for the experts out there.

I am trying to upgrade the memory in my 2 year old laptop and I need PC-2700 200pin SODIMM ram.

The question I have is what is what does Latency numbers mean? Do the have to be the same. For example my current memory is 2.5-3-3-7 and the one I am looking at buying is 3-3-3-8.

Also is it bad to buy Ram off ebay, I am able to pick up 2GB for the same price as 1GB in town.

Thanks

[llama64]

Originally Posted by Eagle Eye

Me not really knowing much about computers I have a question for the experts out there.

I am trying to upgrade the memory in my 2 year old laptop and I need PC-2700 200pin SODIMM ram.

The question I have is what is what does Latency numbers mean? Do the have to be the same. For example my current memory is 2.5-3-3-7 and the one I am looking at buying is 3-3-3-8.

Also is it bad to buy Ram off ebay, I am able to pick up 2GB for the same price as 1GB in town.

Thanks

Those numbers are a count of the number of CPU cycles it takes to retrieve information out of the memory. Each one refers to a different access method. But as far as end user considerations go, don't worry about them. You'll notice more performance out of doubling your Ram then you will out of lowering your latency numbers. Plus, your motherboard will auto detect them for you.

For more information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SDRAM_latency

I'd caution against buying ram off eBay. Ram is a fickle component that is often error prone. It would be safer to buy it from a local store with a return policy/warrenty (MemEx is good).