Quality of RAM or memory makes a difference to the performance of your Macs. Not all memory is of same quality. BEWARE ON-LINE SHOPPERS: PRICE COMPARISON SITES DO NOT VERIFY THE QUALITY & COMPATIBILITY OF MEMORY MODULES, AS WELL AS THE REPUTATION OF THE ONLINE STORE ADVERTISING LOW COST MEMORY. BEFORE BUYING RAM PLEASE ENSURE THE FOLLOWING: 1. BUY MEMORY MODULES MADE USING NAME BRAND CHIPS. Do not be misled by the myth that all memory modules are the same. Always buy SIMM/DIMM modules made out of major name brand DRAM chips. Following are the most well known major brand names. Toshiba NEC Fujitsu Hitachi Oki Mitsubishi Panasonic MoselVitelic Simens/Infineon Texas Instruments Samsung/SEC Goldstar/LGS Hyundai Motorola Micron Nanya 2. ENSURE THAT MEMORY MODULES ARE NOT REENGINEERED That is what most online stores selling memory products at low prices do. 3. ARE NOT REMANUFACTURED which is also a common practise at cheap online stores. 4. INSPECT THE DATE CODE ON THE MEMORY CHIPS For example Micron's manufacture date code of 9805 indicates that the chip has been manufactured on 5th week of 1998. Chips that are more than two years old usually would have changed several hands before getting to you. 5. What does it mean when one says "REMANUFACTURED" Remanfacturing is a process where in memory chips are pulled from old controller boards, cache boards, main boards and also from defective modules. These chips are then mounted on new PCB's giving the user the impression of buying new modules. Pulling the memory chips sometimes results in damaging the internal circuit due to heat and static electricity. Chips are sensitive to excessive heat which leads to Lead Oxide leakage reducing the life cycle and performance ratings. Such remanufactured modules built are not usually as per Apple's specification and built on sub-standard Printed Circuit Boards. Remanufactured chips cause system crashes, blue screens and leads to loss of productivity and user frustration. 6. What are "Re-engineered" memory modules Memory modules are reengineered to keep cost low and provide attractive pricing to customers. Low voltage chips are converted to the required voltage specification using capacitors and voltage converters. These low voltage chips are available at very cheap prices on boards and controllers. Such chips are then pulled and installed on memory boards to sell them to customer. Chips that have slower ratings and not compliant with PC-100/PC-133 specification are pushed to required speeds by programming the SPD(EEPROM) on the SDRAM modules to run at 100/133 MHZ. Such modules have very high chances of failing when used extensively for graphics or internet applications and are a major cause of system crashes and freezes. 7. Ensure that modules are as per Apple specifications For older Power Macs, Quadra, Centris, LC's make sure you always buy memory modules made out of 2k refresh chips Cheaper online/some regular stores sell modules made out of 4k refresh chips at low prices. For newer G4, G3, PowerBooks, iBooks ensure that SDRAM DIMMS are compliant with JEDEC Version 1.0 or higher specifications. Your factory installed Apple machines confirm to these specifications. Off-spec, reengineered, remanufactured modules are usually sold at cheaper prices are not compliant with JEDEC standards. 8. Ensure that you do not buy modules made out of remarked chips. "HOUSE MARKED"/GENERIC SDRAM/SIMM MODULES Cheaper memory modules are made out of C grade/remarked chips popularly known as "HOuse Marked". These modules have absolutely ZERO TRADE-IN OR RESALE VALUE when upgrading. Beware of SDRAM/SIMMs marked QC, ACT, RAMS, ICT, BV, M USA, SEIMETEK, TechLabs,CW,and MIRA All off brand chips are made out of defective name brand chips, which are supposed to be destroyed, but make their way into unscrupulous hands who later remark and remanufactured them into memory modules. These are than sold to unsuspecting, innocent customers who are duped by low prices below the market value luring them to a make believe good deal. “MIXED CHIPS” MODULES SOLD AT SOME LARGE RETAIL STORES THROUGH PAPER ADVERTISMENT These modules are part of their “bait and switch” strategy. After a customer walks into the store Then the salesperson tries to sell the lifetime warranty chips at a much higher price citing reasons that the advertised chip will not work in his system . BEWARE ONLINE BUYERS For price comparison web portals or advertised sites with low prices because off brand C grade modules are offered at make beleieve prices from unreputable firms. Are you planning to purchase more than 20 memory modules? You may be eligible for lower prices. Contact us for a price quote. Call us at 1-800-808-8356 or send"email . NO SALES TAX OUTSIDE CALIFORNIA. WALK IN MEMORY PURCHASES WELCOME. MEMORY INSTALLATION $20 PER MACHINE. CALL 1 408 980 8355 FOR AN APPOINTMENT. 3390-H De La Cruz Blvd Santa Clara, CA 95054 Tel: 408 980 8355 or 800 808 8356 Fax: 408 980 8356 Email: email@satech.com All copyrights and trademarks are property of their respective owners. EXCELERATE®is a registered trademark of S.A. Technologies, Inc.