2ms said:
well I guess the Crucial memory is a bit more than $105. At Newegg it is $125. I guess I was thinking of all the other very high quality
sodimms at Newegg that are more like $105 and still way better than any generic or value ram if not just as good as the Crucial ram. Is there any reason to believe just getting a couple individual 1GB, reputable, brand-name, SODIMMs for like $235 wouldnt be every bit as good as getting a $335 kit?
Do you get that NewEgg Crucial Generic and Crucial's Apple-specific RAM are different part numbers?
Also, NewEgg do not guarantee compatibility on ANYthing, and if it doesn't work, they have the ability to charge your shipping and a 15% restocking fee if you want a refund. (also, what basis do you have for knowing that the RAM is very high quality?) Also: the NewEgg RAM page you have referenced is all DDR2-533 -- it WILL NOT WORK in your intel Mac. Kinda makes my point right there.
Yes: You can always find generic RAM cheaper, somewhere, if you try. Buying the cheap RAM puts the onus of compatibility testing, return shipping cost, time and data risk onto you. That's OK if you're good with the risks and are techically capable (including, say, knowing the speed of RAM your machine needs).
If you don't want to take that on, however, I recommend purchasing tested and guaranteed Mac-compatible RAM from a reputable seller who offers a no-cost return if it doesn't work. Crucial, OWC (MacSales) and Data Memory Systems are the US vendors most-often recommended by MR readers.
The other part of the question, which I think someone has already posted the answer to, is that there is no difference between a Dual Channel Kit, and two identically matched single SODIMMs of the same make and model. A Dual Channel Kit simply ensures that the two units match.