What's the advantage for getting a OWC/Crucial memory over Kingston/Corsair etc?

[riggidy]

I've seen many people praising to go with OWC/Crucial etc as far as memory sticks for macbooks.
I wanted to know what's wrong with simple laptop memory sticks such as kingston/corsair and other brands?
Are there any compatibility issues?
If they're compatible as well then why should I wait 2 weeks for a memory stick from the OWC website (I don't live in the US) when I just can go to my local computer's store and get me a simple corsair/kingston stick and get it over with?

Am I right or wrong here?
Thanks

 

[justperry]

Plenty of stories here on Corsair not working correctly, you can search this forum with this nice tool, you'll find plenty.

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[teleromeo]

why should I wait 2 weeks for a memory stick from the OWC website (I don't live in the US)

I live in europe and ordered several times from the crucial website, Usually I have to wait no longer than two days.

 

[maflynn]

I've used OWC and crucial memory and found both to be top notch. I can't speak for the other two since I have no personal experience.

 

[justperry]

I live in europe and ordered several times from the crucial website, Usually I have to wait no longer than two days.

Crucial also has an European site, so they might even send it from their European warehouse even if you order from the US.

 

[Weaselboy]

I've seen many people praising to go with OWC/Crucial etc as far as memory sticks for macbooks.
I wanted to know what's wrong with simple laptop memory sticks such as kingston/corsair and other brands?
Are there any compatibility issues?
If they're compatible as well then why should I wait 2 weeks for a memory stick from the OWC website (I don't live in the US) when I just can go to my local computer's store and get me a simple corsair/kingston stick and get it over with?

Am I right or wrong here?
Thanks

You are not incorrect. Memory is a commodity. If it meets the specs, it will work. Just get whatever meets the specs from a vendor that will back up the warranty. There is no reason to overpay for OWC's memory.

 

[oldhifi]

I have always had good luck with Crucial.

 

[negativzero]

You are not incorrect. Memory is a commodity. If it meets the specs, it will work. Just get whatever meets the specs from a vendor that will back up the warranty. There is no reason to overpay for OWC's memory.

It isn't just about meeting specs. MacBooks are known to be finicky with ram and not all of the shelf ram modules will work with the MacBook.

That said, I'm using Crucial myself and never have a problem with them.

Also Crucial/Micron manufacture their own SDRAM chips so you know exactly where they come from. Other brands like Corsair, Kingston don't manufacture their SDRAM chips and get them from many sources so you might see them branded differently all the time and may have inconsistent QC issues.

 

[Weaselboy]

It isn't just about meeting specs. MacBooks are known to be finicky with ram and not all of the shelf ram modules will work with the MacBook.

I disagree. If it meets the specs it will work, unless of course the RAM is defective, which can happen with any brand.

 

[gngan]

It isn't just about meeting specs. MacBooks are known to be finicky with ram and not all of the shelf ram modules will work with the MacBook.

I will have to disagree with that. I've helped my MBP and my family's MBP to change to Kingston's RAM cause they have the best deal. As a matter of fact, I got the ones that aren't "Mac certified". I'd say the general rules are to get the big brand and the best deals.

 

[Joseph Farrugia]

answer: I use Crucial for Lifetime Warranty, excellent customer care, & impressive turnaround time for replacing a defective 8GB SODIMM module.

they have excellently maintained forums that not only contain a ton of info, but are also a time-saving resource for general troubleshooting should the need arise.