I'm going to buy a laptop that takes: 512MB PC4200 DDR2 SDRAM for multitasking power that has Cache memory: 1MB on die Level 2 and I was looking for some good deals to upgrade the RAM since its upgradeable to 2GB.

I found a good deal on Micron Notebook Memory 1GB PC4200 CL4 533Mhz DDR2. But I'm confused about the CL4 part of it? I'm assuming its level 4 cash but I'm a newbie so I'm not sure. Will CL4 work?

Also would it be compatible for a Toshiba notebook regardless of who manufactured the chip? (Since it was made by Micron/Hewlett Packard)

Thanks in advance!

You don't give many details...
but if you go here:


SDRAM, DDR2 and DDR RAM memory upgrades from Crucial.com

you can use their memory advisor tool to pin down what you need.

all you need is the make/product line/model number

They also have a large FAQ database and email inquiries-- if that does not work

It said @ Crucial that I should have "Identical" modules when istalling RAM because of Dual Channeling.

Do you think that means Identical brand and amount put in? (So whatever brand comes with it @ 512MB)

I wanted to put in 1GB of RAM so I'd get ~1.5GB of RAM. At Kingston.com it said I could just put in 1 stick of 1GB PC2-4200 533 MHz DDR2.

Will it not be as fast or something if it isn't completely identical?

It does affect it to some degree-- whether noticible or not-- I can't say--(it will vary by system & how you use it) if you want to get every ounce of output from your RAM -- then I'd stick with the matched set. Sometimes with upgrades --you have to "grit your teeth" and waste something. Sometimes you can sell your used sticks-- but you won't get much.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) at Crucial.com

I have read that dual-channel RAM can make a 10 % diffference in speed-- over the same amount of single-channel (non-matched) pairs

You could also email Crucial's tech-support... they really are quite good. While they are looking to sell a product-- they have a good "no BS" reputation-- and their memory is good quality-- My system has Crucial and Kingston RAM.