Difference in value vs regular kingston memory

[lordparrotman]

I have a gateway notebook mx3210. I wish to upgrade to 1gig memory. I was told that i should use kingston memory m12864e40. This memory costs about $110. I found what looks to be the exact same memory by kingston for about $50 at newegg.com. That part number is n82e16820144183 and kvr533d2s4/1g... they both are 200 pinn ddr2 so-dimm 533 (pc2 4200).
So i emailed kingston to explain the difference.... Here is what they wrote...The Kingston ValueRam part number KVR533D2S4/1G you referenced is not recommended for your system. This memory does not have certain controlled build of materials, such as components, as required by the system to be compatible.

The M12864E40 is the recommended part number for your system. When Kingston offers memory for an OEM system like Gateway, (CF-BA731024) this means it is designed to be physically and functionally equivalent to the original manufacturer memory.

Kingston Technology offers two memory product lines: Kingston Branded and ValueRAM. While both product lines are made with premium components and are carefully designed and manufactured, they differ in support and testing services. The information below clarifies these differences and will assist you in selecting the correct product.

Kingston Branded Memory

Kingston's branded memory line has been designed, manufactured and tested to the specifications of each particular brand name computer system. Kingston's branded memory is tested more extensively, being subjected to system-specific tests, system/chip compatibility tests, system/chip performance tests, as well as having a controlled build of materials and adherence to system-specific constraints and production requirements.

Use our Memory Configurator to determine the right memory for you.

ValueRAM Memory

ValueRAM memory by Kingston is our value-priced line of industry-standard, generic memory. ValueRAM is available for those customers who have a white box or generic computer system, or who plan to purchase memory by specification. Our ValueRAM line is:

* Designed to industry specifications
* Available at competitively low prices
* 100% tested

Lastly, ValueRAM memory carries a lifetime warranty, however, returns are for defective product only

OK, This sounds like a little bit of bull to me. But i want the real answer... Will my notebook work with the cheaper kingston, and why are they hedging their bets. I dont want to have trouble when i install the memory. But i dont want to waste my money either.
Thanks so much for you assitance, this forum seems to have some great information.....

 

[(cf)Eclipse]

it will probably work, and they are just playing it safe... but note the probably. mixing chips and different memory sticks doesn't always work

 

[larrymoencurly]

I've never bought any Kingston except their ValueRAM, and it's not only been very non-overclockable, but 8 out of 11 or 12 of their 512MB DDR PC3200 failed MemTest86 or GoldMemory when run at their SPD defaults. They were all made with memory that lacked the chip manufacturer's full part numbers, but quality seemed to differ by prodution run. The best modules had chips numbered Fxxxxxx and different circuit board than the other modules used (assembled in USA). Most of these worked fine, and the ones that failed showed only a few bad bits. Almost all the modules with the Bxxxxx chips failed (assembled in China), and 100% of the modules with the completely unmarked chips failed (assembled in Taiwan). Kingston told me that they never used UTT chips, but they buy whole silicon wafers and slice them up, package, and test the resulting chips themselves.

I've also had problems with budget 512MB PC3200 Mushkin (oddly Thaiphoon identified it as Kingston) and K-byte memory but not PNY or Corsair.