Memory replacement help

[Squidmaster]

I recently had a stick of memory kick the bucket. I tried to find my system using the Newegg memory finder, but it is not listed. I want to both make sure that I get a stick that is compatible with my system, and also make sure I'm replacing the right stick.

With that in mind, I have an Asus CG5290 computer that shipped with 9 gigs of ram. It appears that the memory is available here, but I would prefer to buy from a reliable source like Newegg or Amazon or something where I am assured of a great return policy in the process, and I would like to get memory that has a warranty.

The stick that went bad appears to be one of the 3 2 gig sticks. The computer was triple channel, then a memory stick went bad, and right now it is dual channel and down 3 gigs. I didn't even know that was possible, but at the moment it seems that 2 of my 2 gig sticks are reporting as ordered, as are 2 of the working 3 1 gig sticks. Memtest reported memory in slots 0-4 (it used to report through 5). Does the memtest report accurately indicate in which slot each memory module is located, or do I have to run a test on every stick to find out which one I need to replace?

I know I need to look for DDR3 240 pin 10600, 10660, or 10666 memory. I am not 100% sure what CAS latency I need to find. I think it was 9 from previous memtests, but right now it is reporting as 8 and in dual channel mode. How can I be sure? Am I correct about all of this?

I would love some help with this and/or some suggestions on what memory in particular to buy. Should I just aim to replace the 1 stick, or is there any advantage in buying a set or anything like that? Does the brand need to match or am I ok if I simply match up the specs?

Thanks a bunch for your time.

 

[Puppies04]

If you are going to be replacing the stick yourself (and there is no reason not to) why not just pull a stick out and get the manufacturers code off it then order some more of the same?

 

[Squidmaster]

Well, I am not in love with the company who made the computer. I have had a lot of headaches with them, and if there was a safe and reliable way to avoid them I'd do it.

 

[corkyg]

CHances are they did not make the memory. That would be most unusual. So, getting the same memory does not connect you to the system's OEM.

 

[Squidmaster]

Right, that is sensible. Another reason to look for compatible memory that may not be identical is value. I want to at least investigate what the cost difference would be between replacing and upgrading. With memory prices being what they are these days, I'm not sure it is a lock that buying just 1 stick will be the answer, especially if it is an older model that I have to get from a specific vendor.

 

[Squidmaster]

I contacted Asus and got this info about the memory:

Part NO. 04G001618964DP
DDR3 1333 DIMM NANYA 2GB 240P
NT2GC64B8HA0NF-CG

The part number nets no search hits at all. The code starting with NT2 gives me a few hits on a memory vendor site I have never heard of. The price is poor as well. Maybe I am going about it the wrong way somehow.

I have another question that hopefully someone can answer. Is there any difference in the actual stick of ram with regards to it being dual or triple channel, or is that a motherboard-only distinction as long as I have the right number of sticks in place? I searched for triple channel, 240 pin, 1.5v RAM on newegg and only got sets of 3, which led me to this question.

 

[corkyg]

Here is a 12GB kit of the proper memory for your PC.

http://www.crucial.com/upgrade/comp...t.html?AID=10273954&PID=3332167&SID=u00000687

Take down the nomenclature and see if Crucial will sell 1 or 2 sticks - or buy the whole kit. Or, . . . let Crucial analyze your system on line.

 

[Squidmaster]

I was able to find a more precise Corsair memory matcher on their sales site as opposed to the regular site, and that included a lot more choices. I am going to buy directly from them unless there is some reason not to. I guess nobody has the lifetime warranty anymore for memory like they used to. At least with Corsair I have assurance that the memory matches, and they have a 45 day return policy instead of 30. Amazon has the same memory but the return policy for electronics says "new condition with original packaging", so that doesn't seem promising. Newegg's isn't quite that worrying but is still a bit more strict than Corsair's.