VIA chipset *only* memory?

[gaidin123]

I've seen this for a while now on pricewatch and most every store that sells RAM...

What is the deal with VIA chipset only RAM and why is it so much cheaper than "true" PC133 SDRAM that is compatible with all Intel and AMD and VIA chipsets?

Is part of the reason the VIA only RAM is cheaper than everything else due to the fact that it is lower quality and less stable?

I'm building a system for a friend who will not be overclocking her system but want to know if it's safe to buy VIA only RAM as opposed to more expensive "true" PC133 RAM? Will it run at 133Mhz FSB as stable as fully compatible (and more expensive) PC133RAM?

Thanks,
Gaidin

 

[Citadel]

Gaidin123, Do yourself and your friend a huge favor and get your RAM from Crucial. The PC133 CAS 2 is top quality and very affordable.

 

[birddog]

I think it may be due to the ability of VIA chipsets being able to read double sided RAM. VIA chipsets are not fussy about memory (like the BX & 815). I have had some double sided RAM (64mb sticks) that a BX board would only read as 32MB. My VT6X4 (apollo pro 133a chipset) read them as 64 mb & had no problem at all.