Confused (again) about RAM pricing from Dell

[Curious]

In a previous thread regarding Dell deals, it was suggested that purchasing extra RAM from Dell was less cost effective than purchasing RAM from vendors such as Crucial. I looked at the prices for Crucial and some other vendors and I found the prices seem actually higher. Perhaps I'm missing something.

If I were to purchase a computer from Dell, an additional 256MB of RAM (total 512MB RAM with 2 256MB DDR 400MHz) would set me back $80 (or $100 if I didn't want to mess with the rebate) for the upgrade. If I were to purchase 2 sticks of 256MB DDR 400MHz from Crucial (which I would have to do since I need to fill the remaining slots given the dual channel function), it would set me back $135 (about $67 for each stick). Now granted, the $80 is an upgrade from the couple of 128MB sticks they would have in the computer. However, 128MB sticks from Crucial were about $40 each.

Which is more cost effective? Getting 512MB RAM (2x256MB) for an additional $80 from Dell and have two slots open for future upgrades as needed, or getting a computer configured at 256MB RAM (2x128MB) and then purchasing more RAM to bring my computer up to 512MB or 784MB of RAM through outside vendors? Please keep in mind that 512MB is presumed enough for my computer needs (at this time).

[Curious]

Thanks for the input. I thought about it more when I went to bed and I came up with a similar thought. Nice to know someone feels the same way.

[bachviet]

It's always cheaper to buy RAM from somebody else instead of Dell. I could get a stick of 512MB Corsair PC3200 for $69.99 after MIR from Fry's.

[Dave_7]

I think there were some Kingston sticks of 256MB for <$40 each on pricewatch.com

Though, it may have been PC2700 (which is what I'm looking for ;))




Dave.

[bachviet]

Dell free upgrade usually means two sticks.

[Curious]

On the 8300 under the SB section, 256MB of RAM is the minimum (2x128MB). If you select 512MB of RAM (2x256MB), then you can either do the "Free" upgrade or you can purchase it for $80 more and still get your $100 rebate.

Unfortunately, getting a Dell deal with the 15% coupon is like riding a wave. You can get a deal that you like without the coupon, get the coupon with no good deals, or if you are lucky, the two will overlap and you will have a deal worth getting. Such was the case for me yesterday in getting an 8300 with an Ultrasharp LCD. I waited for today thinking maybe the deal would still be there so that I could go in on it with my dad, but alas, one of the features became $100 more. There's something about buying a computer that you knew you could of bought for less.

The good news about any retail shopping is that there is never a deal so great that you couldn't find something better in the future. Something better will come...I just wish I didn't have to wait after waiting for the past few months.

[yippiekiyeh]

Originally posted by DarkFury


Personally, I try to go for the upgrade to get one stick of larger memory rather than 2 sticks of smaller memory, which leaves you with more future flexibility in buying additional memory later should you want it.



Definitely Agree with DF on this one. Ram though, is really easy to get. If you're getting by with the ram you have, better to just wait for a nice deal to come by and snap up some ram to increase your amount of ram.

Plus there's no such thing as too much RAM :D :thumbup:

[Curious]

Thanks for the input. I thought about that as well and you are right. If I were to get 784MB total of RAM, the less expensive way is to purchase the RAM on my own. If I were to get 512MB with two slots left open, the less expensive way is to upgrade with Dell (since I'm already paying for the 256MB). I think if I didn't have to purchase two of the same memory sticks for the dual channel feature, then I would feel more comfortable with keeping the lower pre-installed 256MB.

All is moot at any point. The deal changed on me overnight last night and I wound up helping my sister purchase her computer instead. I'll just wait for the next deal to come along that I like...another month from now or so.