RAM-tastic! (Crucial (computer memory))

Member Name: markbuk

Product:	Crucial (computer memory)
Date:	22/12/01 (862 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Inexpensive, Rapid, Stunningly easy to use Website

Disadvantages: None

Two years after purchase, my Gateway PC is still an ample machine for my needs. Although supplied with a 500MHz P3 processor and 128Mb RAM, it copes more than admirably with my slightly above average demands.

That said, when I upgraded to Windows XP earlier this month, I decided the time was right to upgrade the memory too. Personally, I have never seen memory as cheap as it is now.

Shopping around a little and asking the advice of a few other PC-literate friends, Crucial Technology seemed the most promising vendor, coupled with the fact that Gateway recommends them too - the remnants of their once extensive UK website carrying the Crucial shopping basket.

On browsing their website I was pleased to find a very comprehensive, yet simply designed setup. If you have a branded PC and know your model, it could not be easier to find the correct memory for your machine. By using the Crucial Memory Selector you simply choose your manufacturer, product range then model from drop down boxes and a list is generated of all compatible memory. Over 100 manufacturers are listed, which goes to show just how much effort has been put into making the selection process as easy and problem free for the purchaser. You can also search by Crucial part number or the actual type of memory needed (i.e., SDRAM, EDO etc.) Should you end up with the wrong or incompatible memory for your computer after using the site, Crucial will replace or refund hassle-free.

Pricing is incredibly competitive - the 256MB SDRAM DIMM I ordered cost £28.54 including VAT and was the cheapest I could find from 5 different suppliers. As an aside, this provides an amazing example of how the bottom has practically dropped out of the memory market - 10 years ago a friend of mine purchased a 4MB SIMM for £112!!

A number of payment methods are accepted - Visa, MasterCard, Electron, Solo or Cheque (no American Express) - I used a credit card. The online authorisation process wa
s very rapid and makes me wonder why it is such a laborious task on other websites.

Order processing is particularly rapid - I placed mine at 10:30pm on Monday, received an e-mail at 10am on Tuesday informing me that my package had been despatched, and it arrived in my morning mail on Wednesday. Had I placed the order on the Tuesday during business hours, I am sure it would still have reached me that Wednesday morning, despite the guarantee being by 12 noon within 2 days of dispatch. Delivery is by Royal Mail Special Delivery for no extra charge through out the UK mainland, although should you wish to arrange for an evening or Saturday delivery there are additional charges.

The site (as does the e-mail confirming despatch of your order) offers a link to the Royal Mail website where you can track your order. However, as past experience has also shown, this has little benefit (to me at least). The site simply claims it cannot recognise or trace your tracking number until your parcel has actually been delivered, by which time you probably already know you have received it. This is something unique to the Royal Mail in my experience - most other couriers who offer this on-line feature report back on the consignment at every stage.

The DIMM came in the usual static-free bag, between two pieces of foam and inside a small cardboard box - well packed in line with the relatively fragile nature of the contents. Included was a multi-lingual instruction sheet with basic directions on how to install your new memory. Should this limited information not be enough, some quite detailed instructions are provided on the website, along with photographs and pictures. These pages can also help you visually confirm the type of memory you need at the ordering stage. Within 10 minutes of opening my package, my machine was upgraded! As my upgrade was problem-free, I cannot comment further on their e-mail technical support service, however I would be astounded i
f this did not live up the service provided by the company as a whole.

One point to be aware of - memory prices are volatile and can fluctuate. Althought they dont usually change by a great amount, as an example the memory I ordered for £28.54 had increased by £1.20 within 5 days. It then dropped again. As I say, not a great deal, but something you may wish to bear in mind. This is something common to all memory suppliers and is dictated by market forces, so it is not something I can criticise Crucial over.

All in all, I cannot find a single thing to complain about regarding Crucial Technology. I would heartily recommend this supplier to anyone seeking to source new memory for their machine. Crucial do not just cater for the IBM compatible market, listing Apple and other such manufacturers such as Nokia so even if you are looking for non-standard memory types, give them a try.

I cannot recommend them highly enough!


www.crucial.com/uk

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