Laptop RAM question

[Ecrofirt]

I've got a Dell XPS M1210 laptop.Here's the manuals and whatnot for it.

It's got 1GB of DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) RAM that's broken up over two 512MB chips. Here's a bit more (generally unhelpful) info about the memory that the system will take:


I plan to upgrade to 4GB via two 2GB sticks.

Here's where the head scratcher comes in. Since the manual doesn't mention the max speed of the RAM, is it supposed to be inferred that it only takes DDR2 667 RAM?

I specifically ask, because I'm looking at a few different types of memory to get. Here they are:
Kingston HyperX 4GB (2 x 2GB) 200-Pin DDR2 SO-DIMM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Dual Channel Kit Laptop Memory Model KHX5300S2LLK2/4GR - Retail

• Cas Latency: 4
• Timing: 4-4-4-12
• $60.99 w/ free shipping

Kingston HyperX 4GB (2 x 2GB) 200-Pin DDR2 SO-DIMM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Laptop Memory Model KHX6400S2LLK2/4GR - Retail

• Cas Latency: 5
• Timing: 5-5-5-18
• $59.99 w/ free shipping

And there's a bunch more at Newegg here: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010260381%201309121118&name=4GB%20(2%20x%202GB)

Now, I guess I've got a few questions from here.

Let's suppose that the laptop doesn't work with DDR2 800 RAM. Will it scale this back to DDR2 667?

And let's suppose this DOES happen. Is it likely that the CAS latency will drop to 4 with the reduction in speed? It looks like my current RAM has 5-5-5-15 timing, which drops to 4-4-4-12 if the RAM goes down to 266MHz, so I'd imagine this will be the case with the DDR2 800 RAM I linked above.

Is there anything else on that page in the $60 range that would be a better bang for my buck?

[Ecrofirt]

XP Professional.

[pilonv1]

Moving from 1gb to 2.9gb+ would definitely help though. No idea on the timings though

[Ecrofirt]

I know that 4GB in a 32-bit system is wasting RAM, but I figure it's got to be better than going to 3GB via a 2GB / 1GB mix and match. Wouldn't I lose the DDR benefits and whatnot that way?

[Ecrofirt]

Anyone think I'll run into any issues with DDR2 800 RAM?

I'm thinking that if I can find some of that for cheaper than the DDR2 667, I'll pick that up, hoping that latency decreased when it gets downgraded to DDR2 667.