I bought two memory sticks from a marketplace seller, thinking they matched the RAM already installed in my computer. My original sticks list SK Hynix as the DRAM manufacturer in CPU-Z, while the new ones list Kingston. Does that indicate the new RAM is counterfeit, or can the memory chips and module branding legitimately differ?
2 Answers
There are reasons to be cautious here. Kingston generally sells memory modules rather than manufacturing the DRAM chips themselves, so the CPU-Z field may be reporting incorrect or unusual SPD information. The reported serial or product details appearing to correspond to an older DDR3 Genesis module would be suspicious if these are supposed to be DDR4 sticks. Verify the exact part number, notch position, physical labeling, and SPD data with Kingston, and test the modules before relying on them.
A different manufacturer entry does not automatically mean the RAM is fake. Memory modules can use chips from different suppliers, and Kingston is a legitimate module brand. Check that the capacity, speed, timings, voltage, and part number match the advertised specifications. Running MemTest86 or another memory test is also a good way to check stability.
Related Questions
Lenovo Thinkpad Stuck In Update Loop Install FilterDriverU2_Reload