DDR is double data rate - the signal is sampled twice per cycle, effectively doubling the bandwidth - i.e., PC2-667 RAM DOES run at 333 MHz,  so what you're seeing is completely normal.

If one of the memory sockets is bad, the mainboard needs to be replaced.

I had considered replacing that, but motherboards seem to run $300-$400.  This laptop has had many problems already with batteries, keyboard, power bricks, etc, so I don't think it would be wise to invest very much more into it.

You mentined about DDR sample cycles.  Does a machine require 2 dimms of DDR ram in order to get the full mhz speed, or perhaps is there a bios setting that is limiting my ram speed for the single chip?

Thanks, ejn63.

DDR-667 DOES RUN at 333 MHz - normally.  That is why it's called DDR-667;  it effectively runs at twice its actual speed.  Your RAM is running exactly as designed.

No, it is NOT necessary to pair modules for the proper speed, though it IS wise to do so since you lose half your memory bandwidth (NOT speed) by running a single or mismatched modules.

Ok thanks. I will probably sell off the 2 dimms and buy a 2gb pc2-5300s to tide me over until my next laptop purchase.