Memory Buying Guide

by Azad Faliv

Computer memory is required to run various computer applications and is extremely vital for uninterrupted computer operation. It is essential to have adequate amount of memory for the smooth functioning of the computer. If your computer runs out of memory the performance of your computer can deteriorate and it can result in slow speed of the computer and even application crashing.

Most of your computer data first gets stored in RAM and then in any other storage device like computer hard disk. When a computer processes tasks, it uses RAM to save temporary instructions as a result of which RAM is used infinite times each second. The CPU accesses data and instructions from RAM to process the tasks further in minimum time.

Selecting memory

You must select the memory according to the applications and operating system you wish to run. If you have a Windows XP operating system and you just perform basic tasks like web surfing and running Microsoft Office applications then 256MB memory would be sufficient but if you wish to install gaming applications and graphic-oriented programs then 512 MB would be suitable. For running advance video and photo editing software programs, it is good to have a memory capacity of 1GB+ that will help to support multitasking, games, and operating systems without hampering the performance and speed of your computer.

Why to upgrade memory

Upgrading memory helps to increase the performance of your computer. It is the most easy and cost effective way to increase the speed of your computer and make it compatible with gaming software applications, photo and movie editing tools, downloading streaming videos and graphics, animations, operating system upgrades, multitasking & multimedia capabilities, business applications, 3D effects, etc.

When you decide to go for a memory upgrade of your computer it is essential to analyze your system requirements to select the right memory that is compatible with the PC's motherboard. There are different types of memory like DDR, SDRAM, and RDRAM. Every system is usually compatible with one type of memory and you can check up with a PC expert or a user manual to find out which memory type is compatible to your system.

Another thing to consider is memory redundancy level. Based on the memory redundancy level, it could be a non-parity memory, true parity or parity memory and error checking and correcting i.e. ecc memory. When an error occurs in the first level i.e. non-parity memory there is no way to detect it whereas in the parity memory which is the second level the reason of error can be detected. The third level i.e. ECC is the most advanced level as it detects the error and also fixes 1 bit ecc errors. To have ecc memory, the motherboard needs to be compatible with it.

Types of Computer Memory

• SDRAM: Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory also known as SDR SDRAM or single data rate SDRAM. SDRAM modules have 168-pin DIMMS that read/write 64 or 72 bits at one time. It has a synchronous interface and responds to control inputs based on the clock signal. Their clocks frequencies are 100 and 133 MHz. Different SDRAM based on speed are pc100 memory, pc133 memory, pc133 ecc and pc133 ecc registered.
• RDRAM: Rambus Dynamic Random Access Memory supports a data transfer rate of 1.6 GHz. RDRAM has 184-pin RIMMS. This type of RAM is compatible with Intel Pentium 4 motherboards. Rambus memory comes in varying speeds and includes pc600 memory, pc700 memory, pc800 regular memory and pc800 ecc and pc1066 memory.
• DDRRAM: Double Data Rate uses 184-pin socket, is a high-performance memory module and is also referred to as DDR SDRAM. DDR (Double data rate) has replaced SDR (Single Data Rate) RAM that came in the year 2002. The access time of DDR memory is less than SDRAM. Double Data Rate memory transfers data twice during each clock cycle and its clock speeds are usually 133, 166 and 200 MHz. ECC and/or ECC registered pc2100, pc2700, pc3200 184 PIN DDR RAM is available.
• DDR II Memory: It is an updated version of DDR that has the ability to run faster and doubles the minimum read or write speed. DDR II memory is being used in latest computer systems. DDR II uses 240-pin socket for the module to slot into. DDR2 memory has higher clock frequency and its clock speeds are 200, 266, 333, or 400 MHz. ECC and/or ECC registered DDR2 pc4200-pc533 and DDR2 pc5300-pc667 is available.

The most common type of memory used in desktop PCs is SDRAM. In the latest PCs currently DDRII memory is being used. DDR memory can be installed only in computer systems that are designed particularly for DDR memory. For a complete selection of Apple, Cisco, Dell, IBM, HP & Compaq memory and accessories or RAM upgrades for Ibook, Imac, Powerbook, Mac, HP, Dell, IBM, Compaq and other computer manufacturers and models, visit www.MemoryToGo.com .

About the Author

Azad, President of memorytogo.com has written article on Memory Buying Guide. For more details, please visit www.MemoryToGo.com .