How to Select Memory for Your Computer
Selecting a memory stick in your computer is quite simple. There are two
ways your computer remembers information, ROM and RAM.
ROM (read-only memory) is nonvolatile memory. This is information installed by the
computer manufacturer and retains code even when the computer is turned
off. ROM information relates to the operation of the hardware components of your
machine and how they work together. The average computer user would normally
not have access to this type of memory.
RAM (random access memory) is volatile memory and it is only available during boot
up or when your turn on your computer. As soon as you turn off your machine, the
information in it is discarded. This type of memory is what usually needs careful
consideration in order to maximize the performance of you PC.
How RAM is Used
The term random is used to refer to the way in which the CPU (central processing
unit or microprocessor) accesses the resources of the RAM. The CPU can place
data to or access data from any addressable RAM on the system. This happens
almost instantaneously.
RAM is used to run programs or processes when your boot the operating system.
For the purpose of our discussion, processes are single-purpose instructions run
by the OS (Operating System, such as Linux, MacOS, or Windows). Processes can
also be managed by programs installed in your machines such as, Microsoft Office,
PhotoShop, or any Internet browser such as Mozilla Firefox, Safari, or Internet
Explorer. Many of these processes run in the background and some are loaded on
the tray (the right-hand corner of the Taskbar in Windows). The more of these little
processes run in the background the less the memory available to run useful
programs. As a result, if your machine has very little RAM, it will run very slowly,
frustrating the heck out of impatient people like me and making slaves of conformity
of the majority of users.
This issue may be addressed by controlling the number of processes that can run
behind the scenes, to which many of you do not have access. In addition, it is
recommended to upgrade the memory to a module with large amounts of RAM
space. Typically, 1GB (gigabytes) of memory should be sufficient, two or three GB,
even better. Doing this will improve your machine's performance when running
programs.
Which Type of RAM to Use
RAM comes in several configurations. The most popular in use today are variations
of DRAM (dynamic RAM) such as SDRAM (synchronous DRAM). Most computers
use DDR (double-data rate) SDRAM. However, DDR2 has superseded that
standard. The latest trend in memory technology is dual-channel memory. DDR
usually is followed by a number (e.i. DDR-400) which refers to the data transfer per
second. This is the data that flows between the RAM and the CPU which determines
how fast you can view data on your monitor or send data to another device.
Another consideration in choosing a memory stick is its internal clock. This refers to
the rate at which the RAM coordinates its data transfer (I/O bus clock, e.i. 100MHz,
400MHz, 800MHz). You must match the clock to the specifications on your
motherboard. Usually, this information is listed in the specification's sheet of the
owner's manual. If you built the machine yourself, kudos to you, you should know
what you're doing.
Lastly, you should consider the module name such as PC3200, PC6400. This
refers to the peak transfer rate. If the above sounds two techie for you, the list below
should make it clear.
Some websites such as Dell offer an online search tool that determines the type of
memory you will need based on the model of your computer. Of course, if you go to
Dell, they will only assist you with their own computer models. So, checkout the
website of your computer manufacturer.
For more information visit Wikipedia
Kingston Technology has a great little video on how to install your memory.
For more How-To Articles click here.
© Copyright 2007 LineX Computer Associates. All Rights Reserved.
Selecting a memory stick in your computer is quite simple. There are two
ways your computer remembers information, ROM and RAM.
ROM (read-only memory) is nonvolatile memory. This is information installed by the
computer manufacturer and retains code even when the computer is turned
off. ROM information relates to the operation of the hardware components of your
machine and how they work together. The average computer user would normally
not have access to this type of memory.
RAM (random access memory) is volatile memory and it is only available during boot
up or when your turn on your computer. As soon as you turn off your machine, the
information in it is discarded. This type of memory is what usually needs careful
consideration in order to maximize the performance of you PC.
How RAM is Used
The term random is used to refer to the way in which the CPU (central processing
unit or microprocessor) accesses the resources of the RAM. The CPU can place
data to or access data from any addressable RAM on the system. This happens
almost instantaneously.
RAM is used to run programs or processes when your boot the operating system.
For the purpose of our discussion, processes are single-purpose instructions run
by the OS (Operating System, such as Linux, MacOS, or Windows). Processes can
also be managed by programs installed in your machines such as, Microsoft Office,
PhotoShop, or any Internet browser such as Mozilla Firefox, Safari, or Internet
Explorer. Many of these processes run in the background and some are loaded on
the tray (the right-hand corner of the Taskbar in Windows). The more of these little
processes run in the background the less the memory available to run useful
programs. As a result, if your machine has very little RAM, it will run very slowly,
frustrating the heck out of impatient people like me and making slaves of conformity
of the majority of users.
This issue may be addressed by controlling the number of processes that can run
behind the scenes, to which many of you do not have access. In addition, it is
recommended to upgrade the memory to a module with large amounts of RAM
space. Typically, 1GB (gigabytes) of memory should be sufficient, two or three GB,
even better. Doing this will improve your machine's performance when running
programs.
Which Type of RAM to Use
RAM comes in several configurations. The most popular in use today are variations
of DRAM (dynamic RAM) such as SDRAM (synchronous DRAM). Most computers
use DDR (double-data rate) SDRAM. However, DDR2 has superseded that
standard. The latest trend in memory technology is dual-channel memory. DDR
usually is followed by a number (e.i. DDR-400) which refers to the data transfer per
second. This is the data that flows between the RAM and the CPU which determines
how fast you can view data on your monitor or send data to another device.
Another consideration in choosing a memory stick is its internal clock. This refers to
the rate at which the RAM coordinates its data transfer (I/O bus clock, e.i. 100MHz,
400MHz, 800MHz). You must match the clock to the specifications on your
motherboard. Usually, this information is listed in the specification's sheet of the
owner's manual. If you built the machine yourself, kudos to you, you should know
what you're doing.
Lastly, you should consider the module name such as PC3200, PC6400. This
refers to the peak transfer rate. If the above sounds two techie for you, the list below
should make it clear.
Some websites such as Dell offer an online search tool that determines the type of
memory you will need based on the model of your computer. Of course, if you go to
Dell, they will only assist you with their own computer models. So, checkout the
website of your computer manufacturer.
For more information visit Wikipedia
Kingston Technology has a great little video on how to install your memory.
For more How-To Articles click here.
© Copyright 2007 LineX Computer Associates. All Rights Reserved.
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