Every computer needs memory to work properly. The integral computer memory is called the Random Access Memory or also known as RAM for short. It is named this due to the fact that the data stored in it may be accessed in any or random sequence. It is generated on tiny circuit boards in the form of sticks that are usually called as sticks of memory. Information is saved in the memory as it waits to be processed by the central processing unit or popularly known as the CPU. It is critical to have the correct type and speed of memory to guarantee the optimal operation of your computer system.

Currently, the basic type of memory implemented in your desktop computer system is Synchronous Dynamic RAM (SDRAM). Although, since the past few years, Double Data Rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM or simply DDR) has been the standard for a majority of systems, with previous memory now being called to as Single Data Rate (SDR SDRAM). Sometimes, certain systems use Rambus Dynamic RAM (RDRAM) or DDR2 RAM that are a bit different and are not within the scope of this article.

SDRAM is not similar to other types of asynchronous memory because it waits for each computing cycle or clock before responding to inputs. These clocks occur very quickly in computers (millions of times per second) but still the computer bus eventually bound the speed of the memory. This is the wiring on the motherboard or mainboard in the system, which connects the entire component together. The memory and processor can both manage high-elevated clock speeds, although if the speed of the system bus is at a low level, they will be bounded by the lowest possible speed. It is crucial that they all work at comparable speeds to operate with efficiency. As an example, SDR SDRAM are available in PC66, PC100 and PC133; these numbers correlates to the clock speed of the RAM measured in megahertz (a million cycles per second): 55 MHz, 100MHz, and so on. In case the system bus speed rate is at 100 MHz and the memory is at 66 MHz, thus the memory is not working as fast as it may be and it is recommended to purchase a PC100 memory. Of course, if PC133 was bought for the system above, the additional 33 MHz would automatically be wasted because the system bus can only manage 100 MHz.

Double Data Rate (DDR) memory is quite similar to conventional SDRAM except it transfers data two times during each clock cycle. This increases the transfer rate of the memory by twice as much while the system bus remains the same. Thus a 100 MHz system bus that manages DDR memory can successfully utilize 200 MHz RAM. DDR are available in various speeds, each of them with two designations. Somewhere in the specifications or on the box, the memory will be labeled as DDR-xxx, where the xxx is substituted by the suitable clock speed of the memory like 200 in the example above. Also, it will list a PC-xxxx number, where xxxx signifies the bandwidth of the whole memory stick. This is not mainly essential to understand for beginners. The most usual are: DDR-200/PC-1600 that works at a clock speed of 100 MHz (effectively 200 MHz), DDR-266/PC-2100, which works at 133 MHz (effectively 266 MHz), DDR-333/PC-2700, working at 166 MHz (333 MHz) and DDR-400/PC-3200, which works at 200 MHz (400 MHz).

It is quite essential to know which type (SDR or DDR SDRAM) and speed of memory your system utilizes and to consistently buy this type when replacing or upgrading your memory. You can generally locate this information in technical manual or by contacting the manufacturer.

Various sectors of the personal computer have developed drastically in terms of capabilities and performance.

Computer memory or popularly known as Random Access Memory (RAM) has increases massively in performance throughout the years.

A popular statement made in the eighties by Bill gates explaining that no one would ever require more than 640KB of memory. Although that has gone by for years and with sophisticated performance computer systems at times containing over 1GB of memory.

There are several benefits that can be seen with more memory:
• Programs operate quicker
• Reduced waiting time for program loading
• Several programs can operate at the same time
• Increased total computer speed

Double Data Rate (DDR) memory is the fundamental of the user market. It has become quite sophisticated because of increased public demand and now can be purchased at a reasonable price.

Currently, computers are not usually manufactured with less than 256MB of memory. My computer after just installing Windows 2000 (no, I have not installed Windows XP yet) requires approximately 80MB of memory. That is minimally, who no extra programs or any other applications installed. After installing the entire graphics drivers, Internet connection application for ADSL, virus protection program, and firewall, it requires approximately 160MB of overall memory.

Based on my initial experience, 256MB will suffice, but after it becomes rapidly packed when operating several programs, Windows goes back to employing the hard drive for memory. It is a method to fake more memory, by employing the hard drive as an impermanent storage. Basically, 512MB is suitable for my needs, but if you operate several programs or memory intensive programs, 768MB or even 1GB is recommended.

But is only factor is memory size?

An evenly essential aspect is the memory speed which is measured in megahertz (MHz). Almost all systems utilize 400MHz DDR memory. This would be a very calculated assumption with almost any processor you may own. 400MHz is also the most usual to purchase, there is not to many RAM slower than that left to purchase.

Memory produced by a respectable manufacturer will guarantee that you do not have problems with it and will also offer specific amount of overclocking if you are interested in it. Even more recommended would be to purchase faster memory; it just runs down at the computer speed, even if it is manufactured for more.

One other factor of memory has come into the fold, becoming highlighted most entirely by the passionate overclocking crowd and that is latency.

Basically, memory is a bank or table of places where data and information can be stored. In order to receive the exact columns and rows specific things must be activated within the memory. In conclusion latency refers to the length it requires to be able to access another section of memory.

The shorter time it requires, the faster it is.
Low latency is quite expensive with 512MB of high grade memory priced more than some types of processors.

Though does it really benefit you?
If you are a fan of high-speed 3D games then there is definitely a difference. For the standard user, there might not be too much difference. It is yet worth it though to maintain latency in mind when purchasing. I would definitely select a lower latency model when purchasing.

Dual channel memory is one other current addition to memory technology. What this does is it places memory into pairs, thus the two pairs jointly can enhance the speed and performance of the memory of up to 10%. Though it has to be supported by the motherboard and the memory must be the dual channel type. Dual channel will operate even when not in a pair, but standard memory will not have any benefits when paired together.

Lastly, DDR2 is a brand new addition offered for Intel systems. It possesses 240 pins (the tiny copper strips at the base which plugs into a slot) compared to DDR memory that has 184 pins. Based on this, both of them are totally incompatible. DDR2 is manufactured to be in pairs though they do not require to be, but they all posses dual channel capability. Just Intel processors with LGA775 socket type utilize this type of memory, but it is quite quicker.

Thus, whenever searching for more memory, try to consider the following factors:
• Do you require DDR or DDR2 (LGA775 systems)
• What speed would you require? Frequently 400MHz (named PC3200) or quicker?
• 256MB minimum, preferably 512 or up to 1GB
• Dual channel pairs. Do you require them and does your personal computer support and facilitate them?
• Latency, the lower the better, but is not necessarily essential. CAS of 3 is normal.

In this rapid era, almost everybody require quicker access of information, thus the DDR-II RAM is a landmark. It has features that makes it much more efficient compared to DDR-I RAM. Physically, the appearance of DDR-II is unlike DDR-I due to the number of pins (Golden fingers), the DDR-II has 240 pins whereas the DDR-I has 184 pins. Thus we cannot install DDR-II RAM in personal computers where DDR-II is not applicable and suitable. Based on sped the DDR-II RAM can reach 400 MHZ at its lowest level whereas this level is the highest for DDR-I. The maximum speed for DDR-II is 800 MHZ. Thus we can state that upgrading your computer system with DDR-II will result in a more efficient and quicker performance.

The DDR-II RAM can operate at quicker speeds and also can adapt with higher data bandwidth thus allowing us to access the Internet faster. Also, the DDR-II needs less power, which makes it very energy efficient and if we use the computer for long periods of time, this will allow us to save money on our energy bill. Compared to the DDR-I RAM the DDR-II RAM stays cool for a longer period of time due to its enhancements of thermal performance.

If you are considering buying RAM for your personal computer, initially you must review your manufacturers technical guidelines, as your new RAM must be suitable and compatible to your PC. If you purchase the incorrect DDR where it is DDR-I or DDR-II, it will end various functions of RAM and decrease the speed of your computer.

Do not personally install memory by yourself; this will cause your computer’s warranty to become void so go to a sale and service center of a respectable personal computer company with your memory. There you can meet and consult with technicians to assist you in upgrading your computer with your preferred RAM.

By installing a DDR-II RAM, we can enjoy increased performance rate for our applications, quicker program downloads and so on. We can without difficulty swap between programs and can run several programs at a time. It will increase the speed of our personal computer and since it performs at a quicker rate, it will also perform more efficiently.

Installing and upgrading your computer RAM is a very cost-effective method of creating a large enhancement to your computer’s performance and speed. Upgrading your RAM can be performed by two different methods. Firstly, you can change your previous memory stick with one that possesses a bigger capacity. Secondly, you can utilize the additional RAM slots on your motherboard to affix new memory sticks.

Before you are able to upgrade your RAM, though, you require knowing the type of RAM that your computer utilizes. There are three types of RAM currently in the consumer market. The longest type in the market is the DDR SDRAM or double data rate synchronous dynamic RAM. The DDR SDRAM has mainly been eliminated by the more familiar DDR2 SDRAM or double data rate, which second generation SDRAM. The newest type of RAM is the third generation DDR3 SDRAM. DDR3 SDRAM has quicker data transfer speed levels compared to DDR2 SDRAM and DDR SDRAM, with DDR SDRAM being the slowest type of memory.

Several motherboards can just facilitate a single type of RAM. Therefore, constantly perform research before you go and purchase new RAM modules. Specific RAM architecture is also controlled to a motherboard. To guarantee that you have the proper RAM, you can take out your RAM stick and show it to the store during purchase.

Guarantee that your computer is switched off and unplugged from the electrical socket when you take out your RAM module. This will prevent electrical shocks for both your internal computer components and you. Additionally, do switch on your computer without a minimal one RAM module connected to the motherboard. Basically, your computer will not boot without the presence of RAM.

For additional information on the methods to upgrade your RAM, consult your computer user’s manual. It should include plenty of tips and advice on how you remove and add new RAM modules to your personal computer.

Random Access Memory is popularly known by its acronym RAM. RAM is an essential component of every computer system. RAM is memory that stores often used parts of data for the computer to retrieve in an efficient way. For the computer by accessing the RAM rather than to the hard disk is much simpler and faster.

RAM is very important for various different applications, but more applications require it more than others. As an example the process of encoding video would take up a huge sum of RAM as the process is RAM demanding. Also, database programs and applications utilize much RAM because of the amount of data involved. Browsing the internet or using applications such as word or powerpoint would not utilize too much RAM. Thus, the question you are required to ask yourself is do you really need the upgraded RAM. If you do not require to upgrade your RAM then it is wise to save your money, although if you do, please continue reading.

There are various selections to choose from when upgrading RAM. Initially, the size of RAM you wish to buy that comes in 256mb, 512mb, 1gig and 2gig selections. One thing to quickly consider is that 1gig of RAM is quite enough for almost everything you need to do; a 2gig RAM might be overdoing it.

Once you have selected the size of the RAM you wish to install, now you must select the type of RAM you wish. Basically, there are two major types of RAM which are DDR and DDR2. What you must consider when purchasing the RAM is which type your motherboard will support and facilitate. Almost all new Intel motherboards will accommodate DDR2 as this is the most current technology. Currently, AMD boards are not suitable with DDR2 so if you possess an AMD board then you must purchase DDR RAM.

After you have purchased the RAM then you must install it. Basically, installing RAM is actually very easy. Initially, you are required to remove the case to be able to access the motherboard. Once you have done this, you effortlessly need to place the RAM into one of the free slots located on your motherboard. One thing to consider is the specific slot you install the RAM in. Specific motherboards can be quite fussy so consult the user technical manual of your motherboard before upgrading the RAM.

There it is, enhancing the speed of your personal computer by upgrading the RAM is quite simple and can be quite effective.