Purchasing DDR Memory for Your Personal Computer
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.