Memory ram upgrade RAM random access memory , as it’s name states it’s random due to the fact that any specific memory cell can be specified and accessed directly.
According to statistics, upgrading your computers RAM from 128mb to 1gb could increase performance by up to 35% , and up to 45% upgrading to around 2gb .
It also makes a much bigger difference when using more applications or system resources as a smaller page file will be used by the system.
When it comes to purchasing memory there are lots of different types to choose from, so how do you make sure you purchase a type that is compatible with your computer system?
By following a few simple rules it’s very easy to make sure any memory will be compatible.
Generally the type of memory is determined by the type of computer , i.e. a notebook / laptop memory or desktop computer memory , and then the processor and bus speed.
Memory Types
EDO Extended Data Out
Desktop EDO
EDO memory was invented in 1994 and was designed to run Pentium 2 type computers.
EDO has to be upgraded in pairs on desktop computer.
Laptop EDO
Shown above are the desktop and laptop computer variations
SDRAM Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory
Desktop SD RAM
Laptop SD RAM
SDRAM is available in the following speeds pc66 , pc100 and pc133 , the memory clock speed is designed to run at the same speed as the bus speed of the computer .
So generally Pentium 2 to Pentium 3 will use the various bus speeds of 66mhz to 133mhz .
It is backward compatible so for instance a system with a 66mhz bus speed would be able to run ok with PC133 SDRAM, but the SDRAM would run at the bus speed of the computer 66mhz. Slower memory in a faster system will not work.
SD Ram is generally found in Pentium 3 type computers with a bus speed of up to 133mhz
computer-adviser Memory RAM Upgrade Article
DDR memory SDRAM Double Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory
Desktop DDR
Laptop DDR
DDR SDRAM is available in a number of different speeds
- PC1600 = 200mhz bus speed ,
- PC2100 = 266mhz ,
- PC2700 = 333mhz ,
- PC3200 = 400mhz ,
- PC3500 = 433mhz ,
- PC3700 = 466mhz ,
- PC4000 = 500mhz ,
- PC4200 = 533mhz ,
- PC4400 = 566mhz ,
It’s generally used in higher end Processors Such as Pentium 4 ‘s
computer-adviser Memory RAM Upgrade Article
You can use systems bus speed to calculate the memory needed if you have an unbranded desktop pc or laptop , but if you have a branded or named computer use the crucial memory type finder.
Before you order your memory one thing to bare in mind is how many free memory ports does your computer have ?
If you have 256mb and you have two memory ports , this will probably mean your computer will have 2 x 128mb memory chips. So to upgrade you’ll have to remove one of the existing pieces of memory.
If you was hoping to upgrade to 512mb by just adding 256mb this will now only give you 384mb. 128mb + 256mb so you might wish to just add an additional 512mb which will give you a decent 640mb
To check the memory configuration and used / free memory ports without opening up your computer download a free application called Belarc Adviser from www.belarc.com which will tell you this and much more.
- Pentium 1/MMX = 66mhz
- Pentium II / Pentium III 100mhz
- Pentium II / Pentium III 133mhz
- AMD Athlon, Duron, Thunderbird 100mhz
- 266MHz AMD Thunderbird 133mhz
- 333MHz 166mhz
- 400MHz Low End Pentium 4 100mhz
- 533MHz Pentium 4 133mhz
- 800MHz Pentium 4 & AMD 64 200mhz
- 1066MHz Pentium 4 266mhz
computer adviser memory ram upgrade article