Buying DDR Memory
Many aspects of the personal computer have increased in leaps and bounds in terms of performance and what they are capable of doing.
Computer memory, often referred to as Random Access Memory (RAM), has become of greater and greater performance as time has gone on.
One of the famous quotes from back in the eighties was one made by Bill Gates when he said that no one would ever need more than 640KB of memory. Well that has been passed for ages now, with high performance machines sometimes sporting over 1GB of it.
There are many advantages that can be had with more memory.
- Programs run faster
-Less waiting time for programs to load
- More programs can be run at a time
- Overall computer speed is increased
Double Data Rate (DDR) memory is the staple of the consumer market. It has taken off due to public demand and now comes quite reasonably priced.
Computers don't generally come with less than 256MB of memory nowadays. My computer after freshly installing Windows 2000 takes about 80MB or memory. That is the very least, with no additional programs or anything else installed. After I have installed all the graphics drivers, Internet connection software for ADSL, virus protection and firewall it takes around 160MB of total memory.
From my previous experience, 256MB will do, but after it becomes quickly filled when running a few programs, Windows reverts to using the hard drive for memory. It's a way to fake more memory, by using the hard drive as a temporary store. 512MB now does it for my needs, but if you run many programs or memory intensive ones, 768MB or even 1GB will do better.
But is memory size the only factor?
An equally important factor is the memory speed. It is measured in MHz. Most systems use 400MHz DDR memory. This would be the safe bet with almost any processor you may have. 400MHz has also become the most common to buy, there is not much slower than that left to buy.
Cpmputer memory from a reputable manufacturer will ensure that you don't have problems with it and will also provide a certain amount of overclocking if you are into that. Even better would be to get faster memory, it just runs down at the computers speed, even if it is designed for more.
Another aspect of memory has come into play, being highlighted mostly by the enthusiastic overclocking crowd, and that's latency.
Memory is a bank or table of places where information can be stored. In order to get the specific rows and columns certain things have to be activated within the memory. In a nutshell latency refers to how long it takes to be able to acces another part of memory. The shorter the time it takes, the quicker it is.
Low latency memory comes at a huge price premium, with 512MB of top class memory costing more than some processors.
But does it actually benefit you?
If you are into high-speed 3D games then there could certainly be a difference. For the rest of us, there probably won't be much difference. It's still worth it however to keep latency in mind when shopping around. I would certainly choose a lower latency model when buying.
Dual channel memory is another addition to memory technology. What it does is it puts the memory into pairs, the two pairs together can increase on the performance and speed of the memory by up to 10%. The motherboard has to support it, and the memory has to be the dual channel kind. Dual channel will work even when not in a pair, but normal memory will have no advantage when put in a pair.
Finally, DDR2 is a newer addition available for Intel systems. It has 240 pins (the little copper strips at the end that plugs into the slot) as opposed to DDR memory's 184 pins. In this respect the two are completely incompatable. DDR2 is by design meant to be in pairs, they don't have to be, but they all have dual channel capability. Only Intel processors with LGA775 socket type use this memory, but it is much faster.
So, whenever looking for more memory, try to bear these factors in mind...
- Do you need DDR or DDR2 (LGA775 systems)
- What speed do I need? Usually 400MHz (named PC3200) or faster?
- 256MB minimum, preferably 512 or up to 1GB
- Dual channel pairs. Do you need them and does your computer support them?
- Latency, lower the better, but not essential. CAS of 3 is normal.
About the Author
Peter Stewart is a computer enthusiast, his interest in computers and focus on practical, down to earth advice inspired his two websites. http://computer-buying-guide.com - Practical buying tips http://computer-reviews.net - Fair and honest reviews and opinions
NAVIGATION
ABCs of Computer Memory
About Computer Beeps
About Computer Viruses
Adware and Spyware Protection
Adware in Business Computers
Affiliate Business - Peripherals, Software, Computers
Are Public Internet Computers Dangerous?
Aurora Computer Virus
Avoiding Internet Threats - Securing a Computer
Avoiding Spam, Scams and Viruses
Backup a Computer Advice
Backup Data on My Computer
Backups: Don't Play Russian Roulette
Barebones Computer Buying
Become a Computer Trainer
The Benefit Of Computer Certifications
Build a Computer
Build a Computer From Scratch
Build Computer or Buy?
Build Your Own Computer
Business Computer Geeks
Business Data - How Safe is It?
Buy a Cheap Computer Desk?
Buy a Home Through a Computer
Buying a Computer? Ask These Questions
Buying a New Computer
Buying a Used Laptop
Buying Computer Parts
Buying DDR Memory
Buying Discount Computers
Buying Guide for Laptops
Buying the Perfect Computer
Check for Infections
Chinese Reading Online
Children - Computer Advantages
Choosing a Laptop Computer
Choosing an Oak Computer Desk
Choosing the Right Computer Case
Color Code Your Computer
Combat Spyware - AntiSpyware Isn't Enough
Combat Viruses
Computer Buying Advice For Novices
Computer Can't Keep Time
Computer Career Choices
Careers for Computer Geeks (11)
Computer Case Basics
Computer Case Modding
Computer Certification
Computer Certification Utility Player
Computer Classifications
Computer Classroom Rentals
Computer Cleaning
Computer Cleaning Business
Computer Clutter Clean Up
Computer Components for Idiots
Computer Consultant Hiring Tips
Computer Consulting Businesses
Computer Consulting Hiring Tips
Computer Consulting Profit Secrets
Computer Courtesy
Computer Data Backup Peace Of Mind
Computer Data Backup Tests
Computer Data Recovery Options
Computer Desks
Computer Desks for Children
Computer Disaster Preparation
Computer Disposal and Recycling
Computer Disposal Security
Computer Do's and Don'ts
A Computer For Entertainment Needs
Computer Forensics Basics
A Computer Friendly Resume
Computer Hygiene
Computer In The Shop?
Computer Insurance
Computer Literacy
Computer Loans - An Opportunity to Have a Computer
Computer Loans - Become Techno Savvy
Computer Maintenance and Performance
Computer Profits From Home
Computer Rental Advice
Computer Running Slow?
Computer Security from a Keen Non Techie
A Computer Security Policy
Computer Technology Advancements
Computer Thermodynamics
Computer Tips to Operate Profitably
Computer Traumas
Cost of Spyware on a Computer
Criminals Phishing Identities From Computers
Dead Computer - How to Revive It
Dell Recall of Laptop AC Adapters
Detecting and Eliminating Viruses
Disk Management Software - Secure Your Data
Do Computers Have to be Clinical and Boring?
Does the Media Spread Viruses?
Do You Need Computer Training?
Dusting Your Computer - Keeping it Cool
DVD Backup is an Attractive Alternative
Earning a Computer Degree Online
eBay Automobile and Computer Scams
eBay Computer Purchases
Ergonomic Computer Products
Fifth Generation Computers
Finding Great Deals On Computer Accessories and Supplies
Free Computer Space
The Future Of Computer Certification Exams
Game Creation - How to Get Started
Get a Computer Without Spending a Fortune
Get Rid Of Computer Viruses
Hacker Inside My Computer?
Hard Drive Data Loss Recovery
Hardware for Computer Desks
A Healthy Computer and a Happier You
Hidden Information on a Computer
Hide Files and Folders on a Computer
History of Computers - The Evolution of Technology
History Of Laptop Computers
Home Computer Desks: A Variety of Options
Home Office Health Hazards
How to Backup Computer Data
How to Backup Your Computer Files
How to Become a Computer Consultant
How To Buy The Right Computer
How to Choose a Computer
How to Choose a New Hard Drive
How to Deal With Computer Problems
How to Keep a Computer Virus Free
How to Organize Computer Files
How to Prevent Computer Security Risks
How to Prevent Spyware Attacks
How to Reduce Computer Problems
How to Revive a Dead Computer
How to Safeguard a Computer
How to Save on Software
How to Take Care of a Laptop
How Viruses and Spyware Get in a Computer
Hurricanes Force Businesses to Rethink Computer
Image Conversion In Computers
Increase Computer Speed
Infected With Spyware?
Information Technology Consulting - Getting Started
Introduction To Computers
Introverts and the Information Age
Is My Computer Strong Enough?
Is Spyware Slowing Your Computer Down To A Crawl?
Is Your PC Sick?
Jobs Online: Make a Computer Work For You
Keep A Computer Diary
Keep a Computer Running at Maximum Performance
Keeping My Computer Spyware Free
Land Computer Jobs
Laptop Choices - Finding the Right One For You
LCD Touch Screen Computer Monitors
Learning a New Computer Skill
Least Expensive Computer Upgrade
Make a Fortune in Computer Services
Make Computer Software Without Programming
Make Money Working From Home
Make Night and Weekend Computer Life Rich
Making Money With Computers
Master Any Software Program
Math and Dosage Calculations
MCSE? CCNA? How To Choose a Computer Certification
Memory CAS Latency
Memory for Computers
Misleading Computer Dealers
Mobile Laptop Extras
Monitor Buying Guide
Move Files to a New Computer
Network Design
Network Installation
Newbie Guide to Personal Computer Maintenance
No Computer Sound
Notebook or Desktop Computer - Which to Choose?
Optimize Your Computer For Peak Performance
Organizing a Computer Desktop
Paper or Computer Files - What to Keep?
Performance Computer Chips For Cars and Trucks
Physical Topology of a Network
Prevent Computer Intruders
Preventing Malicious Spyware or Adware
Printer Life Extension
Problems with a Computer Virus
Programmer Career Track
Pros and Cons of Owning a Laptop
Protect Your Computer
Protect a Computer from Hurricanes
Protect a Computer From Viruses
Protect a Computer on the Internet for Free
Protect and Secure Computer Life
Protect Computer and Internet Privacy
Protect Your Computer and Personal Information From Spyware
Protect Your Computer and Business
Protect Yourself from Computer Viruses
Protecting a Computer on the Internet
Protocols - Communications Between Computers on a
Network
Quick Guide to Computer Training
Rackmount Computer Cases
Rackmount Computer Keyboards
Rackmount Computer Monitors Provide Dependability
Raster and Vector Computer Images
Recognize a Virus or Trojan
Refurbished Computers
Reinstall Windows XP on a Computer
Remove Spyware - How To Instructions
Removing Adware from a Computer
Reviving Old Computer Games
Roll Top Computer Desks
Save Big Bucks on a Laptop Computer
Save a Bunch of Money When Buying a New Computer
Save Computer Documents - How to Instructions
Save Email - How to Instructions
Save Internet Explorer Favorites
Save on Computer Buying Tips
Saving Money With a Computer Support Plan
Security Necessities to Prevent Spyware
Selecting Computer Cases
Simple Computer Training
Slow and Sluggish Computer? Take These Steps to Speed it Up
Small Business Virus Protection
Software Engineer Career Track
Software Layers of a Computer
Solve Computer Memory Problems
Speed up a Computer - Six Simple Steps
Speed Up a Computer Without Upgrading
Speeding Up a Computer
SpyProofing a Computer in Four Easy Steps
Spyware in My Computer
Spyware Programs That Slow System
Spyware Protection: A Must for any Computer
Spyware Solutions
Starting a Home Computer Business is Smart
Stop Computer Slow Downs and Crashes
Stop Computer Viruses
Stress Reducing Computer Tips
Student Computer Lessons
Summer Computer Tips
Survive a Computer Crash
Tips for Buying a First Computer
Tips for the Late Blooming Computer User
Tips for Presentations with Computer Projection
Transfer Digital Camera Images to a Computer
Trials and Tribulations of a Confused Computer
Twelve Threats No Computer User Should Ignore
Types of Computer Infections
Underutilized Computers
Uninstall Software Instructions
Unleash the Dragon Inside Your Computer
Do You Feel Used by Computers?
Heliodisplay - Computer Video With No Screen
Virus Protection Tips
Virus That Could Take Advantage of You
Virus That is Virtually Undetectable
Virus Writers
Viruses: Top 10 Things to Know
Viruses, Worms and Hoaxes
Watch Out for Spyware Programs That Slow Down Computer
Web Cam Advice
What are Rackmount Computers?
What Is Computer Programming Anyway?
What is Computer Security?
What is Spyware and How Do I Remove It?
What's in a Computer Name?
When to Rent a Laptop
Who's Peering Into My Computer?
Why Build a Gaming Computer?
Why Do I Need Anti Virus Software For My Computer?
Wireless Computer and Projector Rentals
Women Should Consider a Career in Computer Programming
Work at Home Computer Jobs Are Plentiful
Work At Home Computer Jobs Give Freedom
Work At Home Using a Computer, Even If You Can't Type
Work From Home Using Computer
World Of Podcasting
Worms and Virus Infection Repair
| 
