Tips on Upgrading Memory Modules (RAM)

Nowadays, the high demanding for RAM in software, OS or for gaming is a reality.
Back in the older days where CPU speed is just 133Mhz, and memory 16MB ram, 5GB of HDD...It's sufficient because in older days, most people use their computer for work purpose, writing, reading, e-mail and internet stuff.Even games on that time doesnt need "high-end" performance computer.

But now, computer is not just a working machine.We use computer as a multimedia machine, as a music machine, media center, communication and of course..for GAMING purpose. Besides gaming purpose, OS itself is one of reason why we must upgrade our memory.

" Operating systems and applications have grown more memory-hungry than ever" -CNET

Back in Windows 95, Windows 98..RAM capacity under 128Mb or just 64Mb is sufficient enough.Then comes Windows ME, 2000, XP. As i remember, Windows XP will run normal with a minimum 64Mb of RAM in the old days.When Vista arrive, the minimum requirement of RAM needed is 512MB!that's the minimum requirement?I'm sure that we don't want to be in the minimum line..cause I'm sure that we will face "slow-mo" things,process and many more.

Not to forget, If you are using a big big size of HDD, such as 100GB or 300GB you should consider upgrading your RAM if you are using less that 512MB of RAM. Nowadays RAM are in cheap in prices and memory packaging now lets you add more RAM in a matter of minutes.So, before buying or upgrading your memory you must know this :

• What are your memory capacity now?512Mb?1Gb?2Gb?
• What type of RAM your are using?What kind of RAM is compatible to your motherboard?
• What is the maximum capacity supported by your memory slots?
• RAM brand?Kingston?Kingmax?Apacer?Corsair?Geil?

These are some of question you should have in mind before upgrading your memory.

First of all, determining your present memory capacity.To do this, simply right click at My Computer in desktop, click properties.You can see the memory capacity in lower right of the System Properties window.


Next, what type of RAM you are using?

• Synchronous Dynamic RAM (SDRAM): SDRAM has been around for about five years and includes several versions, differing primarily in bus speed: PC66, PC100, and PC133. The numbers indicate each type's speed, as expressed in megahertz. While the higher-speed memory may seem the more appealing choice, your PC chipset ultimately makes that decision. Owners of older PCs that use 66MHz DIMMs, however, can save some money by upgrading with higher-speed modules. The new memory will work, but it won't run at full speed.

• Double-Data-Rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM): This is an enhanced version of SDRAM that effectively runs at double the bus speed of conventional SDRAM.

• Extended Data Out (EDO), Fast Page Mode (FPM): If your PC is more than five years old, it may use EDO or FPM memory. Although you can still find these legacy memory modules but usually priced significantly higher than most newer memory types.It's worth it because your system probably needs a lot more upgrades than just memory.

• Rambus Dynamic RAM (RDRAM): RDRAM, developed by Rambus and championed by Intel, is the latest high-speed memory technology. Pentium 4 PCs equipped with the Intel 850 chipset use RDRAM; newer Pentium 4 systems based on the Intel 845 chipset can use less expensive SDRAM or DDR SDRAM.

You can determine this by referring to your motherboard user guide or try to google for RAM identifier software from the net.I will post one if needed.Dont buy if you're NOT SURE what type of RAM you are using.Ask for help or just bring your computer to the shop.

Next, the maximum capacity that your motherboard can handle.Make sure that the new RAM doesn't exceed each slot's memory-capacity ceiling.

And finally, the brand.There are a lot of RAM out there and many brands.Each brand offers different prices, services, warranty.If you are using your computer just for typing, internet, watching movies and music purpose, go for the economical prize of RAM.I would recommend Kingston, Apacer and Kingmax.It will fit well.But if you are one multimedia designer, playing high graphic games, overclockers that desire speed, you should look for high performance RAM such as Geil and Corsair.Usually the RAM of high performance comes with a heat-spreading metal attached to the RAM.

It doesnt matter if you are a normal user or looking for high-performance RAM, but I highly recommend you to buy RAM with brand that already knewn for its quality.Never buy any cheap RAM with unknown brand.They might be cheaper but what about the quality?think for it wisely..

This will end here now...


But I'll post about "how easy it can be to install memory modules to their slots" in later blog. :)