Last updated 19/3/09

RAM/ memory

Introduction

The memory or random access memory (RAM) is temporary memory which is used for general things by the processor, so if the processor is loading internet explorer for example it will use a few megabytes of memory on the RAM and it will be deleted afterwards.

Memory is often the best way to get a quick and cheap performance boost, sticking in another 1gb or 2gb can often provide a big boost to performance. With 1gb sticks starting at £10.

Types of DDR 

There are different types of memory, today DDR (double data rate)  is really the only type used. However there are also different types of DDR memory,  these just have different supported speeds and the ammount of chips they can run in synchronicity. You must check your motherboard's manual for the memory which it supports, the types are DDR1 up to DDR8, but at the moment only up to DDR3 memory is used for general RAM, whereas the other types are integrated into graphics cards.  memory can run 2 chips together, whereas DDR3 can run 3,  running chips together makes them more efficient but to do so the chips must be identical. You can run them in single channel with any memory but it is better if you can to get the same type to run them synchronised. You will be able to run them in dual or triple channel by putting the memory in the same coloured DIMM slots in a dual/ triple channel supported motherboard and enabling it in BIOS. 

How to install memory

Installing memory is the easiest thing to add to a computer and anyone could do it, even a 4 year old. It is very simple, all you have to do is lift up the clips on the DIMM slots, allign the notches of the memory with the DIMM slot, push it firmly untill you hear a click and push down the clips. The memory will only fit one way so it cannot be put in wrong.

Speeds of memory

Within these types there are also different speeds, this just means the speed at which the computer can use the memory. This is measured in MHz, which means times per second, so 1hz means one time per second, but 1mega hz (MHz) is 100,000 hz, so one million times per second.The general computer user will need at least 600 hz speed, whereas a gamer should use 800 hz to 1066 hz. The speeds don't really affect performance, only by a few frames per seconds in games at the most. But if you have the choice to spend a bit more to get faster memory it would be worth it as it will mean that it will last longer untill you need to upgrade.

You're computer however will only be able to use ram at the speed of your front side bus or lower. To calculate this you divide your overall CPU clock speed by four.The formula for this is your number of cores, times by your clock speed divided by 4.  So if you have a quad core running at 2.5 Ghz per core  you will multiply the number of cores (4) by each core's speed (2.5). So your overall cpu speed is 10 Ghz, divide this by four to find your FSB and you will have 2.5 ghz FSB speed. To convert Ghz to Mhz you multiply it by 1000, so this person would have an FSB speed of 2500 MHz and the highest speed RAM this person could use is 2500 Mhz, which is plenty.

The best memory performance to price wise

At the moment I would either buy DDR2 800 hz memory UK USA
 or DDR3 1066 hz. UK USA
(click location for best price, play.com has free postage)

FAQ

Will any RAM fit in my computer?
No, only one type of RAM will fit, such as DDR2 or DDR1, but any speed will as long as it is equal to or lower than your FSB, see above at the speed section.