Computer Memory

Since you’ve already decided on the CPU and motherboard, the next logical step to consider is the computer memory. You know that RAM plays a big part in the overall performance of a system hence buying the best computer memory gives you faster access time (up to 30% faster) without the need to shell out big bucks.

 

Computer Memory Buying Guide

1) SDRAM, DDR or DDR2?

In the 1990s the Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (SDRAM) was the defacto standard computer memory modules. SDRAM is also called Single Data Rate (SDR) RAM because the memory chips perform transactions on rising edge of the clock cycle. For example PC100 SDRAM runs on 100 MHZ system bus. SDRAM is used in conjunction with Pentium, II & III as well as AMD K6-2 CPU.

Fast forward to 2002, Double Data Rate (DDR) RAM allows memory chips to perform transactions on both rising and falling edges of the clock cycle meaning double the transfer rate. For example PC266 DDR runs on 133 MHz system bus yielding an effective data rate of 266 MHz.

DDR2 however takes a different approach in the DDR design at chip level which allows double the memory chips that of DDR working together to achieve double the speed on a single module. DDR/DDR2 RAM is used in Pentium 4, AMD Athlon XP CPU and above. If possible go for DDR2 computer memory modules for faster performance.

** Before selecting computer memory, ensure that the system clock of the CPU matches with root clock of the memory module or one step above. Example for Intel Core 2 Duo CPU with FSB 1066 MHz (i.e. 266 MHz system clock) = DDR2 533 MHz (matched) or DDR2 667 MHz (ideal).

2) Capacity

Computer memory is the place where all information are kept just before the computer needs to use it. When performing tasks, the computer looks at the memory first to see if the information is readily available, then process it. If not it will then look from outside sources such as hard drives, CD etc which slows down the system. By having a larger memory, more information can be stored temporarily hence faster access to information.

For most computers, 512 MB memory is the norm. For computers that perform multi-tasking, recommended memory is at least 1,024 MB. For the case of memory, there is no limit. The more memory, the better.

 

Computer Memory Reviews & Ratings

Best Desktop Computer & Laptop Memory

Some of the best computer memory makers include Corsair, Crucial, Kingston, Siemens and Toshiba. As a bare minimum, if you are running Windows XP or Vista, you should be looking at least 1GB DDR2 800 MHz or PC2-6400 for smooth sailing performance on your desktop. For power users and gamers, you should aim for at least 2GB RAM for optimal performance.

Resources: Random Access Memory (Wikipedia)