RAM Upgrades Demystified

Memory:
- Increases system performance by about 30% on most systems.
- Most common computer upgrade component.

Musts When Upgrading Memory:
- Match speed of memory
- Buy from either:
- Crucial
- Kingston

Types of Memory:
- SDRAM
- 2 notches
- 168 pins
- 66, 100, and 133 MHz
- DDR SDRAM
- 1 notch
- 184 pins
- 100, 133, 166, and 200 MHz
- DDR2 SDRAM
- 1 notch
- 240 pins
- 200, 266, 333, and 400 MHz
- DDR specifications
- PC1600
- PC2400
- PC2700
- PC3200

- For Windows XP run at least 512 MB RAM.

- Many older systems, and some newer systems using RAMBUS memory needed to have "paired" memory sticks.

- Dual-channel architecture effectively doubles the bandwidth of you RAM, increasing overall speed.

- With unmatched sticks of memory, a dual-channel-capable motherboard runs in single-channel mode.

- Total system speed = system bus times system multiplier. DDR memory is twice the speed of the bus.

- Dropping the speed of your memory will also drop the speed of your system bus, thus overall speed.