The desktop computer memory modules, Random Access Memory (RAM), like those on the image, allow stored data to be accessed randomly. In other words, piece of data stored in the memory are accessed in any orders. It is accessed in the best order possible according to the system requirement.
RAM Modules
Many RAM types exist as:
- SDRAM, synchronous dynamic random access memory
- DDR SDRAM, double-data-rate synchronous dynamic random access memory
- R DRAM, rambus dynamic random access memory
- DDR2 SDRAM, double-data-rate 2 synchronous dynamic random access memory
- DDR3 SDRAM, double-data-rate 3 synchronous dynamic random access memory
For those who are seeking more advanced information you will find links throughout the content and at the bottom page as how to install computer memory.
What Is The Computer RAM Memory Bandwidth?
The bandwidth is the transfer rate of the chips in conjunction of the system's front side bus. As example, let say your computer ram memory is from PC-1600 modules, and the front side bus of your system is at 100 MHz.The PC-1600 has a memory clock of 100 MHz. In that case x2 as DDR double the clock rate. If you do the math without using the last 2 digits of the front side bus clock rate, you get a bandwidth of 200 MHz, 1 x 200. With a front side bus of 300 MHz it would be 600 MHz.
Take a look at the table below, it will help you to familiarize with the module names and what they are standing for, according to a 100 MHz front side bus.
Standards | Memory Clock | Data Transfer/s | Module Names |
SDRAM | 100 MHz | 100 million | PC-100 |
DDR-200 | 100 MHz | 200 Million | PC-1600 |
DDR-266 | 133 MHz | 266 Million | PC-2100 |
DDR-333 | 166 MHz | 333 Million | PC-2700 |
DDR-400 | 200 MHz | 400 Million | PC-3200 |
DDR2-400 | 100 MHz | 400 Million | PC2-3200 |
DDR2-533 | 133 MHz | 533 Million | PC2-4200 |
DDR2-667 | 166 MHz | 667 Million | PC2-5300 |
DDR2-800 | 200 MHz | 800 Million | PC2-6400 |
DDR3-800 | 100 MHz | 800 Million | PC3-6400 |
DDR3-1066 | 133 MHz | 1.066 Billion | PC3-8500 |
DDR3-1333 | 166 MHz | 1.333 Billion | PC3-10600 |
DDR3-1600 | 200 MHz | 1.6 Billion | PC3-12800 |
General Rules For Desktop Computer Memory Needs.
Your CPU needs a certain amount of memory to function at full capacity. If the memory does not meet the CPU requirement, your computer will be slowed in comparison to its full capacity. Depending your needs, you can use these general rules as reference.- Pentium 4 or AMD for every day use, 512 MB should work just fine
- Pentium 4 or AMD for gaming, 1 GB should be more then enough
- Pentium dual-core 2 or AM2 for every day use, 1 GB is more then enough
- Pentium dual-core 2 or AM2 for gaming, 1 GB as minimum, 2 GB for heavy gaming
Why Not Use More Computer Memory Than The CPU Needs?
Using more memory than needed should up the over all speed of your computer, but it will not be significant. I think, more memory does not justify the money spent for it.[I hope you appreciated the desktop computer memory
introduction and I invite you to take a look at the other guides.]
introduction and I invite you to take a look at the other guides.]
- How to install computerww memory step by step
- How to do a Memory Test by using free softwares. New!!!