When Should I Upgrade My Memory?
There is no set number of rules to follow when considering if your computer will need a memory upgrade. However, there are general tips, which can be adopted.
Many computer technicians would advise you to upgrade your memory after key times. These key times include after upgrading to a new operating system, and upgrading to a better sound or video card.
When you have decided to install a better version of the operating system you are currently using, it is a good idea to think about upgrading your memory. Your old memory might have been fine for the older operating system, but this might not be the case with the advanced features of the new operating system.
Often computer owners decide to upgrade their memory after they have replaced a sound or video card. Upgrading your memory is especially important when the new video or sound card a high-end model. Your cards will work more effectively with higher memory.
DDR-3 SDRAM
The latest in DDR RAM memory was announced last year, and labeled DDR-3. Expected to be in new computers this year, DDR-3 technology has the ability to produce faster results at a higher speed. It provides a higher bandwidth compared to DDR-2 RAM technology, but accomplishes this while using a decrease in electrical power. As a result, computer users can expect a longer battery life, in laptops for example, while being able to maintain a lower power consumption.
Removable Hard Disk Drives
Other than CD or DVD burners, ZIP drives or Jump drives, removable hard drives are quickly gaining in popularity with computer users. There are number of reasons why someone would choose a removable hard drive. These drives are easy to install and remove while can you the opportunity to store large amounts of information on a single drive. Many people who use removable hard drives do so because of their ability let you remove the drive and store it someone place else. This is especially handy for critical or sensitive information. Also removable hard drives can be purchased either as an internal or external unit.
Memory Modules
The memory modules can be divided into three main categories. The first category is the SIMM memory modules. SIMM stands for single in-line memory module. Using SIMM memory modules means that someone would usually have to install more two modules in order to reach a decent amount of memory for their computer. The SIMM vary from a 30-pin connection to a 72-pin connection capable of 256 megabytes of RAM.
The second category of memory modules is the DIMM or dual inline memory modules. These are larger in size with 144 and 168 pin connectors, and can be installed as a single unit to receive the amount of memory needed. DIMM memory modules can provide up to 1 gigabyte of memory.
The third category of memory modules is the SOIMM or small outline dual inline. These are smaller than the regular DIMMs, and are used on Macintosh computers.
Memory Upgrades By Computer Technicians
If you are not capable of upgrading new memory into your computer, you should send your computer in to have the memory upgraded by a professional. In order for a technician to upgrade your memory, they will determine what type of memory is currently installed. It is very important for them to know what type of memory your computer takes.
They will open the back of the computer case and insert either a SIMM or DIMM into the sockets, being careful not to touch the pins.
The back of the computer will be closed, and from there, it is just a matter of discovering if the computer recognizes the newly upgraded memory.
FPM RAM
FPM RAM stands for fast page mode random access memory. It is faster than DRAM, and functions by accessing different memory addresses once, instead of every single time. However, FPM RAM is only suitable for low-end model computers operating at 66 MHz and below.
Rambus Dynamic Random Access Memory
Rambus dynamic random access memory uses a Rambus Inline Memory Module (RIMM). RDRAM can function at a higher speed, however, it also produces a high amount of heat that needs to be dissipated. Even after the Intel Corporation, advised the use of RDRAM, it was still unable to gain as much popularity as SDRAM.
EDO RAM
EDO RAM or extended data-out dynamic random access memory is faster than FPM RAM. It has the ability to access bytes of information as soon as the last byte has been found. It is ten to fifteen percent faster than FPM RAM and operates at speeds of 75 MHz.
Dynamic Random Acess Memory
The most well known type of computer memory chip is DRAM, or dynamic random access memory. As the name states. this type of memory is dynamic and has to be continually refreshed or it will lose the information it contains. It was one of the first types of memory chips to be used, but now SDRAM and DDR RAM is used in its place.
Troubleshooting Problems With Memory
If you have installed new memory but the computer fails to acknowledge this, there are different factors to consider. To troubleshoot this installation, test the following areas:
If you have installed memory that was not purchased new, have the memory card tested to see if it is defective.
Another option to troubleshoot the installation is to check if you correctly installed either the SIMM or DIMM added. If the card is not installed correctly, it will not be able to function.
A third point to consider is whether the new memory has been configured properly. This can cause error messages as well. Do not hesitate to run memory testing software.
Dual Inline Packages
The first set of memory chips created were the DIP pins configurations. DIP stands for dual inline package. This configuration was great for older computers that needed only a small amount of RAM compared to computers today.
The DIP pin configuration has been replaced by creating a separate memory circuit board or memory module which could then be attached to the computer¡¯s motherboard.
The memory modules are usually referred to as 8x32 for example, which states the number of chips on the modules multiplied by the number of megabits of each chip. So a 8x32 memory module would have eight 32-bit memory chips, or memory of 256 megabytes. Now you know what someone means when they say your new computer has 256 megabytes of memory.
DDR Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory
DDR SDRAM provides double the speed of SDRAM. When it was first introduced, it was used with speeds of 200 MHz and above. However, DDR-2 is now used more often in new computers than DDR RAM. This is due to the fact that DDR-2 can be used with higher CPU clock speeds providing a transfer of one gigabyte per second.
Tape Drives
Even though they might not be the latest technology available for removable storage, tape drives still provide a reliable method for storing large amounts of information. They are often used in business and finance areas in which a backup of servers are needed to be completed frequently.
Therefore, tape drives should not be overlooked as removable storage because they are old. The reliability of this from of removable storage allows them to be stored safely, and accessed if information is lost.
Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory
Synchronous dynamic random access memory was first made available in 1997 for speeds of 66 MHz. It is also used with speeds of 100 MHz, 133 MHz, and 150 MHz. The popularity of SDRAM has skyrocketed since its first introduction. As its name states, SDRAM has the ability to provide synchronization with the Central Processing Unit.
Free Memory Testing Software
The Internet makes it possible to download free software to test your memory. MemMXTest is a free public license software allowing users to check if there might be a problem with their computer¡¯s memory. The software is able to test the CPU, L1, L2 cache memory, and generate a report highlighting the test number, the address that failed the test, the failing data pattern, and other errors with the same address that failed.
A second type of software that can be used to test a computer¡¯s memory is DocMemory. DocMemory will report all the areas that fail the memory test. The test is run from a diskette, so make sure you have an empty one available.