What Kind Of Memory Do I Need?
My computer only has 1GB of RAM, and is really slow when I open more than one program. I want to upgrade my RAM to 4GB, but I'm not sure what kind to buy or where to get it. Can you help? |
Upgrading Your Computer's Memory
Upgrading your computer's memory is one of the most effective ways to boost its overall performance. But before you buy PC memory, you have to answer the question, "What kind of memory do I need?" The answer depends on several factors.
Actually, we should first make sure we're asking the right question. Don't make the mistake of confusing "computer memory" (RAM) with "hard drive space." RAM memory refers to the working memory that your computer uses to run programs and manipulate files. When you turn off the computer, everything in RAM is gone. Only the files that are saved on your hard drive remain permanently stored. And RAM memory is what this article is concerned with.
RAM consists of many millions of microscopic circuits packed together on a memory chip. The design of RAM circuits has improved rapidly, leaving several incompatible designs on the market. Designs called SRAM, DRAM, and DDR RAM are the most common, with the latter being the latest and fastest form of RAM. You can't just buy "latest and fastest," though. You must determine what RAM design(s) your computer and motherboard will support.
RAM chips have metal pins on their bottoms that plug into slots in your computer's motherboard. You have to match the number and arrangement of pins to your machine. The shape of the RAM chip also matters. Some of the form factors available include DIMM and SODIMM. The latter is a more compact form factor often found in laptop memory, where conserving space is critical.
Buying RAM: How Much and What Kind?
There is a maximum amount of RAM that a given computer can support. So you must consider what amount to buy before upgrading. And finally, if you want to add more RAM to existing RAM, you must make sure that it's all the same kind.
Your computer's user manual should tell you what types of RAM the machine supports; what sort of pin arrangement the RAM chips need; and how much RAM to buy in different increments to achieve a given total amount of RAM. But if you don't have all these technical specs handy, don't despair!
Many RAM vendors have a "computer memory finder" or on their Web sites. Given the make and model of the computer you own, these Web applications can generally pinpoint the kind of RAM you need. Kingston Technology, Edgetech Corp. and Crucial are just three places to go for a PC memory finder.
Crucial's System Scanner Tool is a desktop application that you can download free of charge. It scans your system and reports the details of your existing RAM chips and motherboard RAM slots. This tool is very handy when you want to add more memory to the existing RAM, to help you match the latter's specs. It can also reveal empty RAM slots without having to open the computer's case. This tool also helps if you have a no-brand white box PC and therefore cannot specify a maker and model number to a computer memory finder.
Buying computer memory is one of the most cost-effective upgrades you can make. RAM is relatively cheap and provides a big performance boost. Depending on the exact type you need, you can find 2GB of RAM for $30 or less. At that price, I recommend that you install a minimum of 4GB. The more RAM you have, the less often data must be switched in and out of RAM to disk. That means your computer will run faster and your hard drive will last longer.
Do you have something to say about finding or buying RAM memory? Post your comment or question below...
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Posted by Bob Rankin on 21 Jan 2011
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Article information: AskBobRankin -- What Kind Of Memory Do I Need? (Posted: 21 Jan 2011)
Source: http://askbobrankin.com/what_kind_of_memory_do_i_need.html
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Most recent comments on "What Kind Of Memory Do I Need?"
Posted by:
Snert
21 Jan 2011
Being the family's geek, I've used Crucials memory module finder quite a few times.
It's fast and accurate.
Just copy the info provided and go shopping!
Posted by:
TOM EVANS
21 Jan 2011
About six months ago I wanted more RAM for my computer and I went on "Crucial" web site and they advised me that I could install 3GB(max)on my computer so I purchased 3x1GB (not from Crucial". When I fitted the 3 RAM in my computer and switch on it started ok then I received a BLUE SCREEN and the computer tried to restart several times. Then I removed one of the RAMS leaving only 2GB of RAM the computer worked. Then after about six weeks or so I got the "BLUE SCREEN" again with a message asking me to turn off the computer, this has happened several times sinse with no reason at all. About two weeks ago I decided to remove another one of the RAM leaving only 1GB left in my computer and for the past two weeks the computer has been working fine.
Can any one tell me why?
Posted by:
s f guidry
21 Jan 2011
I purchased my memory chip from Crucial. I don't know about the others but Crucial has good prices and good products. Great folks to help anybody with upgrades.
Posted by:
John Hilger
22 Jan 2011
Hi,
l am fully aware that more memory will speed up the PC, but the more you have the more the PC will gobble up and it will not release it on its own.
l am using FreeRAM XP Pro which lets me know how much memory is free. It gives the option to free what the programs will not release when closing.
Even with no programs running, eg. leaving the computer on its own and coming back after an hour or so and 3-400 Mb are gone!
FreeRAM will bring it back, but not always...
What gives? Please help.
Regards,
John
Posted by:
patrick palmer
22 Jan 2011
Dear Bob
I'd never heard of the Crucial System scanner. Thanks for the tip!
Your penultimate paragraph advises that one should install "a minimum of 4GB". There are many older CPUs, supplied originally with 512 MB, which certainly WON'T support more than 1 or 2 GB. I have read, too, that 32-bit machines can't cope with more than 3 GB. How true this is, I don't know.
Perhaps you might like to comment?
EDITOR'S NOTE: Any 32-bit Windows operating system (Win NT/2000/XP) will accomodate up to a MAX of 4GB of RAM. It really isn't a function of the CPU. 64-bit versions of Vista and Win7 can use up to 192GB.
Posted by:
Whistler
22 Jan 2011
Yes, your computer has hit memory limit condition zetta. Go back to pre-upgrade condition and try a Kingston Technology inquiry concerning memory increase.
Posted by:
Chris
22 Jan 2011
Hi Tom,
Assuming you purchased the correct type of RAM specified by the Crucial scanner, it sounds as though you received faulty RAM modules from the vendor. As it's only 6 months ago, I'd ask them for a refund or replacement.
Chris
Posted by:
Dave
22 Jan 2011
How much RAM? Depends on the OS and the Motherboard.
For Windows XP I saw little improvement in performance above 2-GB. For Vista & W-7 4-GB so I agree with Bob's assessment.
Also, don't rule out using Flash memory to speed up your computer. If you are running W-7,it has ready-boost and will use a flash drive for program storage over the HD. You must enable ready boost for the flash drive & W-7 use 1/2 of the cards capacity. Thus 8-GB flash will provide 4-GB of memory. This can be an inexpensive option and doesn't require opening the case.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Just make sure you buy a FAST flash drive. See http://askbobrankin.com/vista_readyboost.html
Posted by:
Bill Wilson
22 Jan 2011
I have run the Crucial test on three different Dell PCs and have bought, and installed, their recommended RAM with no trouble at all.
They are certainly worth a try.
Posted by:
Brendan Murphy
22 Jan 2011
I used the crucial scanner and it says I can install a pair of DDR2 modules, but I put DDR3 modules in when I bought the computer. Is the scanner wrong or is it ok to use two different kinds of memory?
EDITOR'S NOTE: I wouldn't mix them. If you have DDR3 now, stick with it.
Posted by:
EW
23 Jan 2011
When I buy new memory, I always test it with Mem Tester or similar program. It's a must. That goes for ANY Memory store online or off.
Is MEM Test still relevant for the newer chips? Is there a memory tester for the newer ones if not?
Posted by:
Wendell Daar
23 Jan 2011
I have a Toshiba laptop with XP. I had 2 GB of ram and I took them out and installed 2 x 2 GB modules for a total of 4. The laptop only reports a total of 3 GB. I swapped the modules in the holders. Same results. I them tried them one at a time and it reported 2 GB each time so the modules are working. Why is it only showing 3 GB when both are installed?
Posted by:
Michael
24 Jan 2011
I have a reverse question. I have some memory sticks from different vendors. How can I find what I have? Can I install them and see what BIOS will say or I will burn them?
EDITOR'S NOTE: I think the Crucial scanner (the one you download, not the online version) does that.
Posted by:
Ives
26 Jan 2011
I know how to upgrade RAM memory on a desktop, but I have no clue how to do it on a laptop. Crucial shows that my HP Presario V6000 has two slots capable of 1GB each, but only one has a chip. Before I attempt to take the laptop apart, can someone tell me where the slots are?
Posted by:
Jacqueline Alkula
27 Jan 2011
Ives:
I searched and found this link: http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c01035886.pdf. Check it out and you will find the location and information on what you can use. Your system will only go to 2GB of memory...
Posted by:
M Pearshouse
28 Jan 2011
I think I'm right in saying that computers running Windows XP can only access 3GB of memory no-matter how much is installed.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Windows applications have access to a 3GB virtual address space, but the operating system kernel can use the additional 1 GB. Also, there is a 64-bit version of XP that can use up to 128GB.
Posted by:
Naomi
29 Jan 2011
I have a Toshiba Satellite Laptop with 1GB. When trying to update to 4GB, Surpise Surprise - I found out that I could only upgrade to 2GB. I did not know that this was a known problem. Turns out that Toshiba was involved in a class action Law Suit regarding this matter. Unfortunately I found out too late about this - because Toshiba offered to install a motherboard which would accomodate 4GB. So before buying additonal memory, make sure that you computer will accomodate 4GB
Posted by:
JOS
01 Mar 2011
WHEN I TRAY TO DOWNLOAD THE CRUSIAL SCANNER EXACTLY AS PER THE INSTRUCTIONS GIVEN ,IN THE VIDEO AND IN PINT,ALL I GET IS A BLURRED IMAGE OF THE GOOGLE CHROME ICON .GOOGLE CHROME IS CURRENTLY MY DEFAULT BROWSER BUT I ALSO TRIED FIREFOX 4 AND INTERNET EXPLORER 8 AND GOT THE SAME RESULTS ,