Frequently
asked Questions on Memory (FAQs)
What
are the benefits of upgrading your computers memory?
Upgrading your memory is typically the easiest and least expensive
way to upgrade your computer for a significant boost in performance.
The computer's RAM memory is its workspace, or where all of the instructions
it needs to act on are stored temporarily. Think of the RAM as the
desk you use to sort through your work. If the size of that desk is
small, your efficiency is limited in comparison to a larger desk that
allows you to work more effectively and efficiently. Similarly, a
computer with more RAM can work more efficiently because it does not
need to retrieve information from the hard disk drive as often. A
memory upgrade is particularly helpful for users who work with large
files, have more than one program open at one time, or use memory-intensive
applications such as games or graphics and video editing software.
How
do you know it's time for a memory upgrade?
There are several signs indicating it may be time to upgrade your
memory. If you see your mouse pointer turn into an hourglass for significant
periods of time, if you hear your hard drive working, or if your computer
seems to work more slowly than you expect, the reason is probably
insufficient memory. When physical memory is insufficient, the system
uses Hard Disk Space as memory. This is called "Virtual Memory".
Since access time of Physical memory is in tens of NanoSeconds and
Access time of Hard Disk is in MilliSeconds, the system slows down
considerably.
What's
the difference between buffered and unbuffered DIMMs?
High density DIMMs have lots of chips on them and therefore possess
a higher capacitive load on the address and control signals in comparison
to lower density DIMMs. Some designers use redrive buffers on the
DIMM to boost the signals to reduce system loading when compared to
the same high density module without buffers. But the buffers introduce
a small delay into the electrical signal, so adding buffers to a standard
density module would have the effect of slowing down the signal, compared
to the same low density module without buffers.
What
is Virtual Memory?
This is a method of extending the available physical memory on a computer.
In a virtual memory system, the operating system creates a pagefile,
or swapfile, and divides memory into units called pages. Recently
referenced pages are located in physical memory, or RAM. If a page
of memory is not referenced for a while, it is written to the pagefile.
This is called "swapping" or "paging out" memory.
If that piece of memory is then later referenced by a program, the
operating system reads the memory page back from the pagefile into
physical memory, also called "swapping" or "paging
in" memory. The total amount of memory that is available to programs
is the amount of physical memory in the computer in addition to the
size of the pagefile.
Will
adding more RAM make my Internet browsing faster?
Maybe. Internet browsing speed depends on a huge number of factors,
including your connection speed, traffic on the site you're visiting,
and the other components in your system. You will probably notice
the biggest improvement from additional RAM if are viewing or working
with large files (such as photos and digital audio and video) or if
you switch between your browser and other applications often.
What's
the difference between RDRAM and SDRAM?
RDRAM stands for Rambus Dynamic Random Access Memory. SDRAM stands
for Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory. The two memories are
completely different memory technologies and are not compatible with
each other. RDRAM is a unique design developed by a company called
Rambus, Inc. RDRAM is extremely fast and uses a narrow, high-bandwidth
"channel" to transmit data at speeds much faster than SDRAM.
What
is the difference between 72 bit and 64 bit memory?
72 bit memory is commonly known as ECC memory. It has an additional
8 bits for Error Correction Check 64 bit memory is non-ECC. 72 bit
or 64 bit configuration are typically found in 168 pin DIMMs.
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Measuring
RAM Speed <<
