The Random Access Memory module or RAM is one of the most crucial parts of a computer. The relatively small RAM modules are important because it is where the computer sends data for easy access if you decide to recall data again. The RAM module comes in a wide range of sizes whose importance is largely dependent on how the computer will be mainly used. Buying RAM, just like buying certain internal parts of a computer, will mean choosing among a large number of choices. If you feel daunted by the prospect of buying RAM here are a few tips you can follow.
Before going to the computer store go check out the specifications of the computer you’ll use the RAM on. First, you have to look at the processor and find out its specifications. Is it a single core, dual core or quad core processor? You also need to find out the computer’s memory bus speed. This indicates how fast the RAM can communicate or send signals to the processor via the motherboard. The speed is indicated with the prefix PC.
Depending on how old the computer is, the number of pins is also something that needs to be considered so you need to check out the processor of the computer because it will help determine what kind of RAM can be used for the computer. For example, the old Pentium computer used SDRAM,which had 168 pins, while the newer computers have a DDR184 pin, while the latest computers will only accept RAMs with 240 pins. This means that incompatibility is a very real problem.
You should also know the maximum capacity of the RAM your computer can accept. This is usually indicated in the motherboard’s specifications. For example, there are motherboards that can only accept up to 2GB of RAM. At present the most common limit is pegged at 4GB.
To make sure that you’re going to buy the correct RAM module for your computer, you can go check in various locations for the type of RAM and correct speed specified for the particular motherboard. The information is located in a sticker that is placed on the RAM memory itself or on the motherboard. You can also look at the manual that comes with the motherboard or the computer to find the correct information. Follow the indicated information to ensure that the RAM module you will buy will work correctly.
Photo from popularmemory.org