August 14, 2013 – 10:58 am
If you are contemplating a DDR memory upgrade, there are a few things to consider. DDR stands for Double Data Rate. The original specification for DDR memory came out between 1996 and 2000. DDR2 premiered in 2003 and DDR3 came out in 2007. The next generation is the DDR4 and its debut is likely in 2012. Most current computers run either DDR2 or DDR3. As motherboard speeds continue to rise, more manufacturers are relying on the faster speeds of the DDR3 memory chips. But, many computers a year or two old are likely running the DDR2 chips right now.
So when should you think about a DDR memory upgrade? If you are replacing your computer completely, make sure any new computer you purchase has DDR3 memory or the capability of adding it later. Some motherboards already offer the option to use DDR2 or DDR3. If you have an existing motherboard, you want to replace, use the same advice. Get a DDR3 capable motherboard instead of sticking with a DDR2 only. If you are upgrading your processor, you should consider a DDR upgrade at the same time. The faster your memory performs the better the processor speed will work.
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August 14, 2013 – 10:33 am
By becoming familiar with the Gateway LT Series, a business traveler can sidestep a number of potential problems. The Gateway notebook is a lightweight, mobile computer, one that an air traveler can easily store in a side bag, while boarding a flight. The Gateway notebook is both durable and stylish. The Gateway notebook handles multiple tasks with ease. Still, no Gateway notebook that is used during a presentation can insure audience interest. No LT notebook can guarantee the alertness of every man and woman at that presentation. Of course, no lap top from a competing manufacturer can promise delivery of a captivated audience.
Suppose that you are a traveling salesman, one who must operate on a limited budget. Do you invest in a functional and mobile lap top computer, or do you spend money on a compact and web-connected technology tool? If you set aside time for an examination of the Gateway LT Series, you will not have to choose between two different communication devices.
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August 13, 2013 – 1:56 pm
There are differing opinions when it comes to mixing brands of DDR memory. Some experts say it should cause no problems while others say it can cause unexpected problems. At the theoretical level, mixing brands should not be a problem. All DDR memory comes from the same protocols. The idea was to standardize memory in most computers. This allows for upgrades and other changes without having to replace an entire computer or its motherboard. Standardization of protocols does not rule out specific manufacturer peculiarities.
In reality, mixing brands of DDR memory can cause problems in some situations. While each manufacturer is supposed to use the same standards, each one has their own spin on the DDR memory protocols. These minor differences can cause operational problems when you start mixing different brands. On the theoretical level, it is possible. However, minor memory problems can cause issues with power usage, responsiveness, and CPU cycling. It can also cause problem with memory retention during program operations or at shutdown or startup. All of these problems may be resolved by using the same brand of DDR memory in all slots on the motherboard.
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August 12, 2013 – 8:09 am
If your laptop has been running sluggishly lately or struggles to switch from program to program, you might be running out of RAM capacity. If this is a common occurrence, you’ve definitely outgrown the size of RAM on your machine, and it’s time for an upgrade. Laptop memory upgrades can be a bit pricier than those on desktops, but the cost of memory has dropped in recent years. For example, 512 MB of DDR RAM (the oldest current type of RAM) can cost $50 or less these days. The most important thing about laptop memory is to understand first what kind of memory your laptop takes so you don’t mistakenly buy the wrong kind.
Laptops manufactured in the last couple of years run on DDR3 RAM, but budget-priced laptops and laptops that are a few years old probably run slightly older DDR2 memory. DDR2 runs at a higher clock rate than DDR, and DDR 3 higher still. Laptop memory can usually be accessed through a small door screwed in on the side or on the bottom of the laptop. With these machines, laptop memory upgrades can be done with very little difficulty; just slide or snap the new module in place. However, a system without an access door will need to be taken apart a different way to access the memory. For those who don’t know how to do this properly, take your laptop to a trained technician.
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August 11, 2013 – 2:56 pm
If you have a device that uses memory of some kind, then chances are Kingston Technology Company has the memory you’re looking for. There is a Kingston memory upgrade available for cell phones, digital cameras, printers, MP3 players, and of course, computers. Computer memory can be difficult to figure out, because most people have no clue what type of memory their computers take. If they’ve never opened up the computer case, that can happen. However, all is not lost. By simply looking up the model of the computer, consumers can find out what type of memory their computers take, and can take the steps necessary to buy the right RAM for their system.
Buying RAM for a Kingston memory upgrade has to be precise, because there are so many different types. For example, DDR, DDR2, and DDR3 RAM all looks the same to the naked eye, but the notches on the side of the memory strips tell them apart. Although they’re natural evolutions from each other (DDR3 evolved from DD2, and DDR2 evolved from DDR) these types of RAM are actually incompatible with each other. Therefore, the notches on the memory strips distinguish one from the other so consumers don’t put the wrong memory in their machines. If you have a computer that takes DDR3 memory, don’t buy DDR memory thinking it’ll work. Yes, it’s cheaper, but it won’t work.
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August 10, 2013 – 9:30 am
The most obvious factor on how to differ DDR3 from DDR2 memory is appearance. But, that is not as simple as it might seem. Unless you can find the specific reference on the memory stick, you will need to look at the key notch. Along the bottom of the memory stick, 240 pins insert into the motherboard. Among the pins is a notch. That notch prevents inserting the wrong type of memory into an incompatible slot. Looking from the top side, the notch on the DDR2 lies slightly to the right of the middle point of the memory stick. On the DDR3, the notch is slightly to the left of the middle.
DDR2 memory sticks do not fit into the slots for DDR3 sticks or vice versa. One reason why many manufacturers have been slow to adopt the newer DDR3 technology is because there is no backwards compatibility between the two. You cannot use a DDR3 when you do not have an appropriate slot in the motherboard for it. Some newer motherboards come with the ability for both types of memory to work. However, it is important to know how to differ DDR3 from DDR2 memory before you purchase it.
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August 9, 2013 – 10:58 am
You can find a myriad of DDR memory cooler reviews on the internet. Each comes with its own advantages and features. One technology in use is the ULTRA Copper Memory Cooler. This particular memory cooler works with many forms of DDR memory. All you do is attach the memory cooler strips to either side of your memory module. It is simple stick and peel tape. It uses a high conductivity thermal pad to draw heat from the memory chips into the copper heat shield. It helps to increase the performance and life of any memory module. It is simple to install and the perfect way to protect your computer’s memory.
Another technology in DDR memory cooler reviews is the Corsair Dominator memory airflow fan. Another option when it comes to keeping memory cool is by using airflow fans. This particular brand uses 3-40 mm tachometer-controlled fans to draw air across the memory modules to reduce heat. This particular brand works well with other Corsair products such as the Dominator heat sinks and Dominator memory modules.
These fans run at nearly silent levels. They clip in above the memory sockets and run off of the computer’s power source. You need adequate headroom for the fan unit.
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Can laptop memory be used in desktop and the other way around? That is a common question. The answer is no, for the most part. The first difference between the two is the size of the memory modules. Most desktop memory modules measure between 4.5 and 5.0 inches. The laptop modules are usually 2.5 inches. But, that is the most obvious visual clue of the differences. Other differences in the memory architecture make them incompatible for swapping.
You need to look at other clues when answering the question “Can laptop memory be used in desktop and the other way around?” Another visual clue of the difference lives in the number of pins along the bottom edge of the memory module. Desktops use DIMM. DIMM stands for dual inline memory modules.
Laptops use a modified form of DIMM called SO-DIMM, or small outline dual inline memory modules. They support the most common memory types like SDRAM and all forms of DDR. Typical DIMM modules use 100 – 240 pins along the bottom where the memory module plugs into the motherboard. For SO-DIMM, the number of pins range from 72 to 200.
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The most common computer memory types are RAM. Random Access Memory, commonly referred to as RAM, is the cheapest way to improve the efficiency of your computer. It is volatile memory; that is, what’s held in RAM is only held there as long as the computer is on. If the data isn’t moved to the hard drive before the computer is turned off, the data stored in RAM is flushed away. RAM also plays a huge part in the number of programs a computer can run simultaneously. If you’ve ever wondered why your computer may buckle under the pressure if 5 or 6 memory-demanding programs run at the same time, it’s probably because it doesn’t have enough RAM capacity to support them all.
There are different computer memory types of RAM, and RAM itself has changed over the years. In more recent years, SDRAM (Synchronous RAM) is some of the oldest RAM you can currently find. You’ll find this type of RAM in computers at least 15 years old or more. It is very slow, maxing out at 133 MHz.
DDR (Double Data Rate) SDRAM improved on this greatly, generally running at 333 MHz. RDRAM, otherwise known as Rambus RDRAM, was the standard in computers for a while at the beginning of the 21st century, but its high cost quickly put it out of favor with computer manufacturers. Some of the computers that use Rambus memory are still around today, however.
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Dell computers are known for being easy to upgrade. Depending on the model, the computer case has plenty of empty slots in it, allowing for easy self-installation. So, if you’re thinking of getting some new memory for your computer, Dell computers make it simple. You can either buy directly from Dell’s website or go elsewhere to find a better deal. Dell uses fairly popular memory types so finding a better deal isn’t that difficult. All you have to do is figure out what Dell model you own, and most websites have memory locators that know exactly what type of RAM you need. This will make your Dell computer memory upgrade much easier.
If you have an older Dell, a Dell laptop memory upgrade will be a bit more expensive. As technology advances, manufacturers tend to ease up production on legacy products, since they’re usually being slowly phased out; Dell is no different. For example, let’s say you have a Dimension 8100. These were built in 2001 and used the expensive Rambus RDRAM memory as their main source of memory. Memory for what would now be a 9-year-old computer will be hard to come by, and if you do happen to come across it, it will cost you. Dell is currently selling 1GB of RDRAM for a Dimension 8100 for almost $700; it’ll be much cheaper elsewhere, so if you have this computer model, start hunting.
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