Computer Memory Blog

Mixing Brands of DDR Memory – Theoretically Possible, but Reality Impractical

admin — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 13:56:30 +0000

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.

For best results, do not go mixing brands of DDR memory. Most professionals will tell you that basic rule of thumb. If you are thinking about upgrading the memory in your computer, plan it out before you start purchasing. If your computer already has a certain brand of DDR memory, find out if you can get additional units at a good price. That is the best way to do the upgrade without causing potential issues. If you cannot get a good price on a particular brand, you may consider upgrading all of the memory to another brand at one time. You can find memory modules available online as well as at local retailers.

If you want to experiment with mixing brands of DDR memory, be sure they have compatible timing and voltage. Many of the problems found in mixing the brands have to do with incompatible timing and voltage on the memory modules. Be prepared to deal with any problems that can arise in the operation of the computer. While it should not cause any permanent damage, it can cause memory and data loss. For this reason, experimenting is something best left to professionals than the average computer user. Hopefully this answers question of whether mixing brands is a good idea or not.

Laptop Memory Upgrades – Does Yours Need One?

admin — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 08:09:03 +0000

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.

Laptops generally run slower and process information slower than desktops; with that in mind, laptop memory upgrades are the easiest way to get some speed back. Since you’re paying primarily for the convenience of having a portable computer, laptops are designed with this in mind. That being said, now with improvement in technology, buying more memory for laptops is not such a painful exercise anymore. Of course, if you have an older computer, memory is much cheaper anyway; however, depending on the age of your machine, you may be hunting for a while to find the right type of memory.

If you’ve been thinking about adding an upgrade or two to your computer, consider laptop memory upgrades to be the quickest way to having a like-new machine again. More memory means programs will load up faster and run faster, not to mention you’ll be able to run several more programs at the same time. It makes sense to make this upgrade, so the question becomes not if you should upgrade your laptop, but when.

How to Differ DDR3 from DDR2 Memory

admin — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 09:30:56 +0000

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.

What else makes these memory sticks different? Transfer speed on DDR3 is double that of the DDR2. Transfer rates on DDR2 range from 400 to 800 Mbps. On the DDR3, the range is 800 to 1600 Mbps. The DDR2 has four internal banks of memory while the DDR3 has eight. The DDR2 does 4-bit prefetch and the DDR3 does 8-bit prefetch. The DDR2 uses more voltage than the DDR3 does. The DDR2 runs with 1.8V while DDR3 runs with 1.5V. DDR3 memory has a slightly higher latency than the DDR2. There are other technical differences between the two as well.

Currently, there is another significant way on how to differ DDR3 from DDR2 memory. The price is higher for the DDR3 memory sticks. Prices have continued to drop ever since the DDR3 came on the market a few years ago. However, the DDR2 sticks are still lower in price. But, newer motherboards are pushing the prices down on DDR3. The demand for the newer technology is starting to grow as higher memory requirements come into play with faster motherboards and chipsets. However, with the newer DDR4 technology planned for a 2012 release, the future of the DDR3 is still in question.

Kingston Memory Upgrade – Get Your Memory

admin — Mon, 02 May 2011 14:56:29 +0000

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.

Kingston’s website also has information about the computer models it doesn’t support anymore. This information comes in handy for those people with older machines, spending time scouring the internet looking for memory. Rambus memory, for example, isn’t used by very many machines nowadays, since the technology debuted over a decade ago. Only very old machines still use the memory. Because demand isn’t that high, the number of manufacturers still making Rambus memory has dwindled. Getting a Kingston memory upgrade for a Rambus machine will be difficult, since it has discontinued support for the majority of machines still using RDRAM.

Kingston sells a lot of memory in several different forms, so it’s safe to say you’ll be able to find the memory you’re looking for from Kingston. A Kingston memory upgrade can actually save you money over buying a name-brand, but you’ll get very similar results. Upgrading your RAM is like buying a whole new computer; with additional RAM, your computer will run faster, smoother, and generally better. If there is any sluggishness in your system now, it should disappear by installing additional RAM.

DDR Memory Cooler Reviews

admin — Sun, 06 Mar 2011 10:58:07 +0000

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.

A third technology in DDR memory cooler reviews is the Vantec ICEBERQ DDR memory warm spreader. This particular memory cooler dissipates the heat from RAM modules by a drawing the heat away using aluminum or copper heat spreaders. This particular model sticks to the memory module using aluminum or copper protector and a thermal pad. The memory clips down into the normal slot. This helps avoid system crashes and installs within a few seconds. It is similar to the ULTRA brand, but uses a bit different configuration.

A final technology in DDR memory cooler reviews is the Zalman VGA Ram Heatsink ZM-RHS1. This particular form of memory cooler works specifically with VGA cards. The memory on these can get as hot as those on the motherboard can. By using these particular heat sinks, the memory remains cooler while the heat dissipates instead of sitting on the memory chips. This can enhance performance while preventing graphics problems.

With high performance memory, comes higher temperatures. Using a memory cooler is one way to keep your computer hopping without crashing. Look at what your computer has and see if you can find a memory cooler to fit your motherboard and memory needs.

Can Laptop Memory Be Used in Desktop and the Other Way Around?

admin — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 19:19:00 +0000

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.

Are there any circumstances when answering the question “Can laptop memory be used in desktop and the other way around” when the answer would be use? With very old desktops and laptops, you may find some memory modules that swap back and forth. But, with any laptops manufactured in the last decade, that is not the case. The main reason is space. The modern SO-DIMM architecture takes up much less room that the typical DIMM modules used in desktops. You do not sacrifice the speed and transfer rates with the SO-DIMM though. You just get a miniature version of the DIMM modules running in desktops.

When shopping for memory for your laptop, specifically look for SO-DIMM modules instead of DIMM. Make sure you get a memory module compatible with your motherboard. Many motherboards can handle only one form of memory such as DDR2. So if you need a memory module for a DDR2 compatible motherboard in your laptop, you need to purchase SO-DIMM DDR2 modules for your laptop. For your desktop, the choice would be DIMM DDR2 modules. You can get different transfer rates in both models. The short answer to answer the question “Can laptop memory be used in desktop and the other way around” is no. They are two completely different architectures and not swappable.

Dell Computer Memory Upgrade

admin — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 13:55:01 +0000

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.

A Dell computer memory upgrade can be beneficial for your machine. Not only will programs open faster and run better, the computer itself won’t suffer from bottlenecks and the dreaded “white square” instead of a program logo on the top left-hand corner of the screen, indicating a program has stopped responding and must wait for enough RAM to free up to become responsive again. Most people hate it when programs become non-responsive; well, the most common reason for programs doing that is lack of RAM space to run simultaneous programs.

Not only do you have to keep the type of RAM in mind when doing a Dell computer memory upgrade, but you must also know the capacity of your system. Computer motherboards will have room for only so much RAM, so if you have the means to max it out, by all means do so. Some Dell computers ship with RAM already at maximum capacity, so if you’re in this predicament, there’s nothing you can do memory-wise, save for swapping in a new motherboard with more capacity. That, of course, comes with an additional price tag.

Apple Computer Memory Upgrades

admin — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 17:18:50 +0000

If you’ve been thinking about adding more hard drive space or RAM to your Apple machine, maybe it’s a good idea to do so now. Whether you have a MacBook, an iBook, a PowerMac, or another type of Apple computer, memory is getting cheaper every day. It’s now possible to obtain Apple computer memory upgrades for a lot less than you think. What used to cost a fortune is now quite affordable. All you have to do is keep in mind what type of RAM your computer takes so you don’t make the mistake of buying the wrong type of memory.

Apple computers can be cheap to upgrade because most Apple machines use DDR or DDR2 RAM, not the newer DDR3. Therefore, you’ll be able to get 1 gigabyte of RAM for around $50 or 2 gigabytes for around $100. Because RAM is relatively cheap, it doesn’t take much money to max out your desktop or laptop. So, for those people who often complain about the high cost of Macs, they’re often much cheaper to upgrade once you get them home. This is a definite plus that many Mac owners use to their advantage.

The amount of RAM needed largely depends on what you use your computer for. If you use your computer mostly for e-mail and word processing, you will not need as much RAM as someone who uses their computer for gaming purposes, since those applications are more resource-heavy. Therefore, the amount of RAM you have in your machine may be enough for what you use the computer for. However, Apple computer memory upgrades are a necessary step for someone who has outgrown their computer’s current capabilities, but doesn’t have the money to buy a brand new machine. In these cases, adding more RAM will speed up programs and make your desktop or laptop run much smoother in general.

With cheaper RAM available now, upgrading your Mac is easier and more affordable than ever before. Apple computer memory upgrades can beef up your computer for less money than it would cost to buy a brand new one. Most people don’t want to continuously buy new computers every couple of years; they want to maximize the potential of the one they have first. Therefore, something as simple as a memory upgrade will have your computer running like new in no time.

Computer Memory Types – Know Your RAM

admin — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 14:19:59 +0000

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.

Currently, there are three main computer memory types of RAM: DRAM (Dynamic RAM) is the cheapest type. It uses capacitors to store information and needs to be refreshed every 15 nanoseconds or so in order to continue storing that information. It behaves a lot like previous iterations of RAM. SRAM (Static RAM) is the exact opposite. While dynamic memory constantly needs updating, static memory doesn’t need to be refreshed at all. SRAM uses logical gates to store information, providing faster access; however, it’s more expensive than DRAM.

There are other computer memory types as well. NVRAM, or Non-volatile RAM, is a type of RAM that actually saves data in case of a shut-off or power loss; however, a separate battery is needed to use this capability. FRAM, or Ferroelectric RAM, is a favorite type of RAM to use in mobile devices because it doesn’t require a great deal of power to run. It reads and writes almost as fast as DRAM; however, since it’s geared more toward mobile devices, it can’t hold nearly as much information in memory.