A RAM upgrade could be just what your computer needs to make your program's load and run faster. By doing this, your productivity level on your computer will dramatically increase. So how do you do it? I am glad you asked.

First, you need to know what type of RAM you need. There are 2 main types of computer RAM. They are DDR RAM and SDRAM.

Along with those 2, there are actually several other types, but most likely your computer has one of the two. Just to note, SDRAM is cheaper then DDR RAM and DDR RAM is usually only in higher end systems.

So what RAM type does your computer/motherboard require? You can find this out one of two ways. The first way is to read your computers manual and see what type of memory it requires.

Okay, now that you know what type of memory you need to be looking for, lets help you get it for this RAM memory upgrade.

Finding the Correct RAM

When you are getting memory for your RAM memory upgrade, you will notice that it will be called something like this "Manufacturer Name 1024MB PC2100 DDR 266MHz Non-ECC Memory". So what does all that other stuff mean?

Here is what that crazy stuff means.

MB: This is the actual amount of memory you are trying to purchase for your RAM memory upgrade. The higher the better, but it also will be more expensive.

PC#: The PC number is the bus speed. The bus speed is the speed between the memory and the processor. Which means this is very important and can make or break your computers speed. The least recommended is PC100, PC133 and PC400.

MHz: This is simply the speed of the memory and is recommended to be at least 266MHz.

Non-ECC: This means that the memory is not self-correcting. Not usually the case, but some prefer it.

Pins: These are the connectors on the bottom of the actual RAM itself. When you buy memory, make sure you get RAM with the correct amount of pins. Your computer or motherboard manual will tell you the correct memory to get and correct amount of pins it should have.

SODIMM: Small, compact memory that is usually for laptops, PDA's, etc.

DIMM: Typical RAM type that is in desktop PC's. This is what you want unless you are upgrading a laptop.

Now that you know what those words mean, you can start finding the right memory for you. So let's begin your RAM memory upgrade.

As you probably have already figured out, the higher the MB and MHz, the better. But just how high do you have to go? You would hate to spend extra money for speed you don't even need! Well what you need depends on what you plan to do with your computer. To figure out your specific range, find your situation below.

Home - If you are just planning to surf the net with your computer, do your taxes, check stocks, banking, and some other non-complicated tasks, then this is your category. So what is the ideal amount and type of RAM for you?

DDR: 512 MB PC2100 RAM SDRAM: 512 MB PC133 RAM

If you are a multi tasking person, and often have more then 2 programs running at once, then I suggest you go with my recommendations below for your RAM memory upgrade.

DDR: 1024 MB PC2100 RAM memory upgrade SDRAM: 1024 MB PC133 RAM or two 512 MB PC133 RAM sticks

Office/Business - Computers were made for office work and business. So you should get the most out of it. The RAM is one of the most important parts for a business computer. Because it holds everything that you are currently working on! Of course the more computer work you have, the more RAM you need.

DRR: 1024 MB PC2100 RAM memory upgrade or two 512 MB PC2100 sticks

SDRAM: 1024 MB PC133 RAM or two 512 MB PC133 RAM sticks

Gaming - These days, if you want to play the new pc games on the market then you need a good amount of RAM. The more RAM you have, the faster your game will load and the better your game play will be. So what is the ideal amount of RAM for PC Gamers? Well first I should state that DDR RAM is better for gaming, but if you have SDRAM then my recommendation is still the same.

DDR: 1024 MB PC2100 RAM plus another 512 MB PC2100 RAM stick

SDRAM: 1024 MB PC133 RAM and another 512 MB PC133 RAM stick.

Now that you know the type and amount of RAM you need for your RAM memory upgrade, you can make a wise decision on purchasing it. Also, if you are short on memory slots, you can always get more memory in the form of one stick, not two. It cost a little more, but it will save you a slot or two on your motherboard, which you could use to do another RAM memory upgrade.

Installing Your New RAM

Laptop RAM Memory Upgrade

Other Types of Memory

Besides DDR and SDRAM, there are some other kinds of RAM. Theses types of RAM are not common among the average computer user, unless the people who built your computer chose to put this type of RAM in it. Below are the other types of RAM available on the market. Some are better then DDR and SDRAM, so they are definitely worth looking into.

DDR2: This means Double Data Rate Two, and it is a computer memory technology that is expected to become mainstream in late 2004 or early 2005.

Over clocked DDR RAM: This is DDR RAM that is overclocked and exceeds the normal operation of DDR RAM.

Dual Channel RAM: Dual Channel RAM technology has been designed to address the lack of bandwidth for memory communication with the CPU.

Overclocked Dual Channel RAM: Again, this is Dual Channel RAM that is overclocked and exceeds the normal operation of Dual Channel RAM.

SODIMM RAM: Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Module. Smaller and thinner than standard DIMMs, they are typically used in laptop computers.

RDRAM: Rambus DRAM is a new type of DRAM that uses a 16 to 18 bit data path and is designed to operate with a Front Speed Bus speed of 800MHz, producing a burst transfer rate of 1.6 gigahertz. Basically, it is VERY fast.

ECC Memory: Error Correcting Code Memory: This type of memory corrects any errors that may cause your computer to crash or not process the information correctly.

SIMM RAM: Single Inline Memory Module. A high-density DRAM package alternative consisting of several components connected to a single printed circuit board.

That basically sums up everything about a RAM memory upgrade, and I hope it gave you a better understanding of it. If you ever have any questions, just visit my free computer help page.