Computer Memory Types
Ram Memory is PC Hardware

Computer Memory Types include RAM memory (pc hardware) which helps the CPU process data and is plugged into the motherboard of the computer.

Other types of computer memory that help the CPU process data and perform tasks is covered on the PCI Cards page.

RAM stands for random access memory. RAM in a computer is temporary memory vs. permanent memory like that on a hard-drive.

You need more RAM memory when your current RAM gets full because the processor will go to the hard disk to find room to overwrite old data with the updated info. This can dramatically slow down your computer.



The computer's CPU is the primary factor in your computer's performance level but RAM is second! If you do a lot of graphic work, play graphic intense games, and your computer has slowed down, it's likely you need to update your RAM memory.

32MB is the minimum needed by Windows 95 or 98 to even run; and 128 MB is better. Even though 128MB recommended minimum for newer Windows operating systems, you really need at least 256MB in order to allow the system to run efficiently.

I would recommend you don’t go with less than 256MB and really suggest you go with a minimum of 512MB of RAM.

Basic usage for measuring the workload for RAM memory is standard tasks such as web access, email, word processing, and some low level games.

For serious users, or those who run their PC as a server, will need considerably more RAM than the basic home or business user.

But remember, this is not so much about having more RAM memory for the sake of it. If your PC doesn't have enough RAM for the programs you run, you will be very unhappy with the performance of your computer.

RAM holds a lot less data than a hard drive, which is why, in effect, you need more of it.

Most PCs have room for computer memory upgrades, but there is a limit how much you can add. There are only so many vacant slots to hold the RAM that clips into the PC motherboard.

For your CPU, finding information on the hard drive takes longer than getting it from the random access memory, so having enough RAM installed allows your computer to operate much faster and more efficiently.

Most of us are not huge computer enthusiasts, so preconfigured RAM Memory provides us with the amount of memory best suited to our needs. Power users will need to add in additional memory if they are taxing their systems existing capabilities.

Computer Memory Types

There are 3 primary types of RAM in use today, Synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), Double Data Rate SDRAM (DDR) and RDRAM (Rambus DRAM). RDRAM is the higher priced and newest of the 3 primary types of RAM. SDRAM is on the way out; and DDR is the most commonly promoted.

You can’t run the different types of RAM in the same machine; if your machine has SDRAM, you can’t add DDR to it; you have to get more SDRAM; and the same with DDR; if your machine has DDR, don’t add SDRAM to upgrade. RDRAM is a whole new technology and is implemented differently than SDRAM or DDR altogether.

Intel has set RDRAM as the memory of choice for Pentium 4 motherboards so look for this if you want to build or upgrade a true P4 computer.

How much ram memory is enough for new desktop computer?

For basic computer use where you use one application at a time such as word processing, e-mail, web surfing, basic video or audio programs you should go with 128MB to 256MB of RAM.

For heavier administrative tasks, or in an office environment that uses the above programs plus spreadsheets, communication software, simple graphics programs, or you commonly use two applications at the same time, consider having 256MB to 384MB installed.

More intensive use that includes gaming software or three or more applications being used at once you should go with 384MB to 512MB.

Heavy use of presentation or illustration software, font packages, multimedia, gaming, and photo editing programs would put your needs in the 512MB – 1GB range.

If you do a lot of heavy graphics design work, use CAD or other 3-D modeling software, or are into graphic intense gaming, go to the high end of 2GB and up.

Check out the different ranges and brands of computer memory types including RAM memory PC hardwareat TigerDirect . As you view the different products, be sure and check out the most popular in the right column and the user reviews available on each individual product page.






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