Beginners Guide to Upgrading your RAM
SDRAM
SDRAM comes in three speeds; 66MHz, 100Mhz and 133Mhz. If your computer is about 4 years old, chances are you have 100Mhz or 133Mhz installed. However if the computer is about 10 years old then you are probably running 66Mhz at best. If this is the case its probably best to purchase a whole new computer and start again as it will probably be easier and cheaper.
DDR RAM
DDR has a larger range of speeds than SDRAM and comes in 266Mhz (also known as PC2100), 333Mhz (PC2700), 400Mhz (PC3200) and 533Mhz (PC4000).
DDR2 RAM
DDR2 is the second generation of DDR and is faster than its predecessor. However, DDR2 only works with certain Intel Pentium 4 chipsets (Althon64 doesnt currently support it). Correction: AMD64 does now support DDR2.
Starting the upgrade
Now that you are armed with this information you need to find out what type of RAM is currently installed in your computer. You could open up your computers case and physically look, However you need to know what you are looking for. Another option is to download a handy piece of free software called Belarc Advisor which will tell you what type of memory you currently have installed and wether you have any free physical slots available.
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“DDR2 only works with certain Intel Pentium 4 chipsets (Althon64 doesnt currently support it).”
AMD 64 supports DDR2 with its latest socket AM2. DDR2 is pretty much the standard.
Current A64’s on the AM2 socket do use DDR2 and only DDR2. Only the older, previous A64 socket layouts used DDR. You may want to update your article to reflect this information.
Corrected. Thanks guys.
IMO Windows 2000 was the best OS to date as far as ram consumption goes. Next came XP Pro — and of course on the other side of the spectrum lies VISTA (aka Ram Hog.)
Nice to see a clear and concise explanation of the different types of RAM available, not something that most manuals ever tell you.
If I switch from DDR to DDR2 will I have reformat my hard disk? Will I have to completely change my operating system(s) or will they function perfectly without any changes?
You wont have to reinstall your operating system if you just change the RAM. The need for a format usually only applies to changing the hard drive or montherboard.
Anyone know if it’s possible to upgrade the ram in a Macbook?
thnx for the info guys..a really big help for me ^_^
I keep listening to the news speak about getting free online grant applications so I have been looking around for the best site to get one.
i have a Toshiba Equium EA60-155 laptop which i purchased in year 2003 and now it is pretty old.eventhogh i am planning to upgrade its RAM which is a 256 MB DDR (intgrated with the motherboard). Which may be the best make and the configuration and where it get cheaper in europe? Please anyone help.
Now i am using SONY VAIO VGN FW12L.
sorry i mentioned SONY VAIO FW12L instead of SONY VAIO VGN-FW21L
thank you
I am a beginner in computer technician and I really need assistance on the necessary equipments that I will need. I am resident in Nigeria, I have money to buy the tools and equipments but I need genuine and original ones. Please direct me on how to get them.
Thanks
Victor