

If a system is performing critical work (such as high-level mathematics or financial functions or departmental or enterprise-level server tasks), ECC support in the motherboard and ECC memory are worthwhile options to specify. Although parity-checked memory mainly slows down the system, ECC memory can detect memory errors as well as correct them. All of the modules in a bank should have the same latency as well as size and speed.Įrror checking (parity, non-parity, ECC)-Most systems don’t perform parity checking (to verify the contents of memory or correct errors), but some motherboards and systems support these functions. Modules with the same speed might have different latency values. Memory module latency-Latency is how quickly memory can switch between rows. The throughput method is used by current memory types. Memory module speed (PC3200, PC2-6400, PC3-12800, and so on)-There are three ways to specify the speed of a memory module: the actual speed in ns (nanoseconds) of the chips on the module (60ns), the clock speed of the data bus (PC800 is 800MHz), or the throughput (in Mbps) of the memory (for example, PC3200 is 3,200Mbps or 3.2Gbps PC2-2 6400 is 6,400Mbps or 6.4Gbps and PC3-12800 is 12,800Mbps or 12.8Gbps). You need to specify the right memory chip type in such cases to avoid conflicts with onboard memory and provide stable performance. However, older memory module types such as early 168-pin DIMMs were available with different types of memory chips. Memory chip type used on the module (SDRAM, DDR SDRAM, and so on)-Today, a particular memory module type uses only one type of memory.
MEMORY MASTER RAM DDR3 UPGRADE
Although a few systems can use more than one memory module form factor, in most cases if you want to change to a faster type of memory module, such as from 184-pin DIMM (used by DDR SDRAM) to 240-pin DIMM (such as DDR2 or DDR3 SDRAM), you need to upgrade the motherboard first.

Memory module form factor (240-pin DIMM, 184-pin DIMM, 168-pin DIMM, 204-pin SO-DIMM, and so on)-The form factor your system can use has a great deal to do with the memory upgrade options you have with any given system. When you must specify memory for a given system, there are several variables you need to know: Foundation Topics Memory Upgrade Considerations Installing Memory-Laptops and desktops differ in how memory is installed, as you learn in this section.
MEMORY MASTER RAM DDR3 HOW TO
RAM Compatibility-Learn how to make sure additional memory works with existing memory in this section.
MEMORY MASTER RAM DDR3 INSTALL
Single-Sided vs Double-Sided-Learn what these terms mean and how they might affect how much RAM you can install on a particular system. RAM Configurations-Discover how multi-channel memory layouts available on many systems can boost performance and how to install the modules. SO-DIMM vs DIMM-In this section, you learn the differences between memory modules made for desktop and those made for laptop computers. RAM Types-This section provides the information you need to understand memory chip and module types and how some types of memory are designed to correct memory errors. Memory Upgrade Considerations-This section lists the many different factors you need to take into account when selecting RAM for a particular system. This chapter covers the following subjects:

Because RAM is one of the most popular upgrades to add to any laptop or desktop system during its lifespan, you need to understand how RAM works, which types of RAM exist, and how to add it to provide the biggest performance boost to the systems you maintain.Ģ20-901: Objective 1.3 Compare and contrast various RAM types and their features. Although RAM’s contents are temporary, RAM is much faster than magnetic or SSD storage RAM speed is measured in nanoseconds (billionths of a second), while magnetic and SSD storage is measured in milliseconds (thousandths of a second).Įver-increasing amounts of RAM are needed as operating systems and applications get more powerful and add more features. Although the contents of RAM and mass storage can be changed freely, RAM loses its contents as soon as you shut down the computer, while magnetic storage can hold data for years. Although the hard drive can substitute for RAM in a pinch, don’t confuse RAM with mass storage devices such as hard disks or SSDs. If your computer runs short of RAM, the operating system can also use the hard drive as virtual memory, a slow substitute for RAM.

Thus, installing more RAM improves transfers between the CPU and both RAM and hard drives. RAM is used for programs and data as well as by the operating system for disk caching (using RAM to hold recently accessed information). CompTIA A+ 220-901 and 220-902 Cert Guide, Academic Edition
