Desktop memory or RAM (random-access memory) is a factor that is often over looked when buying a desktop computer. It’s often found that people are more concerned with other components such as the size of the hard drive and the processor or the graphics card.

While each of these are important in their own right, the size of the desktop memory should hold greater priority. But not only is it a greater priority, it also requires greater understanding. So here is a short guide of five basic things that should be known about desktop memory:

– It is not a storage component: The word memory often tricks people into assuming that desktop memory is something that files can be saved to, in a similar way to which a hard drive operates. It doesn’t. Desktop memory runs transiently with the computer, meaning that once the computer is switched off the desktop memory is erased. This means that everything stored on the RAM is lost and cannot be recovered. So it is crucial to stress the importance of saving work on a regular basis to an internal hard drive.

– It helps with the running of software: Software is run on the computer using the RAM. It acts as immediate storage space to help with running – programs. The kind of desktop memory requirements needed to run specific programs can usually be found on the box. Realistically for software to run at a comfortable rate, more RAM than the highest minimum is needed. For example a program may require 256MB (megabytes) of desktop memory to operate; it will operate at the standard, expected rate. But the same software will operate at an optimised rate on a computer with 500MB of desktop memory. It’s recommended now to have a desktop memory of about 4GB (gigabytes).

– There are two types of basic memory: The two types of basic memory most widely used are DDR2 (double data rate 2) and DDR3 (double data rate 3). DDR2 allows for higher data bus speed but requires less power by running the internal data clock at a quarter of the speed that the data bus is run at. The highest rated DDR2 desktop memory modules allow transfer rates which at its maximum is 3200MB’s.

DDR3 runs at a much faster rate (twice that of its predecessor, the DDR2) and can be found more frequently in newer computers. This particular RAM access interface allows for a maximum memory module size of 16GB.

– Desktop memory can be easily upgraded: Most desktop computers have four to six memory modules. These are usually installed in pairs, though in newer computers it is not uncommon to find them installed in threes for better performance. For example, a RAM system may contain 6GB of memory with four memory slots. Therefore this desktop memory amount could be installed in either three 2GB memory modules or six 1GB modules. Depending on the amount of slots already in use and those that are free, it would be quite easy to boost the amount of memory by just adding an extra module.

– The technology used in RAM interfaces is always upgrading: Therefore what might have been new and cutting edge a year ago probably isn’t now. So it’s worth noting how much memory is needed to operate the latest software, so that it can be run at its optimal settings.

At first it may seem daunting, but with research desktop memory isn’t really as complicated as first impressions may make it seem.

Author Bio: Specialist computer hardware available for businesses and households in the UK and Europe, from Desktop PCs to laptops and Netbooks.

Category: Computers and Technology
Keywords: computer hardware, laptops, netbooks, desktop pcs, desktop computer