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Tips for Buying Computer Memory

Introduction

Adding or upgrading computer memory is a quick and relatively low-cost method of improving computer performance. Compared to upgrading a processor, upgrading random access memory (RAM) can be more cost-effective and easier to install. If you wish to perform a computer memory upgrade, there are a few performance factors that you should take into account.

Performance Factors

Capacity

Capacity is one of the most important factors when upgrading computer memory, as it affects how well a computer can multitask. Increasing the amount of memory in a computer can increase the number of programs and tasks it can run without adversely affecting system performance.

So how much memory does a computer need? It depends greatly on theoperating systemsoftware, and intended usage for the computer. For instance, Microsoft’s recommended amount of computer memory for Windows® XP is 128 MB. For Windows 8.1, they recommend 1 GB for 32-bit installations and 2 GB for 64-bit installations. It is a good precaution to have more than the recommended amount of memory in case your users need to run many system-intensive programs simultaneously.

Speed

Memory speed can have a small impact on overall system performance, but not by an easily noticeable margin. For instance, the performance difference between an 1866 MHz memory module and a 1333 MHz module can be difficult to detect without benchmarking software.

Utilizing the fastest memory is important mainly for server workstations that constantly save and retrieve data.

Timings

Computer memory timing is sometimes referred to as latency and is usually provided as four ratings separated by dashes, such as 9-9-9-28. Typically, the lower the numbers are, the better the performance of the memory will be.

But how much does latency matter? Latency is generally less important than memory speed and the difference between a 7 rating and a 10 rating will not be noticeable by the average user.

Multi-Channel Kits

The configuration of a computer memory upgrade kit has a small impact on system performance, but not as much as the amount of memory. If your motherboard supports multi-channel memory, a matching kit will net more performance gains than a non-matching kit.

For example, using a dual-channel memory kit with a dual-channel motherboard will be better than using two unpaired memory modules on that same motherboard. However, the performance gains are relatively minor and not as important as the amount of computer memory.