Since the processor is basically like the engine in your computer, it gets you from point A to point B as efficiently as it can. In order to improve the performance of programs on a computer, the computer needs to have a good amount of memory, which is generally called RAM, for Random Access Memory.
RAM is really responsible for how quickly your computer can retrieve, open and close software, Internet browsers, Internet connections, etc., on your screen. Since memory technology has to keep pace with overall computer advances, there are several different types of RAM. For example, memory for most desktops and laptops today is called SDRAM, for Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory. When shopping for computers, you will see computers with “SDRAM,” listed in their specifications (or “specs”).
But wait, there’s more! Since computers are always being engineered for higher performance, there’s a new flavor of SDRAM, called DDR SDRAM, which stands for Double Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory. Ok, here’s the translation: DDR SDRAM is even faster than SDRAM.
To recap, here’s how memory has evolved:
- RAM was the first version of computer memory.
- SDRAM was the next version of computer memory.
- DDR SDRAM is the latest version of computer memory.
If you’re out shopping for a shiny new desktop or laptop, you may notice memory listed in one of these formats:
- Dell often lists memory for its desktops in this format: “4GB Dual Channel DDR3 SDRAM at 1066MHz-4 DIMMs.”
- HP often lists memory for its desktops in this format: “4GB DDR3-1333MHz SDRAM [2 DIMMs]“
- Toshiba, Dell, and HP often list memory for their laptops in this format: “3GB DDR3 1066MHz memory.”
Looks like alphabet soup, huh? These are just examples of how different computer manufacturers have different ways of saying the same thing. Here’s what to look for while you’re shopping:
- What is the number of GB’s? Hint: The higher the number, the faster things will move on your screen.
- Is it DDR2 or DDR3 SDRAM? Hint: Go with DDR3 SDRAM, because it’s faster.
- Is it at least 1066MHz? Hint: The higher the number of MHz, the better.
Copyright 2011 KoolKomputer LLC. All Rights Reserved.