Know what is a RAM (Memory): DDR, DDR2 and DDR3 SDRAM

In a computer (PC) or laptop, one of the hardware (hardware) which was instrumental in the performance and computer performance is the memory or RAM (Random Access Memory). This time we'll know a little more in what RAM is and why we need it, know the types of RAM such as DDR, DDR2 and DDR3 SDRAM, as well as tips if you want to upgrade the RAM. 

As the name suggests, the RAM or Memory is a device for a place to store data accessed by the processor (CPU - Central Processing Unit). Existing data in RAM can be accessed at random with the same speed, so called Random (random). Data stored in RAM is temporary, as it will only exist if there is electricity or when the computer is on and will be lost if the computer dies. 

Existing data in RAM can be accessed much faster than those in the hard disk, for the DDR2 SDRAM can be faster only 40 to 100 times compared to the hard disk access, and for the type of DDR3 can be 100 to 300 times faster than access to the hard drive (as a picture , SATA hard drive access in the real world around 80-100 MB / s while USB 2.0 between 10MB / s to 20 MB / s). 

DDR, DDR2, and DDR3 

Currently, most computers already use DDR3 Memory type (some types of DDR2).Prior to 2002, probably still quite a lot of computers that use memory type Single Data Rate (SDR) SDRAM. But after that, its use is now being replaced by Double Data Rate (DDR), ranging from DDR (DDR1), DDR2 and now a lot of supply is DDR3. DDR is theoretically capable of doing a transfer rate of 2X faster than SDRAM. 

Each type is a development of earlier and later versions generally have a higher data rate and require lower power. DDR2 is theoretically have a data rate of 2x with the same specifications than the DDR (DDR1). DDR3 also has advantages over DDR2, such as higher bandwidth, latency is more superior, higher performance in power / the power of smaller, and better for low-power devices such as laptops. 

Each type of RAM are not mutually compatible and designed with a different slot. More detailed and in-depth information about the specifications of each type can see the information on wikipedia, about the DDR, DDR2 and DDR3 

Upgrading Memory (RAM) 

Addition Memory usually increases computer performance by sifnifikan (but the amount is too large is usually not much effect, for example, if already above the 4 GB RAM, usually an increase will not be visible). For example Windows 7 usually requires at least 2 GB of memory, so for the less must be upgraded in order to obtain good performance.

To add (an upgrade) of RAM is relatively easy, we just know the type of RAM used and memeriksan whether there is still an empty slot to install RAM. Noteworthy is the similarity type of RAM, because it will not match DDR1 with DDR2, and DDR2 are not compatible with DDR3. It takes the same type when it will upgrade the RAM. 

In addition, one type of RAM usually have a variety of types, such as DDR3-6400, DDR3-8500, DDR3-10 600 and the other (the higher, the greater the transfer rate also.)Although for a different type was compatible, but the RAM will run with a lower type. For example, 10 600 2 GB DDR3-in combined with DDR3-8500 2GB, the amount of RAM will be increased to 4 GB, but will adjust the lowest performance (DDR3-8500). 

To find out the type of RAM is supported, see the manual / guide moherboard, see what kind of RAM slots or using software such as Speccy. To the Memory notebook / laptop, slightly different in size with RAM PC / computer, typically only half the RAM PC. When buying a computer store can mention with SO-DIMM (small outline dual in-line memory module). DIMM is a type of slot for Memory. 

Maximum amount of RAM depends on the motherboard and operating system used.For 32-bit operating systems typically do not support over 4GB of RAM, while for 64-bit system, theoretically can support up to 192 GB of RAM (Windows 7 ultimate). Also sometimes the maximum amount is also limited by the motherboard, such as only supporting a maximum of 16 GB of RAM.