Buying a new desktop or a new computer may give you a lot of options, but you may face one thing which would make you confused: desktop memory. Your choice would surely depend as to how you would use your computer and the performance you would want. Typical desktops now have 1GB to 4GB, but you may want to find out more about these things.
Large and Small RAM memory
Random access memory, more popularly called as RAM, are available in lots of sizes. From 512 MB to single module 4 GB sizes, your desktop could surely support these sizes. Typically, users always buy memory according to their personal usage. Multimedia and gaming purposes usually demand more RAM than other software.
Most software nowadays have two kinds of system requirements for RAM: recommended and minimal. Depending on how you would want to run your programs and applications, you might want to stick to getting the minimum 2 GB in today’s standards, or get 4 GB.
Operating System Compatibility
Keep in mind that not all Windows operating systems support desktop memory sizes higher than 4 GBs. 32-bit Windows only supports up to 4 GBs, while you need to upgrade to the 64-bit versions if you want to go beyond that.
Memory Module Kinds
You might have been confused about those numbers beside the GB in various RAM modules. Nowadays, the most common modules are DDR2 and DDR3. Of course, DDR3 modules are faster than DDR2 and DDR, but they are also more expensive. Most budget desktops nowadays have DDR2 modules.
The higher values your RAM has, the faster it runs. So if you have 800 MHz, it will significantly run slower than one with 1066 MHz.
Considering RAM Expansion
Typical desktop systems have four to six memory slots, though smaller ones may only have two available. RAM modules are also generally paired, but some manufacturers now consider grouping three for maximum performance.
You may consider memory upgrades, so keep slots in your desktop CPU for future use. If your PC has four memory slots, you may consider 4 pieces of 1 GB RAM, but then you won’t have any space for upgrades. If you choose 2 x 2 GB modules, then you can add more 2GB modules in the near future. This makes your computer practically future-proof, and easier to upgrade and update.
2 modules of 1GB are less expensive than getting 1 module of 2GB, mainly because it frees up your other desktop memory slots for future upgrades.
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