Computersight -

The RAM in the computer system is the main boot device. (The device that starts up the computer) the ‘memory’, which is all too often confused as storage, is measured by bytes. The more bytes, the faster the device will access memory. Basically speeding up the computer. For a basic PC, with Windows XP or XP pro, I would suggest 1 to 2 giga bytes. (1000 mega bytes make up one giga byte) for Windows Vista you would need 2 giga bytes for best performance. 3 to 4 for Windows 7.

    There are three different interfaces for RAM modules; there is DDR, DDR2 and DDR3. Each one faster than the last. (DDR means double data rate) the image below is that of a DDR2 module. Which cost around $20.00 per giga byte. DDR3 is about 50% higher for now. The downside is that RAM chips are easily broken. A static shock from your finger tips can destroy it for good. That is why I recommend holding it at the very sides. Or you can buy static proof wristband gloves that prevent this from accruing. Some RAM modules come with protective guarders on the front ends that stop this from happening.

    The most common RAM modules are the DDR pc3200 DIMM 256 pin. These are about $12.00 a giga byte and are compatible with almost any motherboard. Any motherboard made from 2004 to 2008 has a slot for DDR. Well most of them do anyway; DDR2 didn’t kick off right away because of its high cost and heat issues. But DDR2 is well trusted n

When installing the RAM module(s) face it to where the indented ridge on the bottom is lined up with the line in the middle of the RAM slot. Than push gently until the tabs on either side of the socket snap into place. And you’re ready to go.

    Just keep in mind that any given charge to the body of the module can and will destroy it. Don’t even lay it on carpet. If you don’t have the static proof gloves nor the protective guarders on the module itself doctor gloves work as well in theory. And if you don’t have those either just make sure you discharge yourself before touching the module. You can do so by touching something metal like the base of a fan or the inside of your computer case’s rims.

    Also if your house has a black-out it could fry the RAM modules. When a RAM fries it usually takes the CPU, motherboard, and the power supply with it. There isn’t anything you can do to avoid this from happening, sadly. Computers break easily. You can ruin a motherboard by dropping a tack-size screw on it from five inches up.  A magnetic screw driver can ruin a hard drive disk. And you can kill yourself from taking apart a power supply unit.

    I hope you learned something about Random Access Memory. Thank you.