Kingston PC2-4200 DDR2-533 1 GB 1 Module Computer Memory (RAM)

What Does RAM Do Exactly?

System memory can be considered the forgotten child of computer performance. Unlike processors and graphics cards, it doesn't manipulate data directly; instead it gives other components the ability to work to their full capacity.

What Does DDR2 mean?

DDR2 refers to a specific memory standard, the second generation of double data rate desktop memory. As with most other standards, the description can provide quite a bit of information about the any given memory module. For example, a 1 GB Kingston PC2-4200 DDR2 533 module has the following characteristics:

• Capacity: 1 GB, the total amount of data this module can store.
• Brand: Kingston, this is the company that assembles the PCB and may or may not produce the memory chips.
• Bandwidth: PC2-4200, this DIMM can transfer data at 4.2 GB per second.
• Standard: DDR2, this is second generation DDR computer memory.
• Bus Speed: 533 MHz, this module has an effective external clock rate of 533 MHz.

How Much RAM Do You Need?

When choosing DDR2 for your desktop computer one of the first questions to consider is the amount of RAM to install. As a general rule, this means figuring out the total amount of RAM needed for normal use. For example, it includes the programs you normally have open such as your email client and web browser, as well as the number of tabs you open in the browser. You can add more beyond that, but it will have less of an effect on your overall performance once you get past your normal usage. There are two primary factors to consider when looking at adding RAM:

• DIMM Size: This is the amount of memory on each DIMM and your motherboard may limit it. It's also important to calculate when using dual-channel memory as you need to use balanced modules to get the most out of that configuration.
• Total Storage: This is the sum of all the DIMMs and is usually determined by either the motherboard or the operating system. For a 32-bit OS this is a fixed limit of 4 GB, where 64-bit installations can support more RAM.

Installing and Using RAM

One advantage of memory standards is that you cannot insert the wrong memory module in a motherboard. Even if it supports both DDR and DDR2, each slot can only handle the appropriate type. DDR2 comes in a 240-pin package with a default of 1.8 Volts and is readily available in 1 GB sticks so that four modules are a perfect match for many four slot boards. You can then put two sticks in each channel and get the full use out of your memory with double the effective bandwidth of a single channel installation.

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