Pc - Memory - RAM

RAM (Random Access Memory) is where the computer stores the information it is currently working with, such as the operating system.

All software that you use on your computer occupies a certain amount of RAM while it is running.

A shortage of RAM is an extremely common performance problem. Just turning on your computer and loading Windows can use more than 1/4 of your system memory.

Memory comes in many shapes, sizes, and specifications. The most important considerations are type, size, and speed.

Different motherboards and different CPUs require different types and speeds of memory. All mother boards have a list of supported sizes.

For example, one motherboard may support only two 1 GB RAM sticks, which will give you a maximum of 2 GB of RAM.

Another system may support 2 GB RAM sticks and have space for four of them, which will give you a maximum of 8 GB of RAM.

When purchasing memory, double check that it is compatible with the motherboard and CPU. Incompatible memory can damage the system severely.

In certain circumstances, it can destroy the motherboard, the memory itself, even the CPU.

The photos to the right show various DDR RAM sticks, except photo 2 which shows a DDR2 RAM stick.