Week 9 - How to choose the right memory

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How to Choose the Right Memory: Upgrading Your Computer's Memory

How to check to see if you need an upgrade:

Open your task manager (Ctrl + Alt + Del and select "Task Manager") and select the "Performance" tab.  A good rule of thumb is that if the Available Memory is less than 25 percent of your Total Memory, a RAM upgrade will provide a tangible performance boost.  

I'm at 65%, meaning I still have 35% remaining, so it is not immediate that I upgrade and add memory, but it could definitely be coming soon.  It is important to watch your RAM performance (especially when adding new programs) and watch for spikes that hit at or near 100%, which means that  it might be smart to add more memory so that your OS will run more efficient. 

Make sure that you have the right RAM to fit your computer:

Make sure that you have the correct RAM for your computer or laptop - they are not interchangeable.  Look for the correct type according to limits within the two types: motherboard and OS.

The following chart shows the max amount of RAM by OS: (Lovinus, 2015)

• Windows 7 32-bit: 4 GB
• Windows 7 Home Basic: 8 GB
• Windows 7 Home Premium: 16 GB
• Windows 7 Professional: 192 GB
• Enterprise: 192 GB
• Ultimate: 192 GB

• Windows 8.1 32-bit: 4 GB 
• Windows 8.1: 128 GB
• Windows 8.1 Professional: 512 GB
• Windows 8.1 Enterprise: 512 GB

• Windows 10 Enterprise on X86: 4GB     X64: 2 TB
• Windows 10 Education on X86: 4GB     X64: 2 TB
• Windows 10 Pro            on X86: 4GB     X64: 2 TB
• Windows 10 Home        on X86: 4GB     X64: 128 GB

 You also need to check the motherboard (look at the motherboard itself or refer to the manual) to see what type of RAM you should install.  The following are the most common varieties: (Lovinus, 2015)

• DDR2 SDRAM (double data rate synchronous dynamic random-access memory) – Commonly found in computers made after 2003.
• DDR3 SDRAM (double data rate type three synchronous dynamic random-access memory) – Found in computers made after 2007.
• DDR4 SDRAM (double data rate fourth generation synchronous dynamic random-access memory) – The newest generation of RAM that is found in the latest PC builds.

There are other RAM specifications to note as well:

• Speed (MHz) – Unless you are bench-marking performance you probably will not notice the difference between an 1866 MHz memory module and one that is 1333 MHz. Speed considerations are more important for server workstations that handle larger computing loads.
• Timings (Latency) – Timing or latency of RAM is represented as four numerals separated by dashes. Typically, lower numbers mean better performance.
• Multi-Channel Kits – If your motherboard supports multi-channel memory, a matching kit optimizes performance. To accommodate this, RAM can be shopped on the basis of system-specific memory.

After finding the RAM that you need, the sticks need to be installed in the open slots on the motherboard or replacing the RAM that is currently installed to complete the upgrade.  Follow the manufacturers instructions to install them correctly.  The good news is that it is relatively easy and will only fit one way. 

Works Cited

Lovinus, A. (2015, April 28). How to Choose the Correct RAM Upgrade. Retrieved from Neweggbusiness.com: https://www.neweggbusiness.com/smartbuyer/buying-guides/how-to-choose-the-correct-ram-upgrade/