Buying Guide - The Memory (RAM)
There are two main things to consider when choosing your system memory: Capacity and Speed. CapacityYour computer requires memory to run programs, but if there is not enough, it will take precious time to try to use the hard drive (which is much slower) as a substitute (virtual memory). When virtual memory is full, you'll get an error message mentioning, "virtual memory is full," or worse, a Blue Screen of Death. As a general rule, no computer built today should have less than 512MB of memory. I recommend at least 1024MB (or 1GB) of memory for computers running a few programs at once to ensure seamless operation. 2GB is generally recommended for most computers that run quite a few dynamic programs, such as photo/music-editing, or playing graphic-intensive games. 4GB of memory is only necessary if you are editing video in professional quantities, or if you want bragging rights over fellow gamers, otherwise, invest your money elsewhere for now. If you're running a 64-bit operating system, note that it consumes a bit more memory than its 32-bit cousin (estimates range from 10%-50% more). With that in mind, I usually double up whatever would be adequate for doing the same in 32-bit mode. SpeedThe speed at which the memory runs is almost as important as how much you have. If your memory runs slower than you processor's Front Side Bus (FSB) or bandwidth volume, this creates a bottleneck in the speed at which data can be processed (think about driving a Ferrari in rush hour traffic). To eliminate this bottleneck, choose memory speed based on the FSB speed of your processor. For example, if you have an Intel Core 2 Duo processor with an 800mHz FSB, you should get DDR2 PC6400 memory since PC6400 runs at 800mHz (See the next paragraph for a dual-channel workaround). Before you make this purchase make sure the motherboard you are using supports DDR2 technology. If, however, you purchased a CPU with a 533mHz FSB, make sure you pick up DDR2 PC4600 for best results. DDR is the older standard for memory speed, and it supports up to 533mhz FSB, however, it is already becoming more expensive than its faster replacement DDR2. DDR3 is the new type of memory, which, at this point is looking promising for gamers and high-performance users. To Dual or not to Dual?Dual-Channel memory is a widely-used alternative to using costly, high-speed, memory. It means you have two identical sticks of memory plugged into matched slots on your motherboard to essentially double the bandwidth of the memory. For example, using a P4 processor with an 800mHz FSB used to mean that you needed a stick of (at the time) very expensive DDR2 6400 to match the 800mHz frequency, or you could use a Dual-Channel set of 2 sticks of (then) inexpensive DDR PC3200 memory (each running at 400mHz) to achieve similar results. Today, in the world of dual-core processors, dual-channel memory is almost essential for keeping up with these processors. The listed FSB speed is the minimum speed your Dual Channel memory should be. For example, if your Core2 Duo runs at 1333mHz you should install 2 sticks of (at least) PC5300 (running at 667mHz) in dual-channel mode to fully utilize your bandwidth. In this situation, I would typically install faster memory than is required, just so the memory isn't running at 100% of its possible speed (DDR2 PC6400 runs at 800mHz, and is about the same cost, so I'd opt for that). Finally, make sure your motherboard supports Dual-Channel memory if you plan to use it. Most do, but double check to be sure.
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