How to choose RAM

Despite the fact that a personal computer in the form in which most people are used to it is not a "thing in itself" and, as a rule, has an open architecture, very many users did not even come up with the idea to open the case and try something, Then change it in the configuration of the computer with your own hands. But sometimes, due to some kind of breakdown, even a frank "teapot" has to pick up a screwdriver to immerse in the depths of his electronic assistant.

One of the most common computer failures is the failure of RAM. According to rumors, in service centers with an undefined "diagnosis", RAM is replaced first, after which in 2/3 of the cases the problems go away. In addition, the user can decide to simply increase the amount of memory on his computer. In these cases, a problem arises, how to select RAM.

Perhaps for some it will be a surprise, but the "RAM" can be of different types, and one type of memory can not be inserted into a slot intended for another type of memory without a hammer. Now most of the market is occupied by DDR3 memory. In the stores of some stores there are still a few motherboards supporting the already obsolete DDR2 standard. Older standards (DDR and SDR) in new computers have not been used for a long time, but there is an insignificant offer of new RAM modules (at inflated prices). Therefore, before selecting a RAM, you should determine which type of RAM is right for you. You can do this in many ways. Probably the easiest way is to use various utilities to determine the configuration of the computer. Here are just some of them: CPU-Z, Aida64, HWInfo. Among them there are many programs that are distributed freeware. The same utilities will let you know how many memory channels your motherboard supports. Most computers built in the last six years support two channels. Some, quite expensive - three. Single-channel memory has sunk into oblivion with the termination of AMD release of processors on socket Socket 754.

The next step on the hard way to solve the problem of how to select RAM is the choice of the memory frequency. Most of the inexpensive memory type DDR3, offered now on the market, operates at an effective frequency of 1333 and 1600 MHz. This is quite enough for most modern computers, and such modules are supported without any problems by new motherboards. Memory with a lower frequency of work should not be chosen, with more - it is necessary to be well aware of what you are overpaying for.

The normal amount of RAM of a modern computer is 4 gigabytes (two modules of 2 GB each). It is possible and more, there is not much memory, but before choosing a RAM of this size, you need to make sure whether your motherboard supports memory slots over 2 GB. You can learn this from the manual that came with your "mom" when buying a computer.

From the manufacturers of RAM can be identified Samsung, Hynix, Kingston, Kingmax. All of them have in the range of inexpensive memory for a normal home computer. Of the more expensive brands "for enthusiasts", the memory of the production of OCZ, Corsair, Patriot, GEIL is actual. Typically, this is expensive high-frequency memory for productive computers or for overclockers.

If you were able to choose the memory in the store yourself, then with the question of how to install RAM in the computer, you should not have problems. The memory slots ("slots") are located on the motherboard, usually to the right of the processor. If there are free slots, insert freshly purchased modules in them, preferably, observing the "channeling" (ie the number of installed memory modules should correspond to the number of channels, mentioned above). If there are no free slots, remove the old modules - they are of smaller size! Do not use excessive force when installing. If all the above rules are met, the memory module should "sit" in the slot without problems, after which the latches on the sides of the slot will automatically snap into place and lock the module. If they do not click, then the module is inserted incorrectly or not to the end. Of course, all these manipulations must be done with a computer completely disconnected from the power supply network.

Until now, it was told how to choose memory for a conventional desktop computer. You can choose the operating memory for the laptop by the same principles, but, of course, when selecting, you should look at special "laptop" memory modules (they are half shorter and, correspondingly, two times less capacious than conventional modules). In addition, laptops often encounter hardware incompatibility of memory with other components, so either you should immediately go to the store with your laptop to check the absence of conflict on the spot, or negotiate with the seller about the possibility of replacing or refunding money.