Memory & Data Storage Items | Second Hand Electrical Appliances & Items

If you are looking to get the best out of your PC and optimise the performance, you should be considering upgrading the RAM or adding additional storage. Increasing the memory in your machine will give you faster file access times and enhanced system performance. In turn, adding extra storage allows you to make use of the enhanced speed and power by installing more advanced applications. With so many products on the market these days it can be difficult to know what sets specific products apart from the rest. The following basic guidelines may help you to make your decision.

What is RAM?
RAM stands for Random Access Memory and is used by a computer system to store program data whilst it is executed. As you run more applications simultaneously, more memory is required to process the commands and as the complexity of the programs increase, so does the RAM requirement.

What can you achieve by adding more memory?
Adding more memory will often provide instant, very noticeable, results at a minimal cost. As more and more manufacturers compete in an extremely competitive market, the product variety increases bringing the prices down. This makes this particular system upgrade an easily achievable one to perform. It will allow you to run multiple, complex computer programs at the same time, without degrading the performance of each application.

General Guidelines
So how do you know how much memory you require? You can always check the product requirements when purchasing software but use our general guidelines below to give you a bit more information.

256MB An entry level specification; will be able to run the older operating systems with basic office applications. Ideal for running Windows 2000 or XP Home in a standard low use, low requirement environment such as web browsing or word processing

512MB Provides that little bit extra kick, allowing you to multitask with ease. General home computing will become faster and you may be able to start running more graphical applications such as entry level games.

1GB A perfect choice for more advanced computing and usually the minimum specification supplied with a new PC. You will start to see that graphical and resource intensive applications will respond and complete tasks faster. An ideal configuration to use for digital photograph and video editing and many of today's games. 1GB is also a suggested minimum requirement to run Windows Vista.

2GB+ Many computer systems will now support more memory and, if possible, you should run as much as you can. 2GB of memory will allow you to complete the most complex operations whilst running large numbers of applications at a time. With the costs of memory coming down all the time this level of upgrade becomes evermore viable.

Memory Types
Now that you have a good idea of how much memory you require, you still need to research your requirement and decide what type of memory you need. All motherboards will require specific types of memory so ensure that you know what kind is supported before rushing out to spend some money. You will often find the information you require on the PC manufacturers' website.

SD Synchronous Dynamic RAM, first seen in the early 90's, is now considered old technology. SD memory delivers data in quick bursts at a single data rate. Due to the quicker speeds now available SD RAM has been replaced by DDR RAM. Differences in chip slot sizes and pin requirements mean that the memory is not interchangeable

DDR Currently the most widely available type of memory available is DDR, double data rate providing quicker access to the data held on the chip. As with all forms of electronic components, RAM products become outdated and are quickly replaced by new types. DDR is being phased out in favour of DDR-II, the 2nd generation of DDR, which uses similar architecture but is capable of higher speeds whilst using less power.

All RAM types available can be purchased to run at different speeds, usually dictated by the motherboard technology. As mentioned, the first step before upgrading your memory should be to consult the motherboard manufacturer to avoid disappointment.

Adding Additional Storage
We have covered the RAM upgrades which will add speed and power to the processes that your PC completes. You will now be able to run more advanced applications and games which all require more hard drive disk space. So how do you go about adding additional storage to your PC to facilitate these demanding programs? In many machines available today, storage media can be easily upgraded. Extra hard drives can be fitted inside the PC which is sometimes outside the scope for many home users. Often, the addition of external USB drives may be the best option. Huge capacities can now be purchased at very reasonable prices and, in many cases, 'plug-and-play' functionality means that there is no installation required. This provides backup storage for all kinds of data ranging from digital photos to active applications at an affordable price.

Both of the upgrade options discussed will enable you to do more with your computer system, enhancing the user experience for comparatively low costs, and providing you with the power and speed you require.