LAPTOP RAM

If you've owned more than a few computers, chances are you've had your for a few years, and it is starting to slow down, but you still want to get another year or two of decent performance out of  the older a computer gets, the less adequate it will be to handle newer programs, operating system updates, or higher levels of storage. However, arguably the easiest way to boost the performance of an aging and lagging computer is to increase the RAM (random access memory). For as long as consumer computers have existed, manufacturers have made it easy to open up the case and replace parts, and some of most popular components to switch out are RAM units.

RAM

So you have decided its time for some new memory units, and now you're ready to go out and make a purchase, right? Not quite. Even though memory may sound like a basic component on the surface, there is no one-size-fits-all option when it comes to computer RAM units. Every computer is different in its specs, and different types of RAM—and different unit capacities—may work perfectly for one system but not at all for another. In addition, while many desktops are designed with RAM expansion in mind, changing out the memory on your laptop may not be so easy. In the vast majority of cases, you will have to open your laptop case before changing out the memory, something that traditionally voids a warranty. Most users who have decided that extra memory is necessary will already be operating with laptops that are out of warranty, sometimes by several years, but warranty consideration is still a necessary step in RAM expansion.

Additionally, you will have to learn some information about the specs of your specific computer before you can move forward. How much memory is your computer using on average? How many memory slots does your laptop have, and how is the onboard memory configured across those slots? What type of memory does your computer use? There have been countless types of RAM since the inception of the technology, and which incarnation your specific laptop uses will depend on a range of variables, from the company that manufactured it to the year it was manufactured. The most current technology is DDR/DDR2/DDR3 SDRAM, or double data rate synchronous data RAM. However, your laptop could still be operating on an older specification, and you will have to search around to ascertain precisely what type you should purchase.

The smallest RAM sizes on the market,are typically not seen in computers anymore, but were popular around the turn of the century, and may still offer the best compatibility if you own an older laptop. For example, if your laptop has two memory slots but only one 512 MB RAM unit, you will be able to double the memory easily without spending much money. Keep in mind that these modest RAM units will not do much for heavy computer users, but if you do not run many programs or only use a small amount of RAM, they might be perfect for you. Check your task manager (under the performance tab) to get an idea of how much memory your computer is using and how much you need to boost its performance.



For most modern computers, is about the minimum amount necessary for decent performance. If you are purchasing a 1 GB unit to expand your system, it might be sufficient. If your 1 GB unit is a replacement for a 512 MB unit, you might want to go to the next level right away. 1 GB units can handle base computer operations, such as browsing—with only a few open tabs—email clients, or word processing programs, but if you want to maintain a music library or if you are building a gaming system, 1 GB will be insufficient.


For most computer users, will be enough to handle the basics without causing any major slowdowns to your system. Unlike 1 GB RAM units, 2 GB of RAM will allow you to browse the internet with a handful of tabs open and rip a CD without tying up your entire system. It is also perfect if the main use of your computer is the Microsoft Office suite, or if you want to engage in some modest video or photo editing. In other words, a 2 GB RAM unit will not dazzle anyone, but it will get the job done in most cases.


4 GB RAM units represent a cross into the big leagues, but will require you to evaluate your system once more to determine whether or not it is even worth it. If you are using a Windows computer, your operating system is either a 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows. 32-bit versions have memory accessing limitations, meaning that anything over about 3 GB will be lost on your system. With a 64-bit operating system however, 4 GB is just the beginning, literally: most Windows 8 computers come with 3 or 4 GB of RAM

-installed, and current Mac computers boast 4 GB as the base level. The reason why is that will allow you to run programs faster and multitask with ease. If you decide to boost your system from 2 GB to 4 GB, you will notice a very clear increase in performance.


Most computer users will never need more than 4 GB of RAM, but hardcore gamers are one of the few audiences that demand even higher performance. Before you go running off to buy an 8 GB RAM unit, make sure your will even support that much. If it does, there is no reason not to make the leap. RAM units are generally inexpensive, and   can take the performance of any computer to the next level, whether you want to play the sleekest first-person shooter on the gaming market or you just want to browse the Internet, listen to music, edit photos, and write a paper at the same time.