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| Memory FAQ |
| Most common questions answered |
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How much memory do I need (Windows Vista, XP, 2000 and Linux OS)? Request a price quote The amount of memory required is determined by the requirements of the application programs. The Windows XP, Windows 2000 and Linux operating systems need a bare minimum of 256 MB RAM, and runs significantly better with at least 512 MB. This portion of the system’s memory supports the operating system ONLY. Additional RAM is required to run all the other programs resident on your system. Increasing your memory is the most reliable and least expensive way to instantly boost performance! Microsoft Vista, the newest version of Windows, will require a bare minimum of 1GB to run the operating system, an integrated graphics card and Internet Explorer. Operating additional programs or working with office documents will require additional memory, making 2GB of memory the standard for all home versions of Microsoft Vista. More advanced business versions may require more than 2GB for optimal performance. Our clients are continually amazed at the amount of performance gain they experience by increasing their computer’s memory. Memory upgrades are easy to install and it often seems as if you have a completely new computer with these speed boosts. How do I know what type of memory module my computer takes? 1. Simply use our new and improved Memory Configurator by entering your computer brand and model name/number. You’ll see what memory types it requires as well as available upgrades. 2. You may also email your computer brand and model info, and we’ll reply with the upgrade options for your system. Alternatively, our experts are standing by to take your toll free phone call and assist you live. Business hours are 8:30am-6:00pm Mon-Fri Central Time. What is Proprietary Memory vs. Standard Memory? Proprietary memory is non-industry standard memory built exclusively for a specific computer models or sub-models and is not compatible with any other computers. Standard (or industry standard) memory is compatible with many computer models. Our proprietary upgrades come with a Lifetime Warranty, just like our standard memory. Contact us and we’ll configure your lowest cost proprietary upgrade or use our online Memory Configurator to instantly see your specific options and prices. What is DDR (Double Data Rate), DDR2 and DDR3? DDR (Double Data Rate) Synchronous DRAM (DDR SDRAM) is an enhanced technology relative to PC100 and PC133 SDRAM DIMMs. Although they’re similar in size, DDR performs twice the operations per clock cycle. This is perfect for today’s high performance PC’s, servers, portables, routers, switches and high-end video cards. DDR’s advantage stems from reading data on both the rising and falling edges of the clock signal, while SDRAM reads information only on the rising edge, transferring data at half the speed of DDR (e.g. – 133MHz compared to 266MHz). DDR modules have 184 pins compared to SDRAM’s 168 pins, preventing it from fitting into a standard DIMM socket. Additionally, DDR is not backwards compatible (meaning that it cannot be used in place of other non-DDR DIMMs). DDR SO-DIMMs are 200pin, versus the SDRAM SO-DIMMs at 144 pin. DDR2 raises the speed bar past standard DDR. Made with new FBA (Fine-Pitch Ball Grid Array), DDR2 consumes about 50% less power than DDR. It also increases memory speeds up to 1066MHz, utilizing Dual Channel technology to double bandwidth to 10.6GB/sec, thus intensifying memory performance several fold. DDR2 also features "On-Die Termination" preventing errors at high speeds. DDR3 takes DDR2’s benefits to a higher level yet. DDR3 requires 30% less power than DDR2 and speeds increase to an ultra fast range of 800MHz - 1600MHz and a maximum bandwidth above 12.5 GB/sec. DDR2 and DDR3 are not backwards compatible, nor are any of these types interchangeable. All three types have a different “key” or notch and cannot be used in standard DDR boards. Look for new DDR3 modules for your high-performance motherboards, as the consumer craving and requirement for faster bandwidth continues to grow! What is a DIMM or SoDIMM? DIMM means Dual Inline Memory Module. A DIMM has two notches on the contact edge, and the module is slightly longer (5-1/4 inches instead of 4-1/4 inches) than the much older SIMM. It inserts into the socket straight down and has release tabs at each end. The most common DIMM is the 168-pin variety and the edge is double-sided with 84 positions on each side. SDRAM DIMMs are measured in: Size (128 MB, 256 MB, 512 MB and 1 GB), Buffered/Unbuffered, Voltage (3.3v) and Speed (e.g. megahertz, 100 MHz, or nanoseconds, 10ns). Another version is the EDO DIMM, which may be buffered or non-buffered, 3.3-volt or 5-volt, as well as ECC (Error Code Correcting). "x72" DIMMs are ECC and are never mixed with their non-ECC counterparts. Selecting the correct type of DIMM module is very important when upgrading your system. Therefore, we often request the make and model of your computer to guarantee that your order is a perfect match to your system. The SO-DIMM or "small-outline" DIMM, is designed with a smaller footprint, approximately 2-5/8 inches long, for laptop computers. SO-DIMMs have different pin counts as well, including 144-pins for SDRAM and 200-pins for DDR/DDR2. We stock SDRAM, DDR and DDR2 So-DIMMs of various speeds for your convenience. What is Dual Channel Memory? Dual Channel is a feature available on some motherboards that accept DDR or DDR2 memory. This option doubles the bandwidth to memory by using pairs of identical memory modules installed in designated memory slots on the motherboard. Special memory is not required to take advantage of Dual Channel's overall system speed advantage, although it does require modules to be installed in identical pairs if you choose to utilize this feature. We offer Dual Channel memory kits for your convenience for most DDR and DDR2 speeds. What does a memory "kit" consist of? Oftentimes computers will require memory modules to be installed in kits or pairs. This basically means you must install two or more identical modules side by side (same speed, capacity, and usually brand). For example, you’re upgrading a computer to 1GB total memory, which has two memory slots and requires them to be installed in pairs. It would require one memory kit that includes two 512MB memory modules. Our memory kits always include the correct capacity and number of modules needed to add the desired memory upgrade amount. What is High Performance or Gaming Memory? High Performance Memory is designed to withstand the rigorous demands of overclocking or running a motherboard & CPU beyond the intended settings. The benefits of overclocking include faster speeds, although sometimes at the cost of system instability or damage. High Performance Memory is built to operate at faster speeds with an added stability not found in standard memory modules. See our line of high performance memory including Kingston’s HyperX or Transcend’s aXeRam. What is Overclocking? Overclocking is the process of forcing a computer component to run at higher speeds (clock rate) than the manufacturer designed it for. This is usually done by increasing the system clock rates and should only be attempted by advanced computer users. Overclocking a system adds stress by producing higher heat loads on components as the clock rate speeds increase, which can damage components or cause system instability. High Performance Memory such as Kingston’s HyperX or Transcend’s aXeRam are required to allow for system stability while overclocking a system. What is CAS Latency? CAS latency is often referred to in choosing advanced types or high performance computer memory modules. It is defined as the time (in number of clock cycles) that elapses between the memory controller telling the memory module to access a particular column in the current row, with the data from that column being read from the module's output pins. RAM manufacturers typically list the recommended timing for their RAM as a series of four integers separated by dashes (e.g 2-2-2-6 or 3-3-3-8 or 4-4-4-12 and so on). While there are many other settings related to RAM, these four integers refer to the following settings (which are typically listed in this order): TCL - Trcd - Trp – Tras
TCL = CAS Latency Time
The BIOS on a PC may allow the user to make adjustments to RAM Timing in an effort to increase performance or, in some cases, increase stability. What is a USB Flash Drive? A USB Flash drive is considered the floppy disk of today. It is a small device that allows you to copy data, documents, pictures, music or any other digital information and view or work on any computer. About the size of a pack of gum or smaller, USB Flash Drives easily fit into your pocket and come in a variety of colors and capacities up to 16GB. They are compact, durable and affordable, perfect for the mobile user or anyone between offices. It stores and transfers data through the USB port, requiring no power cord or batteries, has no moving parts and comes with a generous warranty. We have rigorously tested all major brands, and ours are among the most robust and fastest on the market. *USB = Universal Serial Bus: A universal plug type that is used by many device types and compatible with most computers. See our line of premium quality USB Flash Drives with a variety of models for everyone. What is Flash Memory? Flash memory is a relatively new type of memory designed for digital cameras, PDAs, cell phones and other handheld devices. These tiny, removable cards offer a walloping storage capacity (up to 8GB on one card) in a small package (less than the size of a quarter). Your handheld device is compatible with one or more of the following flash memory types:
New, faster versions of the above cards are available with high-performance results at a low cost difference. The speed rating is indicated by an "X" Factor such as 60X, 80X, 133X or higher, where 1X = 150kb/sec regarding transfer rates. The higher ratings indicate faster transfer speeds when copying to a computer or storage device, as well as less wait time between pictures and advanced video recording capability. What is 45X, 60X, 80X, 133X, 150X and 266X Flash Memory? Today’s growing “handheld device” market requires flash memory to keep pace with the need for speed. How do they do this? Faster and faster memory is the answer! Simply put, the quicker the flash memory speed, the better your camera performs: saving images to and reading from the memory card with less wait time between pictures. You’ll easily capture those photo opportunities you’d normally miss while your camera automatically saves the last image taken. Speed ratings stand for data transfer rates in Megabytes per second (MB/s). It follows a simple formula where 1X = 150kb/s. Here’s a general Performance Chart to help you do the math:
Even as you read this, higher speed cards are being introduced to the marketplace in a race to satisfy the consumer. Ask us which speed is right for you, ---we have whatever you need at fantastic prices. SLC vs. MLC flash memory cards, what’s the difference? Unknown to most consumers, there are two major types of NAND flash memory chips available in the market, SLC (Single-Level-Cell) and MLC (Multi-Level-Cell). The difference is in the construction techniques, performance and most of all, pricing. MLC flash chips are able to store twice the amount of information per cell, and are therefore cheaper to produce than the same capacity SLC card. MLC cards do have slower transfer rates than the SLC flash cards, although users who aren’t looking for the fastest device in the market will find great discounts in MLC flash cards, such as our Value Flash Cards series with a Lifetime Warranty. Look for the yellow "Best Value!" indicator by our flash cards to find these savings! We also stock flash cards built on SLC technology for those who demand greater performance. These cards boast faster transfer times from camera/device to a PC, and in some cases may speed up the image capture rate (for faster snapshots), or allow for enhanced motion video on digital still cameras. The higher end digital cameras will thrive on the higher performance SLC cards such as our Better Performance Secure Digital 80X or Best Performance Secure Digital 150X flash cards. Like our Value Flash Cards, these also carry a lifetime warranty! The Upgrade Place carries both MLC and SLC flash memory cards. Be sure to buy our trusted brands of SLC flash cards to store your digital memories and data. What is an External / Portable Hard Drive and why would I need it? An external hard drive is simply a stand alone computer hard drive enclosed in a protective shell, which connects to a computer via a USB, Firewire or other cable. These are built with different physical sizes depending on your needs. The more portable 2.5” external drives generally receive all of their power via the USB cable, while the larger 3.5” built drive requires an AC cord to supply it’s power. External hard drives allow you to add instant storage space to any computer or to carry massive amounts of data with you without moving your entire computer. They also serve as a backup storage drive for any system and usually come with free backup software. Capacities are available up to 1TB (1,024GB) for single drive models or up to 4TB (4,096GB) for quad drive units. What is Rambus (RDRAM)? Rambus, or RDRAM (RIMM) was once used widely in Game Consoles, Digital TVs, High Speed Networking Switches, servers, workstations and certain PCs. It has a very different appearance from DIMMs and DDR, resembling one flat unit rather than a series of embedded chips affixed to a module. The popularity of Rambus has significantly waned now in favor of DDR, DDR2 and DDR3. See our Battery FAQ here Can I get trade-in credit for the smaller modules that need replacing? We buy consignment memory with a minimum of 15 modules of the same type; we will sell this memory only as "used" to the occasional client that requests it. However, due to our generous warranties, we recommend only new memory modules to insure the highest possible quality. Our return rate for defective product is 1/4 of 1 percent (or 1 unit in every 400), which is far lower than our industry average return rate of 1 in 50. The Upgrade Place has the lowest return rate in America for defective product! |
