Understanding Computer Memory

Sometimes the technical aspects of a machine or piece of electronics are not quite comprehensible to those that are not technically gifted or have an active interest. It is just more information to try to remember.

But when it becomes an issue that we need to deal with, every bit of information is helpful to helping us understand what is happening. You may not know much about how your memory module works with your Mac or PC memory and you may not need to at this point, but it is a vital component to making your computer run smoothly.

The computer memory is expressed in terms of DIMM and SIMM. A DIMM module stands for Dual In Line Memory Module and a SIMM is a Single. The memory is used by the Central Processing Unit, or CPU, and is how the computer processes information and how it stores the information. The faster it can access information in the cache or storage memory, the faster your unit will run.

The DIMM is used for a RAM, or a Random Access Memory upgrade. Desktop computers and notebooks need this RAM and is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to increase your memory. But you will need to know a few things before you can do the upgrade. First, a SIMM uses a 32 bit data path, whereas a DIMM uses a 64 bit data path. Initially, the DIMM is still the faster unit to have running.

If you are looking to replace the DIMM, then you need to know what you are currently using. You will have to add up your memory capacity by counting groups of chips. Chips are measured in bits so you will have to do a little math. The convert bits into bytes, the formula is the number of bits divided by 8 bytes. The resulting number is the amount of mega bytes that you are currently using.

PC memory upgrades are pretty simple. You simply replace the memory module with the faster processing speed or you can stack the chips and also stack the mother boards. This allows you to utilize one slot and still build up more memory for your computer to use.

You can purchase these chips at a discount computer hardware store and some will even have service departments where you can have a staff member upgrade your computer for a small fee. This may save you time and a hassle, especially if you are not very computer savvy.

You can find more information about computer memory and computer support at Computer Repair UK.

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Tagged with: computer hardware • Computers • Notebooks