GUIDE TO LAPTOP MEMORY

Guide to Laptop Memory

Laptop Memory : What is it?

Laptop memory temporarily stores data, applications, and instructions to be accessed by the processor during operation. Most memory modules are the random-access memory (RAM) type, where the processor can retrieve data in random order from the memory. Laptop memory is usually limited compared to those found in desktops, although additional memory modules can easily be added.

Types of Laptop Memory

Kinds of Laptop Memory include the following:

Synchronous DRAM (SDRAM) laptop memory

SDRAM laptop memory transfers data every full clock signal, waiting an up and down tick before responding to inputs.
Their transfer rates range from 66 to 180 MHz, although most models have a maximum of 133 MHz.

Double Data Rate SDRAM (DDR-SDRAM) laptop memory

DDR laptop memory transfers both at the up and down ticks of the clock, providing twice the speed of SDRAMs.
They are physically incompatible with SDRAM systems, but can be used with more advanced RDRAMs using a matching parallel bus.

Rambus DRAM (RDRAM) laptop memory

RDRAM laptop memory uses serial technology to enable multiple channels, including pairing with other RDRAM modules.
High-end models can have up to twice the power of SDRAM systems, but usually have higher latency.

Choosing Laptop Memory (Buying tips)

Size: Choose a laptop memory with the right capacity for your intended use. For general office work, 128 MB is a bare minimum, but 256 to 512 MB is usually enough. Heavier applications can run more smoothly on a 1 GB to 2 GB memory.

Latency: Choose a laptop memory with a latency rating of CAS 2 for SDRAM and CAS 2 to 2.5 for DDR-SDRAM. This will reduce data and power loss and allow you to run more programs simultaneously.

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