Selecting RAM for the motherboard. Is it possible to combine different sticks of RAM in one computer?

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If you open the catalog of an online store on the page with RAM, you can see hundreds of different memory models with completely different characteristics. Such a wide choice is often confusing, especially for less experienced users who want to choose RAM for their computer. If you are also confused by the variety of choices, then our step-by-step instructions should help you.

Step No. 1. Select RAM by type and connector.

The first thing you need to do when selecting RAM for your computer is to decide on the type of memory you need. Modern computers use four types of memory:

DDR - the very first version of DDR, now extremely rare;
DDR2 - the second generation of DDR, can be found in older computers;
DDR3 - the third generation of DDR, the most common option at the moment;
DDR4 is the most modern version of DDR memory, found only in new computers;

To determine which of these types of RAM is used in your computer, run the CPU-Z program and open the “Memory” tab. The memory type, size, frequency and timings will be indicated here.

If you want to get more detailed information about each of the RAM memory sticks you have installed, go to the “SPD” tab.

In addition to the type of memory itself (DDR, DDR2, DDR3 and DDR4), you need to take into account that different connectors are used for desktop computers and laptops. Desktop computers use DIMM sockets, while laptops use SO-DIMM sockets. SO-DIMMs can also be used in compact versions of desktop PCs.

Therefore, in order to be sure that the RAM you selected will fit into the memory slot on the motherboard, it is necessary that not only the type of memory, but also the connector match.

Step No. 2. Select the desired RAM frequency.

Once you have decided on the type and slot of RAM, you need to decide on the memory frequency that you need. There are several important points here:

Memory frequency must be supported. This is usually not a problem. Since modern motherboards support a wide range of RAM frequencies. However, this needs to be checked. To do this, enter the name of your motherboard into a search engine and go to its manufacturer’s website. It will indicate which memory frequencies this board supports.
Also the memory frequency must be supported. This is checked in exactly the same way. Enter the name of the processor into the search and see the technical specifications on the manufacturer’s official website. Typically processors are more strictly limited in terms of maximum memory frequency.
After this, you determine the maximum RAM frequency with which the motherboard and processor can operate. This is the frequency you can use;

It should be noted that:

You are not required to buy RAM with the maximum supported frequency. To save money, you can use lower frequencies and everything will work. The main thing is that these frequencies are supported by the motherboard and processor.
If the memory type is the same, then you can install memory with higher frequencies. But, it will still operate at the maximum allowable frequency for the motherboard and processor.
You can install RAM with different frequencies, but it will work at the frequency of the slowest memory stick. Although it is not advisable to install different memory.

You also need to pay attention to timings. There are no restrictions from the motherboard or processor, but timings do affect performance. The lower the timings, the faster the memory.

Step No. 3. Check the maximum amount of RAM and the availability of free slots on the motherboard.

Another important point that you need to pay attention to when selecting RAM is the maximum amount that the motherboard and processor support. On the website of the motherboard and processor manufacturer (the same place where you looked at the frequencies), you need to look at the maximum amount of RAM. Obviously, this volume cannot be exceeded.

You also need to check for free slots on the motherboard. To do this, you need to remove the side cover of the computer and inspect the board. The main thing is not to forget to completely turn off the computer before doing this.

Step No. 4. The final stage of selecting RAM for the computer.

It is advisable to always install the same RAM sticks. This way you will avoid compatibility problems, which, although very rare, do happen. Therefore, if possible, it is better to install the memory as a whole set at once.

If it is not possible to install the entire set of memory at once, then you need to select the most similar memory. Find memory sticks with exactly the same characteristics as those installed in yours (compare the capacity of one stick, frequencies, timings).

Instructions

To correctly select components for the motherboard, you need to know two parameters that RAM (random access memory) has - speed and volume. Speed in MHz, volume in MB. For modern powerful computers, it is recommended to purchase two or more RAM cards. If you decide to follow this advice, then purchase boards with the same parameters. This can guarantee stable operation. If some board is faster and some is slower, your computer will rely on weaker RAM. If you bought 1 GB of RAM, then you should buy a second one exactly the same, no less.

It is believed that a 1000 MHz processor requires a RAM board of at least 512 MB. Calculate the required volume for this parameter depending on the frequency of your own processor. The larger the processor, the more RAM it will need. For example, for a powerful one you need from 2 to 4 GB of RAM.

Also, when selecting RAM for your computer, you should know the difference between different types of memory - DDR, DDR II and DDR III. They differ, first of all, in their compatibility with certain models of motherboards. DDR format RAM is quite rare and is typical of older computer models. Find out what type of RAM your motherboard has, only then go to the store, because if you buy a memory board of the wrong type, it simply will not install.

Random access memory (RAM) is the working area for the activities of the central processing unit (CPU). It stores data and programs currently running on the computer. The OP is a temporary data storage and when the PC is rebooted or turned off, it is completely “empty”.

Instructions

Dynamic random access memory or DRAM - this technology is used to implement RAM in modern computers.

OP type. There are several types of memory, and before choosing the one you need, it is important to determine whether it is supported by your PC's mother card. Here's a list of types:
DDR is characterized by double data transfer rate. Now this type of OP is morally and physically and is almost never used. The DDR module has 184 and a standard supply voltage of 2.5 V;
DDR2 is the most widely used today. Allows sampling 4 bits per clock, while DDR only 2 bits. Has 120 contacts on each side. The supply voltage is 1.8 V.
DDR3 allows you to sample 8 bits per clock cycle. It also has 240 contacts, like DDR2, and its standard voltage is only 1.5 V. In addition, DDR3 has a 40% reduction in energy consumption compared to DDR2 memory. Therefore, such memory is practically irreplaceable for netbooks.

Now let's talk about throughput. The more OP bus this indicator is, the more

The choice of RAM depends on many different factors. First of all, you should understand for what purposes the computer will be used and what programs, applications or games it will have to work with.

When you decide to upgrade your computer's RAM, you are faced with one of two tasks: either you need to increase the amount of RAM you already have, or you need to make the RAM itself work faster.

We can increase the amount of RAM by installing an additional RAM module or replacing previously installed ones with modules with larger capacity. However, with such a replacement, some important circumstances must be taken into account.

When you are faced with the question - which RAM to choose? It is important to remember that RAM works together with the central processor, therefore, the higher the speed of data exchange between them, the higher the performance of your entire system will be. Moreover, the default speed of the processor is much higher than the speed of the RAM, which means we must make the memory work at maximum performance.

We will give some tips on how to choose the right RAM, and before that we will introduce you to the main parameters and characteristics that you should pay attention to before buying a new RAM.

Selecting the amount of RAM

Volume/capacity (measured in gigabytes) is a parameter that indicates the physical volume of the memory module, that is, the space for storing information. The basic rule that you should follow when choosing a certain amount of RAM is the system requirements and recommendations provided by the manufacturers of the software that you are going to install on your computer.

It will be very useful to make a rough list of programs, and be sure to take into account the type of operating system you are going to install when compiling. Next on the list, you should highlight the peak ones (the upper values of the recommended and minimum memory amounts). RAM should always be installed with a reserve, and the recommended system requirements should be lower than the amount of your RAM.

Next, we will offer you the optimal amount of RAM for your home computer, depending on your usage needs. A capacity of 2 GB will be quite sufficient for an office computer. 4 GB is the average optimal volume for a multimedia computer. From 4 GB and above – sufficient for avid gamers or for people involved in graphics or video processing.

An important point is that RAM operating in dual-channel mode, using two sticks at the same time, will always work faster than using one or three. Likewise, on a three-channel system it would be more appropriate to install three or six sticks of RAM.

Clock speed is an important characteristic when choosing RAM

Clock speed/frequency (measured in megahertz) is an indicator of the operating frequency of the RAM module, that is, the frequency with which the central processor and RAM exchange data. This indicator depends on the type of memory (which will be mentioned below), however, RAM of the same type has different clock speeds, which you should definitely pay attention to before choosing RAM. Then everything is simple - from two modules with the same volume, you should choose the one with a higher clock frequency.

At the same time, be sure to take into account the fact that if you are choosing a memory stick to complement an existing one, then the new module should be selected with the same frequency as the already installed RAM. The point here is that the system selects the lowest frequency of the two proposed for operation. Therefore, by installing a module with a lower frequency, we will, on the contrary, slow down the operation of the computer. And vice versa, by installing a module with a higher frequency, we will not get any improvements in the operation of the system.

RAM type

Type– at the moment the market is represented by the following types of memory: DDR, DDR2 and DDR3.

DDR is considered obsolete today and is not used almost anywhere except in old computers. This module has 184 pins and its standard supply voltage is 2.5 V.

The most common type today is DDR2. Unlike the previous type, which fetches 2 bits of data per clock cycle, DDR2 fetches 4 bits of information per clock cycle. DDR2 has 240 pins and a supply voltage of 1.8 V.

DDR3 - A new type of RAM. It allows you to sample 8 bits of information in one working cycle. It, like the previous generation of modules, has 240 contacts, but the supply voltage is lower and is only 1.5 V. This allows you to reduce energy consumption by up to 40% compared to the energy consumption of DDR2. This indicator is very useful for mobile systems and laptops.

Before choosing RAM, you should first determine the type of memory supported by your motherboard. Moreover, modules of different types have different form factors, so a module of one type cannot be installed in a slot intended for another. This precisely protects the motherboard from accidental damage due to insufficient education in matters of completing computer components.

Latency/timings

Latency/timing’s – time delay of signals that is necessary to execute a particular command (zeroing, writing, rewriting, etc.) Before deciding which RAM to choose, you need to find out the timings on each of the proposed RAM. Then, using the “less is better” principle, choose the one that has the lowest delays.

However, you should definitely take into account that a memory module with a high clock speed often has higher latencies than RAM with low clock speeds. Therefore, here everyone decides for himself what is more important to him.

Depending on the application, we will have different performance gains. In some it will increase due to lower delays, in others, on the contrary, due to a higher clock frequency. That is, it is better to find a compromise solution and purchase a medium module with standard latency, even if it is not fast, but you will save money and also get stable operation of the system.

Choosing a RAM manufacturer

Manufacturer/brand – today, choosing RAM is a rather difficult task, since this market segment is represented by a huge number of manufacturers. Therefore, as in matters of purchasing other personal computer components, the choice should be made on those manufacturers who have been on the computer components market for more than one year and who have proven themselves to be excellent in the past. Among them, we highlight the following manufacturers: Transcend, Samsung, Kingston, Corsar, OCZ Technology, Hynix, Hyndai, Patriot and others.

Of course, choosing a specific memory module is based on your personal needs and goals. Thus, almost every manufacturer has “overclocked” RAMs, which have an increased operating frequency and increased supply voltage, which results in greater heat generation. To dissipate this excess heat, these types of modules are additionally equipped with heat sinks.

Never waste money on purchasing RAM from unknown manufacturers. There is a risk of saving money, but ultimately resulting in system instability, and, in addition, significantly reducing computer performance.

So, let’s summarize and once again note for ourselves those parameters that you should pay attention to before choosing RAM: its volume (selected in accordance with the expected tasks that your system will have to cope with), type of RAM, clock speed ( depends on the type), latency (delay time), and, of course, the manufacturer.

Not sure which RAM to choose? Can't determine the type of RAM your motherboard supports? Not sure what amount of RAM will best suit your needs? Our specialists will always help you with your choice. In addition, you can order installation of new RAM in your system unit or laptop (netbook) from us.

Call a specialist

A lot of readers on our site are interested in questions one way or another related to the choice of RAM, and our site has a very strong desire to answer everyone. To make it interesting for you in the process of gaining knowledge, this article is presented by the author in the form of a fascinating story from which you will learn EVERYTHING about computer RAM!

You will learn not only how to choose and buy RAM from a quality manufacturer, but also how to correctly install RAM modules in your computer and much more, for example:

How much RAM does a modern computer need for comfortable operation of all resource-intensive applications, for example: modern games at maximum settings, video and sound processing programs, etc. What should a powerful modern computer be like?
(follow the link and read a separate article).
(follow the link and read a separate article)?
What way out does the operating system find when there is not enough RAM?
Is having too much RAM good for your computer?
Do you need to completely disable the page file if you have a large amount of physical RAM, for example 16 -32 GB?
How much better is dual-channel RAM operating mode than single-channel? What is better to buy, one 8GB memory stick or two 4GB sticks?
How to choose the right RAM modules for dual-channel operation?
What is the frequency of RAM and is it possible to install RAM sticks with different frequencies in a computer?
What is RAM latency (timings)? Is it possible to install RAM sticks with different timings into a computer?
What is the difference between the RAM sticks used on laptops and regular RAM?
Nowadays DDR3 memory is actively used, but are there DDR4 memory sticks on sale?
If you have an old computer and you want to buy additional DDR2 RAM, then think several times, because DDR2 memory is expensive, maybe it’s better for you to replace the motherboard, processor and change the RAM to DDR3.
How to choose a RAM manufacturer and is all RAM made in China?
Is overclocking of RAM necessary and how much will RAM performance increase during overclocking?
Is a heatsink really necessary for RAM?
What is a RAM controller, why is it needed and where is it located?
What does ECC RAM marking mean?

How to choose RAM

Friends, in the last article we discussed the issue of choice and I was thinking about what article to write next. It seems logical to choose a motherboard for it after the processor, but I usually do it differently. After choosing the processor, I choose the memory and video card, I don’t know why, it’s probably just easier and you can immediately estimate how much to expect, since choosing a motherboard is the most difficult part of choosing a computer configuration. In view of this, I decided not to deviate from my chosen tradition and devote this article to the choice of random access memory (RAM). Since this site is dedicated to the repair of personal computers, of course the issue of choosing RAM will be considered not only for new, but also for older PCs.

Like choosing a processor, choosing RAM is not a difficult task at all. probably even easier. But, as with everything, there are some nuances. Often the choice of RAM comes down to its current price and the amount you are willing to spend. Recently, trends in price changes for RAM modules have been very ambiguous. Several years ago there was a real boom in increasing the amount of RAM in personal computers. And this was due not so much to the growing requirements of modern applications and operating systems, but to the incredible reduction in price.

A 4 gigabyte (GB) memory stick could be purchased for only $25 or even cheaper. As a result, solely for marketing purposes (to make computers more attractive and increase sales), this same memory began to be “stuffed” into new computers in huge volumes. So, the cheapest system unit, costing about $200-250, necessarily had 4 GB of memory, and the average one, costing $300-350, had all 8 GB. Salespeople in stores placed great emphasis on this, while keeping silent about the fact that this amount of memory would never be realized (fully used) by these PCs, since the rest of the “stuffing,” such as the processor and video card, left much to be desired. This, in essence, was a kind of deception of buyers or, to put it nicely, a marketing ploy...

Unfortunately, gone are the days when you could stock up on RAM for free without even playing around, and now the price for it has increased significantly. It seems that we have again been hooked on the needle of technological progress... But is a large amount of RAM really needed?

How much RAM does a modern computer need?

I must say that until recently, I was fond of modern computer games. Therefore, I always tried to keep my PC up to date. Probably, since I built my first full-fledged PC in 1997, not a single year has passed that I haven’t treated myself to purchasing a new video card, processor or memory.

In those old (by computer standards) days, there was a certain division in how computers used operating system components. Games only needed a powerful video card, some RAM, and the processor almost didn’t matter, since all the calculations were performed by the video card, which has both its own processor and its own memory.

To encode video, on the contrary, a powerful processor and a sufficient amount of RAM were needed, but the video card did not matter, etc. Modern gaming applications have “learned” to make full use of the previously “idle” powerful components of modern computers, such as the processor and RAM.

If we talk about using a PC as a gaming and entertainment platform, then, until recently, I had not come across games that could load at least 3 GB of memory 100% even at maximum graphics settings. But in some cases, the total memory load was close to this figure, despite the fact that the game itself consumed about 2 GB, and the rest was consumed by other applications, such as Skype, antivirus, etc.

Note: Please note that we were not talking about 4 GB, but about 3. The fact is that 32-bit Windows operating systems (OS) do not know how to use more than 3 GB of RAM and therefore the “excess” is simply “not seen”... In fairness, it is worth noting that for 32-bit OS built on the Linux kernel, such strict restrictions do not exist. So, friends, there is no point in installing more than 4 GB of memory on a 32-bit Windows; they simply will not be used.

For not very new, but also relatively not old systems, on which you can put a lot of memory, using a 64-bit OS, in some cases, can be problematic. Since 64-bit versions of drivers for some equipment may simply not exist.

Not so long ago, just at the moment of total reduction in the price of memory, I purchased the same amount in addition to my 4 GB. But this was not caused by its shortcoming, but by the fact that on my fairly powerful motherboard, due to some misunderstanding) there were slots for almost outdated DDR2 memory and I was afraid that a little more and it might completely disappear or wildly increase in price, and here is such a “freebie”... After that, I switched to a 64-bit operating system, since otherwise this purchase would not have looked so reasonable). You also need to take into account that I have a fairly powerful 4-core processor and an expensive modern video card, thanks to which I can play games at very high graphics settings, at which RAM consumption is maximum.

If you have an entry-level or mid-level PC, then 4 GB of RAM will be enough for you, since you can comfortably play modern games only at low or medium settings, which do not require large amounts of memory. In such conditions, installing, say, 8 GB of RAM is wasted money. But if your PC is powerful enough and is a gaming PC, then I would still recommend installing 8 GB, since there is a tendency towards a gradual increase in RAM consumption by modern games.

For example, the recently released game Call of Duty: Ghosts simply refused to launch if it detected that you had less than 6 GB of RAM installed. Again, in fairness, it should be noted that folk craftsmen made a fix that allowed you to bypass this limitation at launch and the game worked.

Regarding 64-bit operating systems, then you should know that it, like all 64-bit applications, consumes exactly 2 times more memory than 32-bit ones. Here this is already fully justified by memory addressing technology and significantly improves performance.

What should a fast computer be like?

We won’t go into details, but you must understand that in order to feel the increase in speed, the following conditions must be met:

The central processing unit (CPU) must have a 64-bit architecture, the operating system must be 64-bit.

The application that you want to use to improve the performance of certain operations must be 64-bit, the data that is processed must be streaming (video conversion, archiving), since the speed increase is achieved by processing more information in one pass. In this case, the increase will be very significant – up to 2 times. Under such conditions, using an Intel processor (with a longer pipeline) you will get the highest possible performance for such operations. But, as you know, in games data is transferred in small portions (since it is impossible to predict the user’s next step), therefore, even in those games where 64-bit versions of the game engine are available for launch, there will be almost no increase. And yet the decisive role of the video card in them has not gone away.

As for professional applications, in areas such as video editing, 3D modeling, design, specialists in these areas know exactly what hardware and how much memory they need. Usually this is from 16 GB or more. And if, say, in 3D modeling there is no streaming data processing, then simply the volume and quality of models can be so high that a lot of RAM is “stupidly” needed to accommodate this model.

If you are not a professional, but really like to convert videos, then 4-8 GB will be enough for you.

Truly huge amounts of RAM can be in demand in scientific systems and highly loaded servers. In the latter, for example, a memory capacity of 64 GB or more is considered quite common. But the memory there is not cheap either - server memory (with parity checking and automatic error correction), since failures are not allowed on them.

Well, as an example, I’ll give you a situation from my real life. When I was training in networking and systems administration, I often had to emulate a large number of concurrent operating systems and network equipment. Such combinations as 5-10 operating systems running in VirtualBox (or VMware) + the same number of emulated network devices in GNS can eat up a fair amount of RAM. And it’s good if, in addition to a powerful processor that supports modern virtualization technologies, there are 8-16 GB of RAM, otherwise the brakes are guaranteed...

Why can't you disable the page file?

What happens when there is not enough RAM? Yes, it’s very simple - the OS, in order to compensate for the lack of memory, begins to actively use the hard drive (the so-called paging file). By the way, God forbid you turn it off. The operation of the system is very deeply tied to the page file and disabling it will be more problems than it is worth. As a result, not only the processor slows down, but also the hard drive.

There is only one conclusion - there should be enough memory; if there is not enough memory, the computer starts to slow down terribly, but too much memory does not give any performance gain.

What kind of RAM is there?

There is no such thing as memory...

A board with memory chips is usually called a memory module (or “stick”). There are single-sided and double-sided memory modules. On the first, the chips are placed on one side of the printed circuit board, on the second - on both sides. What's better? I don’t know) There is an opinion that double-sided modules “chase” better; read about what this means further in this article. On the other hand, the fewer chips, the higher the reliability of the module. I have seen cases more than once when one side of the chips on a strip failed and the computer saw only half of its volume. But now I would not focus on this.

The main thing you need to know is that if there are several memory modules in the computer, then it is desirable that they all be either single-sided or double-sided. Otherwise, the memory does not always get along well with each other and does not work at full speed.

Today the most modern memory is DDR3 type., which replaced the older DDR2, which in turn replaced the even older DDR. A new, more modern DDR4 memory has already been developed, but it has not yet reached the masses. We won't go deeper.

When building a new PC, you should only choose the latest memory standard. At the moment it is DDR3.

Sometimes replacing a motherboard and purchasing a new type of memory is equivalent in price to adding an old type of RAM to an old board.

The new memory will also be significantly cheaper than the older DDR2, for which greedy manufacturers and sellers “keep” (keep) a high price, since there is little of it left and for those who want to upgrade their PC there is simply no other choice but to agree to such draconian conditions. In this case, it’s worth thinking about, maybe adding a little and buying more promising components? And if you sell the old one, you can actually get a profit, if you’re lucky, of course)

Laptop memory

Laptops use the same memory as PCs, but have a smaller module size and are called SO-DIMM DDR (DDR2, DDR3).

Memory characteristics. Frequency and timings

Memory is characterized primarily by type. The memory types used for desktop computers today are: DDR, DDR2, DDR3.

The main characteristic of memory is its frequency. The higher the frequency, the faster the memory is considered. But this frequency must be supported by the processor and motherboard, otherwise the memory will operate at a lower frequency, and the money you overpaid will go down the drain.

Memory modules, as well as its types, have their own markings, which begin with PC, PC2 and PC3, respectively.

Today, the most common memory is DDR3 PC3-10600 (1333 MHz). It will work at its native frequency on any computer. In principle, the speed of the computer does not greatly depend on the memory frequency. For example, in games this increase will be absolutely indistinguishable, but in some other applications it will be more noticeable. But the difference in price, for example in comparison with DDR3 PC3-12800 (1600 MHz) memory, will be very small. Here I usually follow the rule - if the price is slightly higher ($1-3) and the processor supports a higher frequency, then why not - we take faster memory.

Is it possible to install RAM sticks with different frequencies into a computer?

The frequency of the RAM does not have to be the same; the motherboard will set the frequency for all sticks to the slowest module, but very often a computer with sticks of different frequencies is unstable. For example, it may not turn on at all.

Timings

The next memory performance parameter is the so-called delays (timings). Roughly speaking, this is the time that has passed from the moment the memory is accessed until the moment it produces the necessary data. Accordingly, the shorter the timings, the better. There are dozens of different delays when reading, writing, copying, and various combinations of these and other operations. But there are only a few main ones that you can use to navigate.

Timings are indicated (though not always) on the label of memory modules in the form of 4 numbers with hyphens between them. The first and most important is latency, the rest are derivatives of it.

Delays depend on the manufacturing quality of the memory chips. Accordingly, higher quality, lower timings, higher price. However, it is worth noting that timings have a much smaller impact on performance than memory frequency. Therefore, I rarely attach importance to this, only if the price is approximately the same, you can buy memory with lower timings. Typically, modules with ultra-low timings are positioned as top-end, come complete with radiators (which we’ll talk about later), in beautiful packaging and are much more expensive.

Marking of main types, memory modules, their frequency and typical latency (CL)

DDR – outdated (completely)

DDR-266 - PC2100 - 266 MHz - CL 2.5

DDR-333 - PC2700 - 333 MHz - CL 2.5

DDR-400 - PC-3200 - 400 MHz - CL 2.5

DDR2 - obsolete (sometimes still found and can be used to add to an old PC)

DDR2-533 - PC2-4200 - 533 MHz - CL 5

DDR2-667 - PC2-5300 - 667 MHz - CL 5

DDR2-800 - PC2-6400 - 800 MHz - CL 5

DDR2-1066 - PC2-8500 - 1066 MHz - CL 5

DDR3 – modern

DDR3-1333 - PC3-10600 - 1333 MHz - CL 9

DDR3-1600 - PC3-12800 - 1600 MHz - CL 11

DDR3-1800 - PC3-14400 - 1800 MHz - CL 11

DDR3-2000 - PC3-16000 - 2000 MHz - CL 11

Is it possible to install RAM sticks with different timings into a computer?

The timings also do not have to match. The motherboard will automatically set timings for all modules according to the slowest module. There shouldn't be any problems.

Memory operating modes

Yes, yes... Perhaps not everyone knew, but RAM can operate in different modes, the so-called: Single Mode (single-channel) and Dual Mode (dual-channel).

In single-channel mode, data is first written to one memory module, and when its capacity is exhausted, it begins to be written to the next free module.

In dual-channel mode, data recording is parallelized and recorded simultaneously on several modules.

This, friends, is where using dual-channel mode significantly increases memory speed. In reality, the memory speed in dual-channel mode is up to 30% higher than in single-channel mode. But in order for it to work, the following conditions must be met:

The motherboard must support dual-channel RAM mode

There should be 2 or 4 memory modules

Memory modules must be either all single-sided or all double-sided

If any of these conditions are not met, the memory will only operate in single-channel mode.

It is desirable that all the strips be as identical as possible: they have the same frequency, latency, and are even from the same manufacturer. Otherwise, no one can give any guarantees about the operation of the dual-channel mode. Therefore, if you want your memory to work in the fastest possible mode, it is very advisable to immediately purchase 2 identical memory sticks, because after a year or two you will definitely not find the same one.

Another question is if you need to increase the amount of memory on an old computer. In this case, you can try to find a memory module that is as similar as possible to the one you already have. If you have 2 of them, and there are 2 more free slots on the motherboard, then you will have to look for 2 more of the same modules. An ideal, but not always economical, option is to sell the old memory as used and buy 2 new identical modules of larger capacity.

Of course, if your old computer is very weak, then there may not be a big gain from the dual-channel mode. In this case, you can install any module, but it is still better to choose the most suitable one in order to eliminate a possible conflict with old modules and complete inoperability of the computer. Try to agree in advance with the seller about a return or bring the system unit to him and let him try to select a suitable module.

RAM controller

It should be noted that previously memory controllers were located in the chipset (logic set) of motherboards. In modern systems, memory controllers are located in processors. In this regard, the dual-channel memory mode now has 2 more submodes: Ganged (paired) and Unganged (unpaired).

In ganged mode, memory modules work the same as in old motherboards, but in unpaired mode, each processor memory controller (in modern processors there are 2 of them) can work separately with each stick. This mode can be set in the computer's BIOS, but is usually selected automatically by the processor. If the planks are identical, then Ganged (but not necessarily), if they are different, then only Unganged. In any case, the memory will operate in dual-channel mode. But I still recommend buying and installing 2 identical modules at once, this will eliminate distortions in their parameters and improve compatibility.

The dual-channel RAM mode has only one drawback - 2 memory sticks are slightly more expensive than one of the same size. Therefore, many stores and private collectors save money and set the same bar. As a result, we have a modern computer that does not work at full capacity.

Some modern expensive motherboards, which usually have 6 slots for memory modules, can even operate in three-channel mode.

By the way, if you have 2 or 3 memory sticks, then in order for the dual-channel or three-channel mode to work, all these sticks must be inserted into slots of the same color.

Some memory modules for desktops have the abbreviation ECC in their markings.

This is memory with parity, a technology used in server systems. You should not pay any attention to this, since on desktop PCs this technology is not critical and, in most cases, does not work at all. It's still the same marketing ploy.

Memory connectors

There's nothing to talk about here at all. Each type of memory DDR, DDR2, DDR3 has its own connector on the motherboard of the same type (DDR, DDR2, DDR3). You will not insert memory of one type into a slot of another type, since there is a special protrusion (key) in the motherboard slot,

Which should coincide with the slot on the memory module board. This was done precisely so as not to accidentally confuse and install the bracket in the wrong connector and, as a result, not damage both the memory and, possibly, the motherboard. When purchasing memory, you need to know exactly what type of memory the motherboard supports.

About RAM heatsinks

Some memory modules are equipped with so-called heatsinks, which are linings made of aluminum plates, sometimes painted copper or other colors, on both sides of the board. These pads are connected to the memory chips through special thermal pads, which are designed to better transfer heat from the chips to the heatsinks. Radiators can have additional fins to increase the cooling area and even better heat dissipation.

In practice, memory chips heat up slightly during normal operation and do not require additional cooling. Gaskets between chips and heatsinks do not transfer heat as well as thermal paste between the processor and cooler. In addition, in the free space between the board and the radiators there is an air gap that interferes with natural cooling and over time becomes clogged with dust, which is difficult to clean out. This design provides for active cooling using an additional fan or good air flow inside the case. In addition, such modules can often cost more.

So who needs such joy, you ask? Well, ask me)

Answer: enthusiasts who never have enough of everything, who want to overclock everything, overtake everyone, etc. Besides, it’s just beautiful) Yes, friends, if you consider yourself to be in this group of users, then this memory is for you! Because such a cooling system will be effective only with sufficiently high heating as a result of overclocking with increased voltage and mandatory additional airflow. Remember - regular memory operating in normal mode does not need radiators.

An example of the correct use of memory with heatsinks in a powerful system

Overclocking RAM

Overclocking is a slang word in the computer lexicon, which implies manually setting more aggressive parameters for the operation of electronic components, such as processors, memory and video cards, than those provided by the manufacturer. Such parameters are usually the frequency (in processors there is also a multiplier). At particularly high overclocking, the voltage is also increased to ensure relatively stable operation of these components. As a result, higher heating of the elements occurs, requiring improved cooling. The so-called overclocking itself is possible thanks to a certain margin laid down by the manufacturer so that the product works stably, and not at the edge of its capabilities, or especially for advanced users) In any case, this event makes the operation of the entire system less stable and shortens the service life of overclocked components . If you still decide to experiment, then first thoroughly study all aspects and act strictly according to the instructions. By the way, if components fail as a result of overclocking, you may lose your warranty.

RAM Manufacturers

Like other components, memory modules are manufactured by many manufacturers. And, as always, they have different quality. I recommend paying attention to the following brands that have an optimal price/quality ratio: AMD, Crucial, Goodram, Hynix, Kingston, Micron, Patriot, Samsung, TakeMS, Transcend.

Enthusiast brands include: Corsair, G.Skill, Mushkin, Team. These companies produce a wide range of modules with radiators and improved technical characteristics. I recommend avoiding cheap Chinese brands: A-Data, Apacer, Elixir, Elpida, NCP, PQI and other little-known manufacturers.

Memory modules that are not manufactured in China deserve special mention. Currently, there are not many of these, for example, modules that are labeled as Hynix Original and Samsung Original are produced in Korea. The quality of such modules is considered higher; they cost a little more, but usually have a longer warranty (up to 36 months).

To be fair, it should be noted that even if you purchased memory from a well-known and reputable brand, this, unfortunately, does not mean that you will not encounter defective modules or modules damaged during transportation. Of course, products from top brands in individual packaging will have fewer defects (damages) than the cheapest modules that are transported and sold in bulk.

Memory module in individual packaging

How to choose memory for a new computer

First of all, choose the most modern type of memory used. Today it is DDR3. Decide on the volume you need. Briefly summarizing this article, I will give general recommendations on the minimum amount of RAM for PCs of different purposes:

For an office or weak home PC – 2 GB

4. It is better to select the most identical strips (single-sided or double-sided), with the same frequency and latency. The ideal option is to sell the old memory as used and install new memory in the required volume.

5. If you install memory with a higher frequency than your processor or motherboard supports, it will operate at a lower frequency.

Make the right choice with us, friends, and there will be no trouble for you)