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Random Access Memory (RAM)...
RAM prices, while they tend to fluctuate the most out of any component, are generally quite low. RAM also tends to offer the most noticeable and immediate improvement in system performance, so you might be able to stretch out your old system a little bit longer by simply buying some more RAM. I currently have up a guide on how to upgrade your current computer with more RAM, making it putter along faster.
If you are looking to build a basic
system, based on my recommended parts, you will need at least 2
GB of DDR3 memory. Windows 7 requires
a minimum 2 GB of memory to operate for the 64-bit version.
Considering the relatively low prices for RAM however (and the exponential performance enhancement), I recommend for a medium budget 4 GB of memory, and for higher-end computers, as much RAM as you can stomach to pay for (or can fit in your computer).
Before buying RAM, one thing to be aware about is the ceiling limits of RAM in Windows 7 (or any other operating system).
All 64-bit versions of Windows 7 are setup to allow you to max out your memory needs beyond your wildest imaginations.
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Microsoft continues to make both 32-bit and 64-bit OSs with Windows 7; if you follow my recommended PC parts closely, you should definitely stick with the 64-bit version of "7." The 32-bit version of Windows 7 limits your PC to using only 4 GB of memory/RAM, while the 64-bit version of Windows 7 allows up to 192 GB of memory! Generally, you will only encounter Windows 7 Starter on netbooks, so you would need to consider upgrading from Home Premium to Professional only if you are building a gaming/performance PC. |
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Another technology for Windows 7 that you may have heard of is ReadyBoost. By plugging in a USB 2.0 flash drive, you are able to virtually expand your memory. However, you will not necessairly notice a performance boost in running high-end video games. The technology is designed to serve as a 'cache' for commonly used files and programs, allowing them to open, run, and be accessed quicker. As Windows would be doing this anyways, this frees up the main system memory for other tasks. Read Microsoft's explanation on ReadyBoost here.
There are currently three modern types of RAM right now, DDR, DDR2, and DDR3. DDR3 is the 3rd generation of this RAM, and with less and less exceptions, is the type of memory required on modern motherboards (including ones that I recommend).
There are currently several different 'speeds' of DDR3 memory available, just like DDR technology before it:.
- DDR3-800 (aka PC3-6400), with a bus speed of 400 MHz
- DDR3-1066 (aka PC3-8500), with a bus speed of 533 MHz
- DDR3-1333 (aka PC3-10600), with a bus speed of 667 MHz
- DDR3-1600 (aka PC3-12800), with a bus speed of 800 MHz
If you didn't catch it above, the main part of DDR3 technology is the ability to run the bus speed at twice the speed of the memory cells it contains. This allows for higher thoroughputs of data (ie more data processed at once), but does come at a small price (for more techie info, read this). However, it boils down to it being faster and better overall than the prior generation of memory.
When shopping, buying faster DDR3 memory can provide a marginal increase in performance. Personally though, I would shop for as much memory as possible first before looking for the fastest memory.
Be careful when upgrading any older machines. DDR3 is not backwards compatible with DDR2/DDR. The notch on DDR3 is in a different position than DDR2/DDR, as well as DDR3 being electrically incompatible (tuned to a different voltage) than older memory.
If you're looking to simply upgrade your memory, check out the Tutorial Section for easy-to -follow instructions.
Here again are my complete recommendations for building a computer with quality Memory at a low price!
Next - Picking Your Case and Power Supply»
Rule of Thumb: I generally think it is better to get more memory (as in 2 GB vs only 1 GB) versus worrying about getting the fastest memory possible (if you are not working on a budget, ignore this). You will realize more of a performance boost by having more memory, but make sure it's not too slow. Follow my recommended parts and you'll be fine.
