Sunday 6 November 2011

What is DDR3 Memory?: The Question That We All Have

When one looks to purchase RAM for their newer computers they may ask themselves what is DDR3 memory? DDR3 is a newer generation of the SDRAM memory module and has been used in PC’s and laptops since late 2007. The previous incarnation, called DDR2, was much faster than previous memory, and DDR3 is even faster. Another great performance factor is that it consumes less battery power than DDR2 and quite a bit less than older SDRAM. This is of extreme importance when using a laptop as it extends the battery life, assuring you that your system will still be holding a charge when you are on the go.

DDR3 is very simply the fuel that allows your processor to run at its best speeds. When you run an application, that information is moved to your RAM module where, in combination with your processing chip, access to data and response times are carried out. The faster the memory can help move data, the quicker you can accomplish your tasks. What DDR3 memory also does is allow for multitasking when you have enough available RAM. The more memory in your computer, the more it can store and less of a load is placed on your system.

To simplify what DDR3 memory is, we can say that it is storage that only holds the information from running applications. There is no need for your computer to constantly search your hard drive while running a program because it has all been moved to the memory chip for the fastest access. If you ever notice your PC slowing down, the reason is that the memory banks are becoming full. This is why it is always imperative to have as much RAM, Readable Access Memory, in your system as possible. DDR3 or Double Data Rate 3, as it is called, is economically priced and won’t hurt your pocketbook to upgrade. It is extremely easy to upgrade your memory. In a desktop, you would simply open the case and find the memory slots. On laptops, there is an access door on the bottom that allows you to add memory. In either situation you simply add the memory stick to an available slot and secure the small clamps that hold it tightly in place. That is all you have to do to upgrade the DDR3 memory in your PC or notebook. From the price, to ease of installation and improved performance, there is nothing that can be done to a laptop or desktop to push it to a higher level.

Laptops or larger PC's that use DDR3 PC memory will be able to hold up to 8GB’s of RAM as opposed to 4GB's in older systems. This type of memory is also found in smaller systems called a netbook, many advanced cell phones, and other devices that allow programs to be installed. This ensures that these smaller devices will retain their performance level and not freeze up while in use. You now have all the answers when you ask yourself what is DDR3 memory before you purchase that upgrade for your existing system.