You If your computer slows down when ever you open multiple programs or work with graphics software. It’s time to upgrade your PC. Before you rush out to buy a faster processor . determine how much RAM you have. Chances are , you can greatly increase your PC’S performance with additional RAM. Although RAM is a storage device , it doesn’t store information in the way that your hard drive does . RAM works with the processor to store and deliver data quickly. The more RAM in your PC , the faster your processor can finish its tasks. The good news is that putting memory in your PC is one of the easiest and most effective upgrades you can make. The bad news is there are many types of memory (all of which look very similar) , and you can easily end up walking out of your local computer parts retailer with incompatible memory. Before you even start shopping , check your computer’s or motherboard’s manual to find out what kind of RAM you need. The manual will also list the motherboard’s memory limit. If you don’t have either of the manual and you don’t know what kind of motherboard you have , you can download a free program from belarc (www.belarc.com) that helps to identify your system’s components. If you know your computer’s model number , you can use kingston’s (www.kingston.com) or crucial’s (www.crucial.com) free online wizards to match the right memory to your computer. Keep in mind that manufacturers offer memory in different sizes (storage capacities), including 128MB,256MB ,and 512MB , make room for future upgrades by buying larger modules. For example. If you have two slots and a single 128MB module , don’t buy another 128MB module if you think you might upgrade again in the future (otherwise , you’ll have to replace one of the 128MB modules with a larger module). Buy the larger module now so you won’t waste money later. Memory manufacturers sometimes use the module’s bandwidth to indicate speed (output) . you can use this chart to determine your DDR SDRAM (double-dara-rate synchronous dynamic RAM ) module’s speed :

DDR SDRAM	OUTPUT	BANDWIDTH
PC1600	200Mhz	1.6GBps
PC2100	266Mhz	2.1GBps
PC2700	333Mhz	2.3GBps
PC3200	400Mhz	3.2GBps

Manufacturers originally placed memory chips memory chips on the motherboard , but they now attach them to removable PCBs (printed circuit boards) to save space . the memory modules can hold chips on either side. There are several different types of RAM , but your motherboard will only accept one of them. Once you find compatible memory , you’ll need to choose the appropriate speed. Memory packaging can be confusing. So we example some of the terms you will probably see when you shop for RAM. SDRAM (synchronous dynamic RAM) This RAM communicates with processor faster than pervious memory versions because it synchronizes with your PC’s internal clock. The result is that when the processor sends information to the memory , it is ready to receive the information , and the processor doesn’t have to wait . SDRAM is popular even though is not the fastest memory available because it is inexpensive ans fast enough for most home user applications. You can buy SDRAM rated at 100MHz and 133MHz. DDR SDRAM (double-data-rate RAM) DDR SDRAM transfers information twice as fast as SDRAM , because it transfers once on the rising and once on the falling beat of the clock. It also synchronizes with the internal clock. DDR SDRAM is available in speeds of 200MHz,266MHz,333MHz, and 400MHz . RDRAM ( rambus dynamic RAM) RDRAM is faster than DDR SDRAM . unlike SDRAM and DDR SDRAM , you must fill all memory slots on the motherboard . for example , if you have a single memory stick and the motherboard has two memory slots , you must place PCB without memory modules in the empty slot. When you buy an additional memory stick, you can swap it with with the PCB. PCB (printed circuit board) Manufacturers place the memory modules on PCB’s, which fit into the slot on the motherboard . PCBs with memory chips are modules. SIMM (single in line memory module) Pins on opposite sides of the PCB tie together at the end of the PCB to create single contacts. SDRAM modules are SIMMs. DIMM (dual in-line memory module) The PCB’S pins have dual contacts . DDR SDRAM modules are DIMMs. RIMM Memory modules with RDRAM chips. More memory If a program requires more memory than you have , the computer creates virtual memory by storing the information on a portion of your hard drive. The hard drive is much slower than RAM , so your computer performs tasks more slowly when using virtual memory . you can add memory to give your computer additional space to store information.