Multitask Efficiently with DDR2-533 SDRAM
Computer performance is based on a number of factors, but one of the most important is the RAM (random-access memory), which is used continuously by the computers processor for running its calculations. If the computer doesnt have enough RAM, then the processor has to go to the hard drive to find the data it needs, which dramatically slows the processors speed. DDR2-533 SDRAM has an improved bus signal that can speed up your transfer rate.
What is RAM used for?RAM is used to store data on programs and applications that are currently running so the information is easily accessible by the computers processor. RAM is much faster to access than the computers other storage resources. Most standard hard drives have a spinning disk and a read/write head that moves back and forth above the disk to read and write the data. Because of the moving parts involved and the method used for accessing the storage, it takes a relatively long time for the computer to be able to access a particular piece of information from the hard drive.
RAM is accessed in a different way. Without moving parts, any segment of the memory is accessible at any time, so the computers processor can find any needed information nearly instantaneously. This advantage in speed is the reason that RAM is so important.
Besides the speed difference, there is a significant difference in how much RAM a computer has compared to hard drive space. A typical hard drive could hold anywhere from 500 GB to 1T B of data, but the RAM for would be somewhere between 4 GB and 16 GB.
What is DDR2 memory?DDR2 memory is a variation on SDRAM (synchronous dynamic random-access memory) that changes how it handles clock cycles. Regular SDRAM performs a data transfer once per clock cycle, but DDR (double data rate) RAM transfers data on both the up and down ticks of the clock cycle, effectively doubling the speed of the RAM. For instance, SDRAM tends to max out at somewhere between 113 MHz and 180 MHz, but DDR2 SDRAM can reach speeds of 333 MHz or higher. DDR2 is the second generation of DDR memory, using different technology and methods to double the speed. DDR2 PC2-4200 (also known as DDR2-533) memory is intended for use in systems with a 266MHz front-side bus, providing a 533MT/s data transfer rate. The number 4200 refers to the modules bandwidth, which is 4200MB/s, or 4.2 GB/s.
What is memory redundancy?Memory redundancy helps to identify and sometimes correct errors that crop up in the data stored in memory. Without memory redundancy, when errors occur, your computer may crash without your knowing why or if data was corrupted in the process. There are two types of memory redundancy: Parity Memory and ECC.
- Parity Memory: Also called true parity, parity memory has additional chips that are used as parity chips. They are able to discern when errors have occurred in the memory and notify the computers operating system. Your computer may still crash, but the operating system will have a chance to discover why.
- ECC: This stands for Error Checking and Correcting and is a more advanced form of memory redundancy equipped with additional logic and the capability to correct certain types of memory errors, possibly averting a crash and protecting data from being corrupted.