Finding The Right DDR2 SDRAM
RAM is where computers store data temporarily. Choosing the right modules for your device can really increase its performance and help you to run the programs that you want smoothly and easily.
What is DDR2?
- DDR2 is the second generation of DDR SDRAM. It is faster than the preceding generation of DDR RAM, and also requires less voltage to run. Since it was released, DDR2 has been improved upon in turn by later generations. Companies like Mushkin have made several generations, so make sure that you choose the right one.
- Different generations of memory are compatible with different motherboards as they have different numbers of pins, so make sure that your motherboard is compatible with DDR2. Full-sized DDR2 and DDR3 are actually both 240-pin designs, but the different layouts mean that they still arent cross-compatible.
- You should also look at whether the memory you want is a DIMM or a SODIMM module. Different form factors are designed to be compatible with different devices. DIMM is designed for desktops while laptops typically use the smaller SODIMM form factor because it fits into a smaller chassis, but you should check your specific device.
What Do DDR2 Specifications Mean?
- Capacity measures the amount of data that the computers memory can hold. DDR2 memory modules typically dont get bigger than 4 GB, but you can often install multiple modules on the same motherboard. If you are doing this, dont mix generations as they wont work together. It is safest to mix modules of the same type from the same manufacturer, for example by only using Mushkin modules.
- Installing 2 or 4 GB of SDRAM is enough for lightweight applications like word processing and browsing most online content, but 8 or 16 GB is more suitable for gaming.
- Transfer speed is measured in MHz. It measures the speed at which data is transferred to and from the memory. Higher speed will give your device a performance edge.
- Data rate is another way of measuring RAM speed, and it measures the amount of data that can be transferred per second. For example, PC3-12800 would be DDR3 RAM that can transfer 12800 MB per second.
Which Other Features Might I Want?
- Some modules can be overclocked, meaning that their speed can be manually increased above what it says on the packaging. Some are better suited for overclocking than others. Overclockers should be careful as it can cause damage if overdone. Using heatspreaders or a heatsink will help to soak up the extra heat caused by overclocking your memory.
- Most RAM is unbuffered. Buffered or registered designs add a buffer to check the integrity of the data. This slows down overall speed but helps to prevent errors. Typically it is only used when data integrity is very important, as in servers.
Content provided for informational purposes only. eBay is not affiliated with or endorsed by Mushkin.
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