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DDR SDRAM - Learn and compare before you buy memory

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Learn before you make a memory purchase.
Read up on the various types of DDR SDRAM.
DDRSDRAM.net provides clear information.

512MB DDR SDRAM chip

512MB is the second largest memory amount in a DDR SDRAM chip. This level was a standard amount for some time, however, more is now usually packaged with computers. Two 512MB DDR chips are often used together to achieve 1024MB, or 1GB, of memory. With the amount of multi-tasking that takes place, and the high usage of memory by some programs these days, many users will have more success on their computers with 1GB of memory, rather than 512MB.

A 512MB chip may be used as an upgrade on a computer which already has an acceptable level of RAM, yet still has an open memory slot. For example, if the first slot is filled with a 256MB DDR chip, the second may receive a 512MB chip, bringing the system memory up to 768MB. 512MB and 1GB (1024MB) chips may likewise be combined to end up with 1536MB of memory. Adding the 512MB in these situations is an inexpensive way to get more use out of the computer.

The RAM must also be compatible with the motherboard being used, although in some cases the chips can be "underclocked" or "overclocked" in order to make a match even where the they are not the same. You can read more about the different data speeds and frequencies:

• PC1600 DDR (100MHz)
• PC2100 DDR (133MHz)
• PC2700 DDR (166MHz)
• PC3200 DDR (200MHz)

Please note: a laptop will typically require memory designed specifically for it, while standard memory is generally made for use on a desktop PC.


Other DDR SDRAM chip amounts:

• 128MB DDR
• 256MB DDR
• 1GB DDR