How to Understand a PC Memory
- 1). Learn about the way PC memory is measured. The amount of RAM, or "random access memory," that you have is measured in one of two units of measurement: megabytes and gigabytes. A gigabyte is 1,024 times the size of a megabyte, so a 1-gigabyte stick of RAM is faster than a 512-megabyte stick of RAM.
- 2). Accept the difference between desktop computer memory and laptop computer memory. Specially designed RAM sticks must be used in these latter machines Due to the compact size of the interior of a laptop computer's case. Laptop memory is typically much shorter as opposed to the longer sticks of desktop memory. The two types are not interchangeable--you cannot use desktop RAM on a laptop or vice versa.
- 3). Look and see how much total memory your motherboard can handle. Your computer is not infinitely upgradeable, at least when it comes to memory. If your motherboard can only handle 2 gigabytes of RAM, for example, you will be wasting money if you put any more than that into your computer. You can find out how much RAM your motherboard can handle by looking in the unit's instructions manual.
- 4). Check to see what type of operating system you are running. Thirty-two-bit operating systems can only handle a maximum of 4 gigabytes of memory. Sixty-four-bit operating systems can handle much more. Just as with putting more memory into your computer than your motherboard can handle, you are also wasting your money if you install more memory than your operating system and central processing unit (CPU) can handle.
