subject: Build Your Computer How To Choose The Right Memory Module For Your Computer [print this page] Many computer users are planning to upgrade their system for faster performance and most gamers are hungry for speed. The first thing that will come up into their mind is the size of their memory. This is true, in fact there's a big difference between 2Gb and 4Gb of memory. But the problem is what type of memory module is the perfect compatible for their system. This article answers your problems.
The fist thing you have to do is look for your motherboard specifications on manual. In case you lost your manual you can always download it on the net by getting the motherboard's brand and the model number.
Second is to identify what kind of memory module your motherboard supports. DDR, DDR2 and DDR3 memory module are not compatible and it doesn't fit to each other. For example, if your motherboard supports DDR2 therefore, you can use only DDR2 memory and never DDR1 or DDR3.
Third is the speed, if your motherboard supports PC2 6400 (800 MHz) DDR2 memory therefore, that is the perfect compatible for your motherboard. Installing a memory higher than that speed doesn't makes your system operates at higher bus speed. In most cases it only caused you problems. Installing memory lower than that speed will caused of degrade in your system bus speed. Using two different speed of memory will always clocked to the lower speed. But in my own experience, it causes a system unstable.
And lastly the brand, installing memories with different brands is not always compatible. In theory, if the memory modules installed in your computer are of the same type and speed it is compatible to each other regardless of the brand name. That's not always true! In most cases it causes a problem.
In conclusion to this, I suggest that you purchase a memory that is of the same type and brand with the highest speed that your motherboard can handle.
