Computer Memory Shopping Guide 

The term memory is generally used to refer to RAM, or Random Access Memory. RAM is used to temporarily hold the data and instructions needed to complete tasks. By loading an active application program into RAM from the hard drive, computers speed up their processing time immensely. The data and instructions in use are quickly available rather than needing to be accessed from their storage locations for each command and response.

The terms memory and storage are easy to mix up, since both store data. Storage capacity as on a hard drive describes the space available for storing files and applications long term, while memory is the space available to temporarily hold active applications and data. Another difference is that hard drives store data even when they are turned off, while memory is erased whenever the computer is turned off. This way the memory is constantly being freed up for use with the next program or application to be active.

Because memory is where active applications and data are loaded while you are working with them, more memory allows you to have more and larger applications open and active at the same time. One way to tell that your computer can use a memory upgrade is that it will spend more time responding to commands, often presenting a spinning hourglass to indicate that it is still working. This is because when there is too little memory to store the active application and data, the CPU has to retrieve data from the hard drive instead.

The right amount of memory to have depends on they type of computer system you have, the type of work and activities the system is used for and the applications that you need to run. Some places to check for minimum needs include system documentation and application documentation. 

In general, however, most sources agree that more memory is better. Newer applications are often larger and require more memory, so even a top of the line system is likely to need additional memory eventually.

Memory Requirements

Some applications such as many word processing programs require as little as 32MB of memory, but most software developers assume a computer will have at least 256MB, which is a fairly standard level in most new computers. Graphics intensive programs such as many computer games and multimedia programs often call for at least 512MB of RAM. Users with such programs often find that 1GB is necessary for optimum performance of the system.

Choosing Memory

When shopping for memory, it is essential to make sure that it is compatible with your computer. Memory is generally installed by plugging it directly into ports on the motherboard, so the memory you buy needs to be the same type that the ports on your motherboard are. Some common formats include SIMM and DIMM, which stand for Single In-line Memory Module and Dual In-line Memory Module. SIMMs have a single row of prongs to plug in to the motherboard, while DIMMs have a double row. Most new computers use the DIMM format, but both are still common.

Since memory plugs into ports on the motherboard, it is also important to check that there is space available for new memory. If needed, smaller memory modules can be replaced by larger memory modules, but it is generally preferable to keep the old memory and simply add on the new.

Flash Memory

Flash memory combines some of the qualities of both RAM and hard disk storage space. It is solid-state, non-volatile, rewritable memory. Like a hard disk, flash memory keeps its data even when turned off and on again, but it also offers high speed data transfer and rewritable memory space.

Flash memory is also easily portable and many forms of flash memory can simply be plugged into a USB port on the outside of the computer. Because of its speed, durability and low power requirements, flash memory is also used in a wide range of portable gadgets such as cameras, cell phones, MP3 players and other electronics.

Some of the flash memory formats available include USB, MultiMedia, Secure Digital, SmartMedia and CompactFlash.

Prices

When buying memory, it's important to remember that prices fluctuate over time. The price of memory depends on a lot of factors, including current demand, current manufacturing rates and the cost of components. If you tend to watch the prices of computer equipment, you may choose to upgrade memory when prices dip. If you are in need of memory now, however, how much memory cost last quarter will have little bearing on your shopping. Compare prices between memory options at the same time to get accurate comparisons.

Another factor to look out for is that memory that costs far less than most of the options on the market may have been made with less rigorous quality control or lower quality components. Most name brands will be careful of quality in order to keep a good reputation, but be cautious of super-low priced unknowns.

Coupons and Promotions

No matter what your budget and other requirements are, it's always nice to get a great deal. Edeals.com provides promo codes, discounts and coupons for a variety of memory, and edeals.com also offers links to help you shop for the right memory for you. Browse through the edeals.com site for coupon codes to help you get the best deals on the Internet, and use edeals.com to find the best online coupons and discount codes to fit all your memory needs!

Check edeals.com frequently for the newest promotions and coupon codes on memory and many other products!