Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Memory capacity is described in bytes (usually megabytes or gigabytes).
SDRAM DIMMs come in different capacities, such as 2GB or 4GB. An
average desktop PC might have 4GB to 8GB of system memory, which
might be installed in either two or four DIMM slots.
The 32-bit version of Windows can support only 4GB of RAM. If your computer has more than that, make sure
you have the 64-bit version of Windows or some of your RAM will be unused. Sometimes the motherboard has
a limit on the amount of RAM that can be recognized, so check this before you rush out and buy more RAM.
TIP
Quick Review
What is the difference between static and dynamic memory?
What is a DIMM?
In SDRAM, what does the “S” stand for, and what does it mean about the speed at which the RAM operates?
Understanding Motherboards
Both the CPU and the memory plug into the motherboard (see
Figure 2.4). Motherboards vary in many ways, including the CPUs and
memory they support, the technology used in their chipset, the expan-
sion slots they have, and the external ports they support.
motherboard A large circuit board inside a
computer that controls the operations of all other
components.
© iStockphoto.com/vetkit
Figure.2 4 A typical motherboard.
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