Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
by programs), whereas the 64-bit versions limit support to 8GB, 16GB, or 192GB, de-
pending on the edition.
Beyond having the minimum to run the OS you choose, the way you use your system, es-
peciallytheapplicationsyourun,canbethemajordeterminingfactorastojusthowmuch
memory is best. For example, if you are a power user with four or more displays sim-
ultaneously connected to your system, each with multiple open applications, or you run
memory-intensive applications such as photo- and video-editing programs, or if you use a
virtual machine manager (VMM) like Virtual PC or VMware to run multiple OSs simul-
taneously(eachofthosewithopenapplications),youmightwantasmuchmemoryasyou
canpossiblyinstall.Manyolderlaptopswon'tacceptasmuchmemoryasyoumightwant
(or need) to install, so if you upgrade an older system that uses an obsolete (and expens-
ive) type of memory, the best tip might be to consider moving up to a newer system that
can accept more memory of a mainstream type that is less expensive.
When purchasing a new system, try to get it with all the memory you need right away.
Some motherboards are more limited in the number of memory sockets they contain, and
some of those will already be filled when the system is delivered. This means you might
need to remove some of the existing memory to add more, which makes future upgrades
moreexpensive.TheonlycaveathereisthatIoftenfindthatIcanpurchasememorymuch
more inexpensively from third-party vendors than from the system manufacturer. When
purchasinganewsystem,checkonhowmuchthemanufacturerchargesfortheamountof
memory you want, as opposed to taking the system with the default minimum and imme-
diatelyaddingthedesiredmemoryyourself,purchasedfromathird-partymemoryvendor.
The following sections discuss adding memory, including selecting memory chips, in-
stalling memory chips, and testing the installation.
Upgrade Options and Strategies
Adding memory can be an inexpensive solution; the cost of mainstream memory is ex-
tremelylow,andaddingmorememorycangiveyourcomputer'sperformanceabigboost.
HowdoyouaddmemorytoyourPC?Youhavetwooptions,listed inorderofconvenien-
ce and cost:
• Adding memory in vacant slots on your motherboard
• Replacing your current motherboard's memory with higher-capacity memory
Ifyoudecidetoupgradetoamorepowerfulcomputersystemormotherboard,youusually
can't salvage the memory from your previous system. Most of the time it is best to plan
on equipping a new board with the optimum type of memory that it supports.
