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MEMORY - Not every type of memory module can fit in every computer. Depending on your computers speed and processor it will differ from computer to computer. The processor and some other items may limit the amount of memory, the memory speed, and type of memory that you can have in your computer. Laptops do not use the same type of memory that a desktop / tower / workstation uses. Laptops use a memory module type called SODIMM. Laptop memory is about 1/3 the size of desktop memory. When you look at the memory picture on the left you will also notice at the bottom that it has niches cut into it. This helps prevent you from putting the wrong memory into your computer and causing issues such as causing a short and burning a chip out.
CACHE LATENCY(CL) - Most memory chips have Cache Latency(CL) settings/numbering. Before buying new memory for your computer I would suggest you find out if your computer needs a specific CL setting. Some computers need specific memory speed and CL settings to work correctly.
Module Type |
Speed |
Other Information |
PC66 |
66 MHZ |
Memory is hardly found anymore, Have seen this type of memory in some phone systems & routers also. |
PC100 |
100 MHZ |
Memory is found in older computers such as those with a Intel Pentium 2 processor. Some of these computers would only be able to have 128MB Total memory. |
PC133 |
133 MHZ |
This memory is found in some PBX systems, routers, computers with Intel Pentium 2&3 processors and older AMD type processor computers. I have seen some computers with this type of memory used goto the max of 512MB & 768MB. |
DDR PC2100 |
266 MHZ |
This memory is found in even todays new computers from companies that are trying to save alot of money on building these systems or selling them for very cheap. I have come across alot of HP & Compaq Computers with Intel Celeron processors that used this speed memory, but were able to be upgraded to faster memory. Some very cheap motherboards are sold that only allow for this speed memory to be used. I suggest not to waste your money on new motherboards that use only DDR PC2100 memory. |
DDR PC2700 |
333 MHZ |
This memory is more common these days. Used in many computers, workstations, routers, and some servers. |
DDR PC3200 |
400 MHZ |
This memory is more common these days. Used in many computers, workstations, routers, and some servers. This is also preferred by gamers when it is the max speed you can use. |
RDRAM |
533 MHZ |
|
RDRAM |
667 MHZ |
|
RDRAM800 |
800 MHZ |
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CPU / PROCESSOR - The CPU(Central Processing Unit) is the part of the computer that does almost all of the work. In the early days of these cpu's you would have to buy 2 of them. One of which was the main processor and the second one was the math coprocessor. Not everyone needed the second processor, but over time the chip makers such as INTEL & AMD(Advanced Micro Devices) combined these two processors onto one module. Cpu's come in many types of module packages, sizes, and speeds.
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PCI MODEM - PCI is the type of slot that this card fits into. Depending on the type of MODEM you have will determine its features such as Faxing, Communication Speed, Voice, and many others. You can use a modem to connect to the internet, other computers, and many other uses.
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SOUND CARD(s) - Most computers these days come with this already built into the motherboard. Some of the built in sound cards sound pretty good, but if you like gaming, music, or any other entertainment then a upgraded sound card is usually the best. This is usually something you can upgrade when ordering from some of the big computer companies such as DELL, IBM, and HP/COMPAQ.
Some of the upgrade cards are ausome and have great surround sound and are able to be configured for most Speaker Setups. Sound Blaster(Creative) has some great cards for entertainment system setups. Upgraded cards will also allow some extra features such as multiple inputs for sound. |
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VIDEO CARDS / VIDEO - Alot of computers these days come with this built into the motherboard. Usually not very good quality video chips, but have seen some motherboards with good video chipsets and have used some ausome upgrade video cards that had some cool features such as remote control, FM radio, ability to watch and record tv or movies and more. Depending on what you are doing with your computer will determine what video card will meet your demands the best. PCI Video cards come with their own memory built onto their card whereas a built in video card on a motherboard will share memory with the motherboard and decrease resources available to your computer. Some times this really decreases computer performance. Some Video Cards come with the ability to have several screens/monitors/TV's hook to them. |
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POWER SUPPLY - Power supplies come in many different types with different types of cable connections, fan setups, and varies in the wattage they supply.
| Wattage |
The more USB devices, DVD Burners, CD Burners, Fans, Lights you have on your computer will determine your power needs. A 300-350 Watt power supply is good for most people. |
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