Sdram, Ddr, Ddr2, Ddr3, Sodimm, MicroDimm, Pins, Timings and Cas Latency Made Easy!

You maybe feeling somewhat baffled by the assorted acronyms you see on websites selling laptop memory. Acronyms like Sdram, Ddr, Ddr2, Ddr3, Sodimm, MicroDimm, pins and Cas Latency might be fine and dandy for all the computers gurus out there but what if you're the 98% of us just out to upgrade your laptop and aren't computer savvy? Well you know what, we hear you - in fact we'll take action to prove it! While we can't promise to make you a memory genius via what follows below, we do very much believe we can legitimately help. Ready to wipe some of that haze and get you on the right path to a victorious laptop memory upgrade? Read on!

Sdram, Ddr, Ddr2 and Ddr3

Ddr2 Ddr3

All the above, Sdram, Ddr, Ddr2 and Ddr3 are in themselves memory technologies. They differ in their age, speed, operating voltage and timings if to simplify things somewhat. Despite only Sdram containing the Ram acronym, all are in fact Ram albeit of type Sdram, Ddr, Ddr2 and Ddr3. Ram in fact stands for Random access Memory and is often used as an alternative to saying "memory". You're much more likely to see them written without the "Ram" component in their name but just remember that if you ever spot Ddr Ram, Ddr2 Ram or Ddr3 Ram then it's the exact same thing as Ddr, Ddr2 and Ddr3. Sdram is always written in a single form so if you ever see any source referencing Sdram Ram then let's just say whoever wrote it is a puny keen on rewriting history.

Because Sdram, Ddr, Ddr2 and Ddr3 are all memory (or should we say Ram) technologies they are separate too. You can't go installing more than one type in your laptop as each has its own exclusive specification, along with together with memory slots that are generally speaking in-compatible with the other types. Consequently, whatever your laptop (unless it's older than circa 1997) it will only make use of one of the above. Have a Ddr laptop? install only Ddr Ram. Have a Ddr2 laptop? Only Ddr2 Ram will work and so forth.

Sodimm

Now that you're up to speed with memory technologies and a few other bits and pieces about laptop Ram then next in line is a Sodimm. Four separate laptop memory types but only one Sodimm you ask? In short "yes". You see, Sodimm stands for single frame Dual Inline Memory Module and is a rather elegant albeit technical way of saying the type card on which your memory arrives. Professionally speaking you would say a Sodimm is a type of Pcb (Printed Circuit Board) rather than "card" but card is just as fitting.

A Sodimm being a Pcb or card (no hurry deciding this for now) will contain Sdram, Ddr, Ddr2 or Ddr3 memory chips soldered onto it. Does this mean Sodimm's vary depending on the memory type they feature? Yes, but don't go rolling your eyes up just yet - it's not as terrifying as you might think. While there are assorted differences, all you legitimately should know is the estimate of pins (see below). The estimate of pins identifies the type of Sodimm. By knowing the estimate of pins the type of Sodimm your laptop requires contains, you can duplicate check that you're ordering the right type. Sometimes you may find some discrepancies in descriptions when buying so it legitimately doesn't hurt to do so.

MicroDimm

If you're more of a movable mogul who often takes your laptop on trip then the chances are you legitimately own what's known as a sub-notebook or netbook. Overall, we can classify these as types of small laptops. You've probably guessed what we plan to say next but just for consistency, a MicroDimm is a puny version of a Sodimm designed for small laptop computers, which just so happen to highlight a more ageement chassis. Not all sub-notebooks use MicroDimm's but don't let that stop you remembering what they are.

Unless you own a sub-notebook or netbook then it's suffice to say a MicroDimm is not likely to be in your agenda. Even if you own a netbook, most aren't upgradable so much the same applies there too. Maybe the best advice is to keep in mind what a MicroDimm is and also recall what we said about Sodimm pins above. The same theory can be applied to MicroDimm pins - by noting the estimate of pins you can legitimately deduct the type of MicroDimm.

Pins

We've spilled the beans about what Sodimm and MicroDimm pins are above, which is in fact exquisite because as a consequent we can immediately jump into defusing how many pins each of the separate types of Sodimm's and MicroDimm's (corresponding to each memory technology) contain.

If you're ordering a Sdram Sodimm laptop memory upgrade then you should expect a Sodimm with 144pins.

If however you need a Ddr Sodimm laptop memory upgrade then it should contain 200pins.

And so we promenade onto a Ddr2 Sodimm laptop memory upgrade. These also contain 200pins just as Ddr Sodimm's but rest assured they are incompatible with each other.

And ultimately (as of 2010) we have a Ddr3 Sodimm laptop memory upgrade. These contain 204pins.

Things are a puny separate when it comes to MicroDimm's. If it's a Sdram MicroDimm you need then the estimate of pins equals 144, the same as in a Sdram Sodimm.

Meanwhile, if it's a Ddr MicroDimm you need then this is 172pins.

Finally, should a Ddr2 MicroDimm upgrade be on your agenda, these contain 214pins.

Timings

Each time you see or hear about timings (in the context of Ram) it's all to do with the delays about how efficiently a given Sodimm or MicroDimm operates. For simplicity's sake this includes the delays associated with how fast a memory module can be accessed, find the data to be read or uncover a free area to where to write some new data, copy data and refresh after performing any such commands.

Since timings sway the doing of a Sodimm or MicroDimm, you will at times find that some memory manufacturers offer what we might reference as doing parts. These are standard Sodimm or MicroDimm memory modules except for the trait that they're certified to run stably at somewhat faster (tighter) memory timings.

Each type of memory technology, Sdram, Ddr, Ddr2 and Ddr3 control in their own realm of timings. A Sdram memory module will likely highlight timings of 2-3-3-6, a Ddr memory module 3-3-3-8, a Ddr2 module 4-4-4-12 and a Ddr3 module 7-7-7-20 respectively. Note that there are four numbers in each and that the newer the memory technology, the higher its timings.

While there is a small doing boost (circa 5%) to be gained from installing doing Sodimm's or MicroDimm's you're not prone to feel the difference even should you desire paying somewhat extra for the privilege. Nevertheless, if you do rule your laptop deserves nothing but the best then always remember to replace all the currently installed memory modules with new doing Sodimm's or MicroDimm's. Failing to do so will cause your memory to run at the timings of the older module(s) thus wiping clean any doing advantage from installing your new Ram.

Cas Latency

The above deposition on timings wouldn't be quite perfect if we didn't mention a few words on Cas latency, especially if you've taken the plunge and decided to purchase doing Sodimm or MicroDimm's after all.

When it comes to Ram timings, Cas latency is the one that has the most doing impact. Cas stands for Column access Strobe and marks the delay that a Sodimm or MicroDimm module must ensue prior to locating a given area within the memory. The Cas latency is commonly marked as for example Cas 3, Cl3, Cl=3 or is hidden within the timings report as denoted above. For example, if you see a Sodimm or MicroDimm with its timings written as 4-4-4-12 then the first estimate from the left (4 in this case) is the Cas latency. Similarly, if you find a Ddr2 memory module of the same frequency but with timings of 3-4-4-10 then this means it's been certified to run at a Cl=3 instead of Cl=4.

Conclusion

If you can muster the above then dare we say this outright but you're already likely to know more about laptop Ram than most sales habitancy in large computer chain stores. And they have a job their trying to selling you surrounded by others memory upgrades? Anyway, the focus is on you and not them, in fact it's not even on you but instead on what you've just learned above.

You may not realise it but you legitimately deserve a sincere pat on your back. At first all the above acronyms may appear as hogwash but isn't that just delusional? Take a deep breathe, consequent the advice word for word and in spite of everything your fears might be telling you, buying a laptop memory upgrade will be a success!

Sdram, Ddr, Ddr2, Ddr3, Sodimm, MicroDimm, Pins, Timings and Cas Latency Made Easy!

Sodimm Memory Frequency, Capacity, Timings - How to balance Your Next Laptop Memory Upgrade

Your laptop grinds under the strain of software memory requirements forcing you to purchase a laptop memory upgrade. The interrogate is, how do you go about buying an upgrade that reaps the most benefits? We'll take a look at this below.

Sodimm Memory Frequency

Ddr2 Ddr3

Regardless of the type of memory, be it Sdram, Ddr, Ddr2, Ddr3 etc. Memory frequency pays a pivotal role in its performance. You see, frequency influences the speed at which bytes can be read and written to and from a Sodimm memory module.

The faster the frequency of a Sodimm memory module, the greater the bandwidth ready to your system, thus finally the software you run. Some software benefits more than others when more bandwidth is available, nevertheless it's generally a good idea to have more of it if possible.

Of procedure depending on your model of laptop, it might not be potential to make use of higher frequency Sodimm memory modules. The underpinning for this is simple, while a laptop supporting for example Pc2-4200 Ddr2 Sodimm memory that runs at 533Mhz sufficient can have a higher rated Sodimm memory module of the same type but higher grade installed (i.e. Pc2-5300 Ddr2 running at 667Mhz), the net ensue will still be memory that runs at a maximum of 533Mhz. This is true unless of procedure the memory controller in that laptop supports the frequency of the faster memory. Regularly laptop manufacturers already setup the fastest grade of memory during production..

Should you halt that your laptop does support faster Sodimm memory modules, it may just be worth upgrading all the installed memory to anything highest grade is supported. Memory frequency is the amount one contributor to memory bandwidth therefore by in large performance. Do note how we wrote "all" the installed memory. You see, for your laptop to run at the faster memory frequency, all installed Sodimm memory must meet this specification thus be of the same grade. If your laptop has two Sodimm memory slots (this is the norm) then in practise both Sodimm memory modules must be identical. For example, in a Ddr2 memory based laptop this might be Pc2-6400, in a Ddr laptop Pc3200, in a Sdram laptop Pc133 or any other ready combination. Plainly ensue this line of conception and you'll be okay.

Sodimm Memory Capacity

The amount of memory you have installed in your laptop is what generally speaking finally defines how plane software runs. Consequently, while memory frequency is a key factor to Sodimm memory performance, the capacity of memory installed is basic for allinclusive principles performance.

How much memory you need is dependent on what software you run. Unfortunately, there's no golden rule that magically works for each and every application out there. Fortunately any way there's an old principle that lends a helping hand: more memory always helps. Essentially what this translates to in practise is this: setup more memory than you need as this way you're far less likely to run into slowdowns, providing of procedure the slowdowns are the ensue of low principles memory and not, per se, the processor, graphics card, storehouse gadget etc.

Does this sound too good to be true? Regrettably yes, for three reasons. Firstly, buying too much laptop memory will likely aid laptop doing at the cost of upsetting your wallet. Secondly, in an ideal world all laptops, be them new or old, would support the currently maximum capacity of ready Sodimm memory modules. Obviously the world isn't an ideal place and thus you can only upgrade to the maximum capacity supported by your laptop's memory controller. Thirdly, if you're running a 32bit Operating principles on a laptop supporting 4Gb or more of memory then just keep in mind that even though the memory will work, applications will not use the full 4Gb. This is a limitation of 32bit addressing, only some of this namespace is ready to principles memory, the rest must be used for addressing other types of memory within your laptop, for example that of the graphics card. To overcome this on laptops that support it, upgrade to a 64bit Operating System.

Starting to sound slightly complicated? Let's break this down into simple English. What you should deduct from this is as follows: buy as much memory as your wallet and laptop allows but reconsider the limitations of 32bit Operating Systems. If you plan to upgrade to 4Gb or more of memory and have a newer laptop then upgrade its Operating principles to a 64bit version. If your laptop supports 4Gb but only 32bit Operating Systems then just keep in mind that the maximum your applications will likely see descriptive thus use is colse to 3.25-3.5Gb.

Sodimm Memory Timings

Computer memory feature what's known as timings. These are numerical values which laid out delays in how a Sodimm memory module operates. The actual values vary depending on the type of memory (i.e. Ddr2) and either the given Sodimm memory module is mainstream or a doing part. Such delays control all the types of commands that get executed when your computer issues a read, write or copy command. Such timings are stored on each Sodimm memory module in what's known as a Spd (Serial presence Detect) chip, placed on the same Pcb (Printed Circuit Board) as the memory chips.

Because memory timings are finally delays then one might think it's logical to assume that lower timings are better. This can be answered as true but only to an extent. You see, there is only so much that these timings can be lowered, even if a Sodimm memory module has been binned as a doing part. This is due to synchronisation issues. Memory timings control how slow or how fast a given doing is processed by a Sodimm memory module. If it's set too fast then the outcome may be unstable operation. At the very least this will cause erroneous software behaviour, or if you're less fortunate a principles halt.

Since enhanced memory timings can only conduce so much to real-world principles doing (circa 5% real-world doing boost), it's actually a case of choosing either you believe the added speed boost (i.e. Slightly more memory bandwidth, somewhat lower memory entrance latency) is adequate to guarantee the price premium. Various tests over the years suggest no, even if you setup "performance" Sodimm memory, you're not likely to feel the divergence in any type of software but benchmarks.

Conclusion

There are some important facts to recall from the above. First and important memory frequency plays a pivotal role in memory performance, otherwise defined at the speed at which memory read, write and thus copy commands get processed. The higher the memory bandwidth, the more it indirectly influences allinclusive principles performance. Secondly, memory capacity is what directly affects the allinclusive speed of your laptop by having a direct influence on computer performance. The more memory you have installed, the far less likely you are to run into slowdowns caused by insufficient memory resources ready to the Operating principles and other software. Thirdly, memory timings act as an icing on the cake (for a better term) to both memory frequency and capacity.

The above is the theory, but what should you do when getting ready to buy your laptop memory upgrade? always get the highest frequency of Sodimm memory your laptop supports by determining the highest speed grade supported by its memory controller. Wherever your wallet permits, also try and upgrade to a salutary amount of memory, above what you're bound to currently use thus leaving yourself some headroom. Do any way remember that your laptop's memory controller also limits the maximum capacity you can upgrade to. Finally, where feasible (something you will have to deduce yourself), pick a Sodimm memory module(s) with faster (lower) timings - if doing parts aren't ready then the most you will lose is about 5% allinclusive principles performance.

Sodimm Memory Frequency, Capacity, Timings - How to balance Your Next Laptop Memory Upgrade