Computer Memory Guide

Step 3 – Computer Memory Guide

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What Is and How Much RAM Do I Use?

When it comes to running some software programs like Pro Tools, Reason or Cubase SX I recommend at least 512mb of RAM.

I have 1GB!

What Is RAM? Random Access Memory or RAM is a type of computer storage whose contents can be accessed in any order. It is usually implied that RAM can be both written to and read from, in contrast to Read-Only Memory or ROM. RAM is usually used for primary storage in computers to hold actively-used and actively-changing information, although some devices use certain types of RAM to provide long term secondary storage.

Since we are building a recording or production studio computer we will stick to one type of RAM which is DDR-RAM.

Why DDR or (double-data-rate synchronous dynamic random access memory)?

Because this type of memory achieves greater bandwidth than ordinary SDRAM by transferring data on both the rising and falling edges of the clock signal. This doubles the transfer rate without increasing the frequency of the front side bus. That means your Recording and Production sessions run damn near flawless with the right amount of RAM.

Computer Memory Guide

Tips on Buying RAM

• Use two sticks of 512mb of 1 GB of RAM – It’s cheaper! 
• Make sure the RAM chip matches your motherboard! 
• Always buy brand name RAM 
• Do not mix chip speeds 
• The more RAM the big Audio files you can handle (Get that in mind) 

Chip Specification

• DDR-200: DDR-SDRAM memory chips specified to run with 100 MHz
• DDR-266: DDR-SDRAM memory chips specified to run with 133 MHz
• DDR-333: DDR-SDRAM memory chips specified to run with 166 MHz
• DDR-400: DDR-SDRAM memory chips specified to run with 200 MHz

Stick/Module specification

• PC-1600: DDR-SDRAM memory stick specified to run with 100 MHz using DDR-200 chips, 1.6 GB/s bandwidth per channel. 

• PC-2100: DDR-SDRAM memory stick specified to run with 133 MHz using DDR-266 chips, 2.1 GB/s bandwidth per channel 

• PC-2700: DDR-SDRAM memory stick specified to run with 166 MHz using DDR-333 chips, 2.7 GB/s bandwidth per channel 

• PC-3200: DDR-SDRAM memory stick specified to run with 200 MHz using DDR-400 chips, 3.2 GB/s bandwidth per channel