What are the different types of RAM?

Still confused about the different types of RAM?
It is very easy to become confused with the different types of RAM that will or will not run on the different types of motherboards that support Intel or AMD processors.
Start by remembering that motherboards that support Intel processors never support AMD processors, and you are half way towards clearing up the confusion.
The motherboard must support a given processor if you are to use it. It is then just an simple matter of consulting the motherboard's manual to find out the types of RAM and the processors that it supports.
You can download the manuals from the websites of most of the major motherboard manufacturers. As long as you only install items on a motherboard certified by its manual to run on or with it, you cannot go very far wrong.
Most systems that have motherboards that use SIMM memory modules require you to use matching pairs of modules to fill a bank of slots on your motherboard. If you fail to match them correctly, your system will probably not function properly.
For example, if you want to install 64MB of EDO RAM that comes in the outdated SIMM module form, you may have to install two matching 32MB modules instead of going with just one 64MB module, or one 32MB module plus two 16MB modules. Therefore, always check your system and motherboard manuals before you place an order.
Note that you do not need to install DIMM (SDRAM or DDR RAM) modules,in pairs. Modern motherboards are also often much more forgiving about which DIMM modules that can be fitted - they do not all have to be of the same capacity. - A 64MB module can be installed with 128MB and 256MB modules.Remember, never skimp on quality when it comes to RAM.
Even when buying a new PC always obtain a system specification and check what make of RAM is installed.
Only grade-A memory will do, and it is only manufactured by the major manufacturers of RAM.
RAM is probably the most critical system component. Every bit of data passes through it to get to the processor, so it has to be 100% functional 100% of the time if data corruption is not to take place.
It is a fact that many program crashes can be attributed to cheap, error-prone or defective RAM. Therefore, if the system has generic, low-cost RAM, insist that grade A RAM from one of the major manufacturers is installed.
RAM diagnostic utilities
Memtest-86 3.0
http://www.memtest86.com./
MemTest v1.2 [9k] W9x/2k/XP - free - http://www.mywebattack.com/gnomeapp.php?id=105570 and
http://www.simmtester.com/page/products/doc/download.asp
RAM websites
The "Ultimate Memory Guide." - http://www.kingston.com/tools/umg/default.asp
If you want to know about the technical details of how RAM works, visit this article. -
How Computer Memory Works - http://www.howstuffworks.com/computer-memory.htm.
And if you want to know how Windows, and other operating systems, make use of a virtual memory swap file on a hard disk drive to expand the system's RAM, read the following article. -
How Virtual Memory Works -
http://www.howstuffworks.com/virtual-memory.htm
"Windows 98 & WinME Memory Management" - http://aumha.org/articles.htm - includes information on RAM and the Windows Virtual Memory swap file.
16-bit Rambus RDRAM memory (184 pins)This type of RAM is increasing in popularity. These modules operate at up to 533Mhz speed compared to 133Mhz for SDRAM. Most Pentium 4 systems support RDRAM modules for top performance.
PC800 Rambus RIMM (RDRAM) - 184 pins
» 64Mb Rambus RIMM Samsung 184pins, PC800, 40ns, 16-bit, MR16R1622DF0-CM8Manufacturer: Samsung, Warranty: Lifetime.
» 128Mb Rambus RIMM Samsung 184pins, PC800, 40ns, 16-bit, MR16R1624AF0-CM8Manufacturer: Samsung, Warranty: Lifetime.
» 256Mb Rambus RIMM Samsung 184pins, PC800, 40ns, 16-bit, MR16R1628DF0-CM8Manufacturer: Samsung, Warranty: Lifetime.
» 512Mb Rambus RIMM Samsung 184pins, PC800, 40ns, 16-bit, MR16R162GDF0-CM8Manufacturer: Samsung, Warranty: Lifetime.
» 128Mb ECC Rambus RIMM Samsung 184pins, PC800, 40ns, 18-bit, ECC Error CorrectionMR18R1624AF0-CM8, Manufacturer: SamsungWarranty: Lifetime.
» 256Mb ECC Rambus RIMM Elpida Stock clearance! 184pins, PC800, 40ns, 18-bit, ECC Error CorrectionMC-4R256FKE8D-840, Manufacturer: ElpidaWarranty: 2 years.
» 256Mb ECC Rambus RIMM Samsung 184pins, PC800, 40ns, 18-bit, ECC Error CorrectionMR18R1628DF0-CM8, Manufacturer: SamsungWarranty: Lifetime.
» 512Mb ECC Rambus RIMM Samsung 184pins, PC800, 40ns, 18-bit, ECC Error CorrectionMR18R162GAF0-CM8, Manufacturer: SamsungWarranty: Lifetime.
PC1066 Rambus RIMM (RDRAM) - 184 pins - for overclocking
Special offer on Samsung PC1066 RDRAM 184 pins128Mb, 256Mb, 512Mb
» 128Mb Rambus PC1066 RDRAM (RIMM2100) 184 pins, 16-bit, 1066Mhz, RIMM2100, 32ns, for Intel850E chipsets, P/N: MR16R1624DF0-CT9,Manufacturer: Samsung, Warranty: 10 years.
» 256Mb Rambus PC1066 RDRAM (RIMM2100) 184 pins, 16-bit, 1066Mhz, RIMM2100, 32ns, for Intel850E chipsets, P/N: MR16R1628DF0-CT9.Manufacturer: Samsung, Warranty: 10 years.
» 256Mb Rambus PC1066 RDRAM (RIMM2100) 184 pins, 16-bit, 1066Mhz, RIMM2100, 32nsfor Intel 850E, P/N: KVR1066X16-8/256,Manufacturer: Kingston, Warranty: Lifetime.
» 512Mb Rambus PC1066 RDRAM (RIMM2100) 184 pins, 16-bit, 1066Mhz, RIMM2100, 32ns, for Intel850E chipsets, P/N: MR16R162GDF0-CT9,Manufacturer: Samsung, Warranty: 10 years
PC1200 Rambus RIMM (RDRAM) - 184 pins - for overclocking
» 256Mb Rambus PC1200 RDRAM (RIMM2400) - OCZ New product! 184 pins, 16-bit, 1200Mhz, RIMM2400, 32nsSuitable for i850E and SIS658 chipsets, non-ECCBandwidth 4,8Gb/s Dual Channel,Manufacturer: OCZ Technology, Warranty: Lifetime.
Upgrade Kits (special deals on 2 modules)
» 128Mb RIMM Upgrade Kit, Samsung (2x 64Mb modules), 184pins, PC800, 40ns, non-ECCManufacturer: Samsung, Warranty: Lifetime.
» 256Mb RIMM Upgrade Kit, Samsung (2x 128Mb modules), 184pins, PC800, 40ns, non-ECCManufacturer: Samsung, Warranty: Lifetime.
» 512Mb RIMM Upgrade Kit, Samsung (2x 256Mb modules), 184pins, PC800, 40ns, non-ECCManufacturer: Samsung, Warranty: Lifetime.
» 1Gb RIMM Upgrade Kit, Samsung (2x 512Mb modules), 184pins, PC800, 40ns, non-ECCManufacturer: Samsung, Warranty: Lifetime.
» 256Mb ECC RIMM Upgrade Kit, Samsung (2x 128Mb modules), 184pins, PC800, 40ns, 18 bit, ECCManufacturer: Samsung, Warranty: Lifetime.
» 512Mb ECC RIMM Upgrade Kit, Samsung (2x 256Mb modules), 184pins, PC800, 40ns, 18 bit, ECCManufacturer: Samsung, Warranty: Lifetime.
» 1Gb ECC RIMM Upgrade Kit, Samsung (2x 512Mb modules), 184pins, PC800, 40ns, 18 bit, ECCManufacturer: Samsung, Warranty: Lifetime .
32-bit Rambus RDRAM memory (232 pins)32-bit Rambus modules provides two independent memory channels, which means there is no requirement to install these modules in pairs of two.RIMM3200 modules provide a memory bandwidth of 3,2Gb/s, RIMM4200 provides 4,2Gb/s and RIMM4800 provides an unparalleled transfer rate of 4,8Gb/s.
PC800 Rambus RIMM3200 - 232 pins
» 256Mb Rambus RIMM PC800 32 bit (RIMM3200) 232 pins, 32-bit, PC800, RIMM3200, 40ns MD16R1628AF0-CM8, non-ECC.Manufacturer: Samsung, Warranty: Lifetime
PC1066 Rambus RIMM4200 - 232 pins - for overclocking
» 256Mb Rambus PC1066 32-bit RDRAM (RIMM4200) 232 pins, 32 bit, 1066Mhz, RIMM4200, 32nsfor Intel 850 chipsets, P/N: MD16R1628AF0-CN9Non-ECC, Manufacturer: Samsung, Warranty: 10 years
» 512Mb Rambus PC1066 32-bit RDRAM (RIMM4200) 232 pins, 32 bit, 1066Mhz, RIMM4200, 32nsfor Intel 850 chipsets, P/N: MD16R162GDF0-CT9Non-ECC, Manufacturer: Samsung, Warranty: 10 years
» 512Mb ECC Rambus PC1066 32-bit RDRAM (RIMM4200) 232 pins, 32 bit, 1066Mhz, RIMM4200, 32nsfor Intel 850 chipsets, P/N: MD18R162GAF0-CN9ECC Error Correction, Manufacturer: Samsung, Warranty: 10 years
PC1200 Rambus RIMM4800 - 232 pins - for overclocking
» 256Mb Rambus RIMM PC1200 32 bit (RIMM4800) - OCZ 232 pins, 32-bit, PC1200, RIMM4800, 32ns4.8 Gb/s transfer, non-ECC, Manufacturer: OCZ, Warranty: Lifetime