Expand the Memory Capacity of Your Computer with 2 GB of DDR2-667 PC2-5400 RAM
RAM, or random-access memory, is the part of the computer that temporarily holds all open programs and files. As the amount of RAM increases, you can have more programs open at the same time. These particular memory modules hold 2 GB of data.
How does DDR2 memory function?
DDR stands for double data rate. As the name implies, DDR memory transmits data twice per clock cycle, essentially doubling the data transfer rate of the memory. DDR2, which was initially launched in 2003, is the second generation of DDR technology. It doubles the data rate again compared to DDR1 memory through a complex process of halving the internal clock speed compared to the speed of the external interface. In effect, DDR2 can transfer data four times per clock cycle.
What do DDR2-667 and PC2-5400 mean?
These are two names for the same type of DDR2 RAM, but they are measuring slightly different characteristics. Here are the main factors you need to consider:
- Clock speed: This measures the base speed of the memory. These particular modules have a base clock speed of 166.67 MHz.
- Date rate: This measures the data transfer rate, though not the total bandwidth, of the memory. DDR2 memory can transfer data at four times the base clock speed. DDR2-667 has a transfer rate of approximately 666.67 MHz, or four times 166.67.
- Peak bandwidth rate: This describes the total maximum data bandwidth, or the amount of data it can transmit, per second. PC2-5400 memory (also known as PC2-5300) has a maximum bandwidth of 5,333.33 megabytes per second. This represents the maximum theoretical limit. Real-world bandwidth may be lower.
- Timing: The timing measures the latency, or the time delay, as the memory is performing certain actions. It is typically expressed in terms of the number of clock cycles. A lower number provides improved performance. There are two types of DDR-667 RAM: DDR-667C and DDR-667D. The former has slightly lower latency levels.
What is the typical pin count of DDR2 memory?
To determine the right pin count, decide what type of memory you need. There are two types of RAM: DIMMs, or dual in-line memory modules, and SO-DIMMs, or small-outline dual in-line memory modules. The typical DDR2 DIMMs, which are generally designed for desktop computers, have 240 pins. DDR SO-DIMMs, which are approximately half the size of regular DIMMs, have 200 pins. These are designed for laptops and notebooks.
What factors affect the compatibility of different memory?
If you are combining two different memory cards, then you will need to make sure they are compatible with each other. The general rule is that DDR memory is compatible within generations but not between them. If two different generations of DDR RAM have the same number of pins, they are not compatible with each other due to differences in timing, signaling voltages, and other factors. It is possible to match different memory cards within DDR generations, but the computer will only operate at the speed of the slower module.