The importance of
Computer RAM Memory Upgrades
DDR PC Memory
A dual inline memory module (DIMM) consists of a number of memory components (usually black) that are attached to a printed circuit board (usually green). The gold pins on the bottom of the DIMM provide a connection between the module and a socket on a larger printed circuit board. The pins on the front and back of a DIMM are not connected to each other.
184-pin DIMMs are used to provide DDR memory for desktop computers. Standard 184-pin DIMMs are available in PC2100 DDR, PC2700 DDR, and PC3200 DDR.
To use DDR memory, your system motherboard must have 184-pin DIMM slots and a DDR-enabled chipset. A DDR DIMM will not fit into a standard SDRAM DIMM socket.
The number of black components on a 184-pin DIMM can vary, but it always has 92 pins on the front and 92 pins on the back, for a total of 184. 184-pin DIMMs are approximately 5.25 inches long and 1.25 inches high, though the heights can vary. While 184-pin DIMMs and 168-pin DIMMs are approximately the same size, 184-pin DIMMs have only one notch within the row of pins.
DDR2 PC Memory
A dual inline memory module (DIMM) consists of a number of memory components (usually black) that are attached to a printed circuit board (usually green). The gold pins on the bottom of the DIMM provide a connection between the module and a socket on a larger printed circuit board. The pins on the front and back of a DIMM are not connected to each other.
240-pin DIMMs are used to provide DDR2 memory for desktop computers. DDR2 is a leading-edge generation of memory with an improved architecture that allows it to transmit data very fast. Each 240-pin DIMM provides a 64-bit data path (72-bit for ECC or registered or Fully Buffered modules).
To use DDR2 memory, your system motherboard must have 240-pin DIMM slots and a DDR2-enabled chipset. A DDR2 DIMM will not fit into a standard SDRAM DIMM socket or a DDR DIMM socket.
The number of black components on a 240-pin DIMM can vary, but it always has 120 pins on the front and 120 pins on the back, for a total of 240. 240-pin DIMMs are approximately 5.25 inches long and 1.18 inches high, though the heights can vary. While 240-pin DDR2 DIMMs, 184-pin DDR DIMMs, and 168-pin DIMMs are approximately the same size, 240-pin DIMMs and 184-pin DIMMs have only one notch within the row of pins. The notch in a 240-pin DDR2 DIMM is closer toward the center of the module.
DDR and DDR2 Notebook Memory
A small outline dual inline memory module (SODIMM) consists of a number of memory components (usually black) that are attached to a printed circuit board (usually green). SODIMMs get their name because they are smaller and thinner than regular DIMMs. The gold pins on the bottom of the SODIMM provide a connection between the module and a socket on a larger printed circuit board. The pins on the front and back of a SODIMM are not connected.
200-pin SODIMMs are used to provide DDR and DDR2 memory for notebook computers. 200-pin SODIMMs are available in PC2700 DDR, PC3200 DDR, DDR2 PC6400, DDR2 PC5400, DDR2 PC4200 and DDR2 PC3200 . To use DDR or DDR2 memory, your system motherboard must have 200-pin SODIMM slots and a DDR- or DDR2-enabled chipset. A DDR or DDR2 SODIMM will not fit into a standard SDRAM SODIMM socket.
The number of black components on a 200-pin SODIMM can vary, but it always has 100 pins on the front and 100 pins on the back, for a total of 200. 200-pin SODIMMs are approximately 2.625 inches long and 1.25 inches high, though the heights can vary. Like 144-pin SODIMMs, 200-pin SODIMMs have one small notch within the row of pins; however, the notch on the 200-pin SODIMMs is closer to the left side of the module.
SDRAM Memory
A dual inline memory module (DIMM) consists of a number of memory components (usually black) that are attached to a printed circuit board (usually green). The gold pins on the bottom of the DIMM provide a connection between the module and a socket on a larger printed circuit board. The pins on the front and back of a DIMM are not connected.
168-pin DIMMs are commonly found in Pentium® and Athlon® systems. 168-pin DIMMs are available in 66MHz SDRAM, PC100 SDRAM, and PC133 SDRAM. When upgrading, be sure to match the memory technology that is already in your system.
The number of black components on a 168-pin DIMM can vary, but it always has 84 pins on the front and 84 pins on the back, for a total of 168. 168-pin DIMMs are approximately 5.25 inches long and 1.375 inches high, though the heights can vary. They have two small notches within the row of pins along the bottom of the module.
SDRAM Notebook Memory
A small outline dual inline memory module (SODIMM) consists of a number of memory components (usually black) that are attached to a printed circuit board (usually green). SODIMMs get their name because they are smaller and thinner than regular DIMMs. The gold pins on the bottom of the SODIMM provide a connection between the module and a socket on a larger printed circuit board. The pins on the front and back of a SODIMM are not connected.
144-pin SODIMMs are commonly found in notebook computers. 144-pin SODIMMs are available in 66MHz SDRAM, PC100 SDRAM, and PC133 SDRAM. When upgrading, be sure to match the memory technology that is already in your system.
The number of black components on a 144-pin SODIMM can vary, but it always has 72 pins on the front and 72 pins on the back, for a total of 144. 144-pin SODIMMs are approximately 2.625 inches long and 1.25 inches high, though the heights can vary. They have one small notch within the row of pins along the bottom of the module.
SIMM Memory
single inline memory module (SIMM) consists of a number of memory components (usually black) that are attached to a printed circuit board (usually green). The gold or tin pins on the bottom of the SIMM provide a connection between the module and a socket on a larger printed circuit board. The pins on the front and back of a SIMM are connected.
72-pin SIMMs are commonly found in older desktop computers, such as the 486 and early Pentium® models. 72-pin SIMMs are available in FPM or EDO. When upgrading, be sure to match the memory technology that is already in your system.
The number of black components on a 72-pin SIMM can vary. 72-pin SIMMs are approximately 4.25 inches long and 1 inch high, though the heights can vary. They have one notch on the bottom left and one notch in the center of the module.