Graphics Card Ddr
 |
 XFX Radeon HD 4550 Graphic Card 625 MHz Core 1 GB DDR2 SDRAM PCI Express  US $39.99
|
Laptop Memory Frequency, Capacity and Timings - How To Find The Right Balance
SODIMM Memory Frequency
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 available to your system, thus ultimately 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 course depending on your model of laptop, it might not be possible 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 effective 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 result will still be memory that runs at a maximum of 533MHz. This is true unless of course the memory controller in that laptop supports the frequency of the faster memory. Normally laptop manufacturers already install the fastest grade of memory during production..
Should you conclude that your laptop does support faster SODIMM memory modules, it may just be worth upgrading all the installed memory to whatever highest grade is supported. Memory frequency is the number 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 available combination. Simply follow this line of thought and you'll be okay.
SODIMM Memory Capacity
The amount of memory you have installed in your laptop is what generally speaking ultimately defines how smooth software runs. Consequently, while memory frequency is a key factor to SODIMM memory performance, the capacity of memory installed is fundamental for overall system performance.
How much memory you need is dependant on what software you run. Unfortunately, there's no golden rule that magically works for each and every application out there. Fortunately however there's an old principle that lends a helping hand: more memory always helps. Essentially what this translates to in practise is this: install more memory than you need as this way you're far less likely to run into slowdowns, providing of course the slowdowns are the result of low system memory and not, per se, the processor, graphics card, storage device etc.
Does this sound too good to be true? Regrettably yes, for three reasons. Firstly, buying too much laptop memory will likely aid laptop performance 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 available 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 System 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 available to system 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 consider 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 System 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 visible thus use is around 3.25-3.5GB.
SODIMM Memory Timings
Computer memory feature what's known as timings. These are numerical values which represent delays in how a SODIMM memory module operates. The actual values vary depending on the type of memory (i.e. DDR2) and whether the given SODIMM memory module is mainstream or a performance 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, located on the same PCB (Printed Circuit Board) as the memory chips.
Because memory timings are ultimately 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 performance part. This is due to synchronisation issues. Memory timings control how slow or how fast a given operation 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 system halt.
Since enhanced memory timings can only contribute so much to real-world system performance (circa 5% real-world performance boost), it's really a case of deciding whether you believe the added speed boost (i.e. slightly more memory bandwidth, somewhat lower memory access latency) is enough to warrant the price premium. Various tests over the years suggest no, even if you install "performance" SODIMM memory, you're not likely to feel the difference in any type of software but benchmarks.
Conclusion
There are some important facts to recall from the above. First and foremost 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 overall system performance. Secondly, memory capacity is what directly affects the overall 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 available to the Operating System and other software. Thirdly, memory timings act as an icing on the cake (for a better term) to both memory frequency and capacity.
About the Author
Find out much more on Laptop Memory by visiting the Laptop Memory Upgrades website complete with an easy to follow Guide, FAQ's and Articles.
|
|
Video-338PCI-128Twin - graphics card - GF 6200 - 128 MB $91.99 Jaton Video-338PCI-128Twin - Graphics card - GF 6200 - 128 MB DDR - PCI |
|
|
Video-338PCI-LP - graphics card - GF 6200 - 256 MB $99.99 Jaton Video-338PCI-LP - Graphics card - GF 6200 - 256 MB DDR - PCI |
|
|
VIDEO-338PCI-128TV - graphics card - GF 6200 - 128 MB $64.99 Jaton VIDEO-338PCI-128TV - Graphics card - GF 6200 - 128 MB DDR - PCI |
|
|
VIDEO-338PCI-DX - graphics card - GF 6200 - 128 MB $79.99 Jaton VIDEO-338PCI-DX - Graphics card - GF 6200 - 128 MB DDR - PCI |
|
|
VIDEO-338PCI-LX - graphics card - GF 6200 - 256 MB $91.99 Jaton VIDEO-338PCI-LX - Graphics card - GF 6200 - 256 MB DDR - PCI |
|
|
128MB Jaton nVIDIA GeForce 6200 PCI DDR VGA Low Profile SUP Dual Output Graphics Card VIDEO338PCIDX $86.14 128MB Jaton nVIDIA GeForce 6200 PCI DDR VGA Low Profile SUP Dual Output Graphics Card VIDEO338PCIDX |
|
|
Jaton GeForce 6200 Graphics Card - nVIDIA GeForce 6200 - 128MB DDR SDRAM - HD-15, RCA VIDEO338PCI128TV $66.36 Jaton GeForce 6200 Graphics Card - nVIDIA GeForce 6200 - 128MB DDR SDRAM - HD-15, RCA VIDEO338PCI128TV |
|
|
256MB Jaton Graphics Card nVIDIA GeForce 6200 AGP8X DDR 64bit 3DFORCE6200TWINLP $79.93 256MB Jaton Graphics Card nVIDIA GeForce 6200 AGP8X DDR 64bit 3DFORCE6200TWINLP |
|
|
64MB PNY nVIDIA QUADRO4 NVS 280 DDR Dual VGA PCI-EXPRESS Graphics Card VCQ4280NVSPCIE $83.83 64MB PNY nVIDIA QUADRO4 NVS 280 DDR Dual VGA PCI-EXPRESS Graphics Card VCQ4280NVSPCIE |
|
|
128MB HP Video Card FireGL V3300 DDR PCI-E (x16) Graphics Board Hi-end 3D Graphics 413106001 $40.78 128MB HP Video Card FireGL V3300 DDR PCI-E (x16) Graphics Board Hi-end 3D Graphics 413106001 |
|
|
NEC MDM10B-3MP Graphics Card $959.99 1 Year Limited 13.50" 2 2048 x 1536 256 MB 3" 400 MHz 9.40" 512-bit GPU PCI 64-bit, 66 MHz FCC Class A CE CSA VCCI DDR SDRAM Graphics Card MDM10B-3MP MDM10B-3MP Graphics Card NEC Nec Corporation PC PCI Yes www.necus.com |
|
|
3DForce6200Twin - graphics card - GF 6200 - 256 MB $78.99 Jaton 3DForce6200Twin - Graphics card - GF 6200 - 256 MB DDR - AGP 8x |
|
|
AMD FireMV 2400 Graphics Card $387.99 100-505131 128 MB 2048 x 1536 3 Year 4 AMD Advanced Micro Devices, Inc Bulk DDR SDRAM FireMV 2400 FireMV 2400 Graphics Card Graphics Card PC PCI Yes www.amd.com |
|
|
Jaton Video-228PCI-DVI Graphics Card $95.99 128 MB 2 2.50" 2048 x 1536 400 MHz 6.10" 64 bit VGA Driver Utilities Video-228PCI-DVI Graphics Card Quick installation guide Software and Document CD Low profile bracket P514 LFH to Dual DVI Adapter Cable Operating System: Microsoft Windows 95 Microsoft Windows 98 Microsoft Windows ME Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 Microsoft Windows 2000 Microsoft Windows XP Microsoft Windows Vista The Video-228PCI Series video accelerators are excellent 2D/3D multimedia video adapters for PCI local bus desktop PCs? Based on nVIDIA GeForceFX 5200 core technology, built-in with 128MB DDR memory module, these video cards will provide multiple display outputs onboard for TVout (Analog and Digital) or Dual RGBout (Twin) in optional. As the previously core technology from nVIDIA, the GeForceFX 5200 Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) shakes up the gaming industry with its extremely performance, unusual visual effects, and speedy frame rates-injecting life into the artificial world of computer-generated graphics. DDR SDRAM GeForce FX 5200 Graphics Card Jaton Jaton Corporation OpenGL PC PCI Retail VIDEO-228PCI-DVI Video-228PCI-DVI Video-228PCI-DVI Graphics Card Yes www.jaton.com |
|
|
Diablotek Radeon 9000 Graphics Card $37.99 1 1 Year Limited 400 MHz 64 MB Available PCI slot CD-ROM drive (for software installation) Operating System(s): Microsoft Windows 9X Microsoft Windows ME Microsoft Windows 2000 Microsoft WIndows XP Microsoft WIndows Vista Radeon 9000 Graphics Card S-Video cable CD User's Manual Driver ATi DDR SDRAM Diablotek Diablotek, Inc Graphics Card PC PCI Radeon 9000 Radeon 9000 Graphics Card V9000-P64 Yes www.diablotek.com |
|
|
Jaton Video-208PCI-64Twin Graphics Card $68.99 2 2048 x 1536 270 MHz 275 MHz 64 MB 64 bit Intel Pentium, AMD or compatible CPUs 64 MB system memory or more PCI compliant motherboard Operating Systems: Microsoft Windows 98 Microsoft Windows Me Microsoft Windows NT4.0 Microsoft Windows 2000 Microsoft Windows XP Video-208PCI-64Twin Graphics Card Quick installation guide Low profile bracket Software and Document CD (VGA Driver & Utilities) MD9-pin to DB15(VGA out) cable Note: The 9-pin to VGA adapter will be limited to 1280x1024 maximum resolution and no vista operating system support DDR SDRAM GeForce MX 4000 Graphics Card Jaton Jaton Corporation OpenGL PC PCI Retail The Video-208PCI-64Twin video accelerators is excellent 2D/3D multimedia video adapter for PCI local bus desktop PC's. Based on nVIDIA GeForce4 MX4000 core technology, built-in with 64MB DDR memory module and this video cards will provide multiple display outputs onboard for TV-Out or Dual RGB out (Twin) as options. VIDEO-208PCI-64TWIN Video-208PCI-64Twin Graphics Card Yes www.jaton.com |
|
|
Video-228PCI-XS - graphics card - GF FX 5200 - 128 MB $99.99 Jaton Video-228PCI-XS - Graphics card - GF FX 5200 - 128 MB DDR - PCI low profile |
|
|
3DForceFX5200TV - graphics card - GF FX 5200 - 128 MB $48.99 Jaton 3DForceFX5200TV - Graphics card - GF FX 5200 - 128 MB DDR - AGP 8x |
|
|
Dual Monitor 7K - graphics card - Radeon 7000 - 64 MB $49.99 VisionTek Dual Monitor 7K - Graphics card - Radeon 7000 - 64 MB DDR - PCI |
|
|
Stealth S60 - graphics card - Radeon 7000 - 64 MB $45.99 Diamond Stealth S60 - Graphics card - Radeon 7000 - 64 MB DDR - PCI |
|
|
Video-228PCI-Twin - graphics card - GF FX 5200 - 128 MB $89.99 Jaton Video-228PCI-Twin - Graphics card - GF FX 5200 - 128 MB DDR - PCI |
|
|
Video-228PCI-DVI - graphics card - GF FX 5200 - 128 MB $96.99 Jaton Video-228PCI-DVI - Graphics card - GF FX 5200 - 128 MB DDR - PCI low profile |
|
|
Millennium G550 Dual DVI - graphics card - MGA G550 - 32 MB $149.99 Matrox Millennium G550 Dual DVI - Graphics card - MGA G550 - 32 MB DDR - AGP 4x low profile |
|
|
Millennium G450 PCI - graphics card - MGA G450 - 32 MB $111.99 Matrox Millennium G450 PCI - Graphics card - MGA G450 - 32 MB DDR - PCI |
|
|
Video-208PCI-128TV - graphics card - GF MX 4000 - 128 MB $62.99 Jaton Video-208PCI-128TV - Graphics card - GF MX 4000 - 128 MB DDR - PCI low profile |
|
|
Stealth ATI Radeon 9250 - graphics card - Radeon 9250 - 256 MB $45.99 Diamond Stealth ATI Radeon 9250 - Graphics card - Radeon 9250 - 256 MB DDR - PCI |
|
|
Video-118PCI-32DDR - graphics card - GF2 MX 400 - 32 MB $42.99 Jaton Video-118PCI-32DDR - Graphics card - GF2 MX 400 - 32 MB DDR - PCI |
|
|
VIDEO-338PCI-DVI - graphics card - GF Go 6200 - 256 MB $89.99 Jaton VIDEO-338PCI-DVI - Graphics card - GF Go 6200 - 256 MB DDR - PCI low profile |
|
|
Video-228PCI-LP - graphics card - GF FX 5200 - 128 MB $98.99 Jaton Video-228PCI-LP - Graphics card - GF FX 5200 - 128 MB DDR - PCI low profile |
|
|
Best Data Stealth S60 Graphics Card ATi RADEON 7000 64MB DDR SDRAM PCI S60PCI64 $74.87 Enhance your graphics performance with the Stealth S60 Graphics Accelerator Card from Diamond MultimediaStealth S60 delivers enhanced 3D and 2D graphics performance for today s demanding games and applications. Powered by the RADEON 7000 graphics processor and with DDR Memory the Stealth S60 features HYPER Z technology to increase effective memory bandwidth and PIXEL TAPESTRY for fast image rendering. Plus Stealth S60 has industry leading builtin DVD playback capability. |
|
|
Jaton Video-208PCI-128Twin Graphics Card $80.99 1 128 MB 2 2.60" 2048 x 1536 270 MHz 275 MHz 6.25" Operating system Support: Microsoft Windows 98 Microsoft Windows Me Microsoft Windows NT.4.0 Microsoft Windows 2000 Microsoft Windows XP Intel Pentium II, III or P4 or compatible system with PCI Bus Extension Slot Hard Drive with at least 100MB Free space CD-ROM drive, Double speed or faster Video-208PCI-128Twin Graphics Card Converter cable - converts MD-9pin to DB-15 VGA Software & Documents CD Quick Start Guide (Printed) The Video-208PCI video accelerator is excellent 2D/3D multimedia video adapter for PCI local bus desktop PCs. Based on nVIDIA GeForce4 MX4000 core technology, built-in with 128MB DDR memory module and this video card will provide multiple display outputs onboard for TV-Out (Analog and Digital) or Dual RGB out (Twin) as options. Leverage of the combination of hardware and software technology, nVIDIA GeForce4 MX GPU will provide many of the new features and benefits you look for in your desktop computing as well as the best performance, combining usual quality and exceeding crisp resolution. With all of this, the Video-208PCI video card bring a new level of graphics accomplishment and flexibility to the mainstream desktop PC market! DDR SDRAM GeForce MX 4000 Graphics Card Jaton Jaton Corporation OpenGL PC PCI Retail VIDEO-208PCI-128TWIN Video-208PCI-128Twin Graphics Card Yes www.jaton.com |
|
|
Matrox G450 MMS Graphics Card $672.99 1 Year Limited 128 MB 2048 x 1536 350 MHz 4.20" 6.50" PCI bus Pentium 133 or greater 64MB of RAM PCI 2.1 and 2.2 compliant Operating Systems: Windows NT 4.0 Windows 2000 Windows XP DDR SDRAM G450 MMS G450 MMS Graphics Card G45X4QUAD-BF Graphics Card Matrox PC PCI Retail RoHS Yes www.matrox.com |
|
|
Jaton 3DForce6200 VIDEO-338 Graphics Card $90.99 1 128 bit 2 2048 x 1536 256 MB 3DForce 3DForce6200 VIDEO-338 Graphics Card 400 MHz 3DForce6200 VIDEO-338 Graphics Card DVI to VGA converter Low profile brackets P213 & P511 Quick installation guide Software and Document CD TV cable/splitter (S-Video & Composite for TV_out) VGA Driver Utilities 3DForce6200 VIDEO-338 Graphics Card is based on nVIDIA GeForce 6200 core technology. 3DForce6200 VIDEO-338 Graphics Card feature nVIDIA UltraShadow II technology designed to enhance the performance of shadow-intensive games. Operating Systems: Windows XP Windows 2000 Windows Vista DDR SDRAM GeForce 6200 Graphics Card Jaton Jaton Corporation OEM OpenGL PC PCI VIDEO-338 VIDEO-338PCI-DVI Yes www.jaton.com |
|
|
Jaton GeForceFX Graphics Card $84.99 128 MB 2 2 Year Limited 2.50" 2048 x 1536 400 MHz 5.60" Intel Pentium II, III or P4, or compatible system with PCI Bus Extension Slot CD-ROM drive, Double speed or faster Hard Drive with at least 100MB Free space MS Windows 98/Me/NT 4.0/2000/XP operating systems PCI Bus mastering compatible PCI 2.2 compliance 256-bit graphics engine Performance: True, reflective bump mapping High-performance 2D rendering engine Video-228PCI-128Twin Multimedia Accelerator Software & Documents CD Quick Start Guide (Printed) nVIDIA Unified Driver Architecture OS Support: Windows 98 Windows Me Windows NT.4.0 Windows 2000 Windows XP The Video-228PCI Series video accelerators are excellent 2D/3D multimedia video adapters for PCI local bus desktop PCs. Based on nVIDIA GeForceFX 5200 core technology, built-in with 128MB DDR memory module, these video cards will provide multiple display outputs onboard for Dual RGBout (Twin). As the previously core technology from nVIDIA, the GeForceFX 5200 Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) shakes up the gaming industry with its extremely performance, unusual visual effects, and speedy frame rates-injecting life into the artificial world of computer-generated graphics. The significant enhancement is the new high quality image control. The nVIDIA GeForceFX 5200 GPU has added two more rendering pipelines and the DirectX 8-compliant T&L unit into its graphic engine, which enables the maximum flexibility and high quality 4Xs mode control capabilities; gathered with the data bus Double Data Rate RAM (DDR) circuit, the PC users can ultimately enjoy the virtual environment of 3D scenes, and ambiance textures appear photo-realistic and custom lighting heightens at a highest resolution with astonishingly fast frame refresh rate. Another feature of the Video-228PCI Series is the video accelerator, which integrates the HDVP (High Definition Video Processor) and DVD (Digital Versa Display) for video playback with higher definitions at greatly increased frame rates. A leverage of the combination of hardware and software technology, nVIDIA GeForceFX 5200 GPU will provide many of the new features and benefits you look for in your desktop computing as well as the best performance, combining usual quality and exceeding crisp resolution. With all of this, the Video-228PCI Series video cards bring a new level of graphics accomplishment and flexibility to the mainstream desktop PC market! DDR SDRAM GeForce FX 5200 GeForceFX Graphics Card Graphics Card Jaton Jaton Corporation OpenGL PC PCI VIDEO-228PCI-TWIN Yes www.jaton.com |
|
|
Matrox MGA G550 Low Profile Graphics Card $134.99 1 2 2048 x 1536 32 MB 360 MHz 64 bit Operating Systems Required : Linux Microsoft Windows XP Microsoft Windows 2000 DDR SDRAM G55MDDLP32DRF Graphics Card MGA G550 MGA G550 Low Profile Graphics Card Matrox PC PCI Yes www.matrox.com |
|
|
Jaton GeForce 6200 Graphics Card $74.99 2 2.70" 2048 x 1536 256 MB 3.0 3DFORCE6200TWIN 4 400 MHz 6.10" 64 bit GeForce 6200 Graphics Card Quick installation guide Software and Document CD Z-correct bump-mapping Multiple Render Target (MRT) Technology Operating System(s): Microsoft Windows 2000 Microsoft Windows XP Microsoft Windows Vista GeForce 6200 Graphics Card features NVIDIA UltraShadow II technology designed to enhance the performance of shadow-intensive games. In addition, features such as displacement mapping enable the creation of unique 3D characters and objects, allowing develops to alter a 3D models appearance on an individual vertex basis. VGA Driver & Utilities AGP 8x DDR SDRAM DirectX 9.0 GeForce 6200 GeForce 6200 Graphics Card Graphics Card Jaton Jaton Corporation OpenGL 1.5 PC Retail Yes nVIDIA www.jaton.com |
|
|
Visiontek 900315 Radeon HD 5450 Graphics Card - PCI Express 2.1 - 1 GB DDR SDRAM $88.99 1 GB 2560 x 1600 400 MHz 900315 900315 Radeon HD 5450 Graphics Card 900315 Radeon HD 5450 Graphics Card Set-up CD Quick Install Guide PCI Express based PC is required with one X16 lane graphics slot available on the motherboard 350 Watt or greater power supply recommended (450 Watt for ATI CrossFireX technology in dual mode) Video card may occupy two slots Certified power supplies are recommended Minimum 1GB of system memory Installation software requires CD-ROM drive DVD playback requires DVD drive Blu-ray playback requires Blu-ray drive For an ATI CrossFireX system, a second ATI Radeon HD 5450 graphics card, and ATI CrossFireX Ready motherboard are required Operating System(s): Windows XP Windows Vista Windows 7 The VisionTek ATI Radeon HD 5450 graphics processors offer the most features and functionality in their class with complete DirectX 11 support and the world's most advanced graphics, display features and technologies. ATi CrossFireX DDR SDRAM DirectX 11.0 Graphics Card HD 5450 OpenCL OpenGL 3.2 PC PCI Express 2.1 Radeon VisionTek Products, LLC Visiontek Yes www.visiontek.com |
|
|
Matrox G450 PCI Graphics Card $111.99 1 2 2048 x 1536 3 Year 32 MB 4" 5.90" G450 PCI Graphics Card DVI-to-HD15 Connector Adapter Matrox Display Drivers Matrox PowerDesk (driver interface and utilities) The Matrox G450 PCI is a dual monitor graphics cards. Passive cooling (heat sink with no fan) for silent operation and extra reliability. Easy-to-use Matrox PowerDesk driver interface. Matrox Clone to view a copy of one display on the other display. Operating Systems: Windows 98 Windows Me Windows NT 4.0 Windows 2000 Windows XP Windows Vista DDR SDRAM G450 G450 PCI Graphics Card G45FMDVP32DSF Graphics Card Matrox PC PCI RoHS Yes www.matrox.com |