Buying a new desktop or a new computer may give you a lot of options, but you may face one thing which would make you confused: desktop memory. Your choice would surely depend as to how you would use your computer and the performance you would want. Typical desktops now have 1GB to 4GB, but you may want to find out more about these things.

RAM sizes

RAM, or random access memory, come in different sizes. There are modules from 512 MB up to 4GB, and greatly differ in types, as well. The general rule is to always determine how you would use your computer or laptop. Your personal usage, whether for multimedia or gaming, greatly affects your need for RAM size.

Most software nowadays have two kinds of system requirements for RAM: recommended and minimal. Depending on how you would want to run your programs and applications, you might want to stick to getting the minimum 2 GB in today's standards, or get 4 GB.

Operating System Compatibility

Not all operating systems are able to handle big desktop memory sizes. 32-bit Windows OS only recognizes 4 GB RAMs, while higher ones would need to be upgraded to 64-bit operating systems. Always remember this especially if you are building your own desktop.

Memory Module Kinds

RAM modules usually have numbers and kinds with them. As typical numbers go, the higher you get, the faster you have. DDR2 and DDR3 are among the most common, with DDR2 modules being more popular because of their cheaper prices. Of course, DDR3 RAM modules perform faster.

The higher values your RAM has, the faster it runs. So if you have 800 MHz, it will significantly run slower than one with 1066 MHz.

RAM Expansions

Since most desktops have four to six slots, you have a lot of options for memory upgrades in the future. Some smaller desktops, however, may have two. Modules also perform faster when paired in two's, but others also have three nowadays.

You may consider memory upgrades, so keep slots in your desktop CPU for future use. If your PC has four memory slots, you may consider 4 pieces of 1 GB RAM, but then you won't have any space for upgrades. If you choose 2 x 2 GB modules, then you can add more 2GB modules in the near future. This makes your computer practically future-proof, and easier to upgrade and update.

Also remember that 2 modules of lower sizes are generally cheaper than single desktop memory modules in bigger sizes. This is due to the fact that single RAM modules free you more slots for upgrading in the future.