Low Density or High-Density RAM? Choose the Best Option and Get the Maximum Performance Out Of Your Computer
RAM or Random Access Memory is a crucial part of any computer. It is the core part of any PC and determines its overall performance. So before we discuss low density vs. High-density RAM, you need to understand why RAM is important.
Know that your computer speed is determined by the amount of RAM your main CPU gets access to. Along with this, RAM ensures that your computer supports the software. After all, every software needs memory and space to run comfortably. So if your PC doesn’t have enough RAM, then the software will either not run or run slowly. This will affect the performance of your system. But know that there’s not just one kind of RAM available in the market. So let us discuss all the various types available.
What Are The Different Kinds Of RAM Available?
Here are the various kinds of specialized RAMs. Knowing these will allow you to understand low-density and high-density RAMs better. These are:
SRAM: It stands for Static Random Access Memory and is noted for being fast but expensive. SRAM comes with multiple transistors and is used generally for just memory caching.
DRAM: It stands for Dynamic Random Access Memory. Here each cell contains a transistor and capacitor. It is cheaper than SRAM.
RDRAM: It stands for Rambus Dynamic Random Access Memory. RDRAM offers ultra-high speeds, but it’s also expensive.
SDRAM: It means Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory. Here, every chip comes with internal registers that follow requests from your CPU. So the CPU can carry out other work as the data gets assembled. Know that since the SDRAM works in tandem with the CPU, it is already prepared with the data when your CPU asks for it.
DDR-SDRAM: It means Double-Data Rate SDRAM, and it works like SDRAM but with a change. Here it works twice as fast by properly synchronizing the falling as well as rising of the clock pulse. An advantage of DDR-SDRAM is that it can be put in dual-channels. However, the RAM sticks present in each channel must be matched in terms of speed and size.
What Is Low Density And High-Density RAM?
You will understand the concept of low and high-density RAMs better if you know how data is stored in RAM.
Know that data gets handled by the memory modules. This data gets stored on the cells found in the little DRAM black-chips that come fixed to the circuit board’s memory module. As technology has advanced, we have been able to fit multiple such cells into one chip. So this has ensured that you get better memory capacity, but with lesser chips.
So, low-density RAM refers to the memory module circuit boards that come loaded with 8 DRAM black-chips (4 on either side). The higher density RAMs are those boards that come equipped with 16 DRAM black-chips (8 on each side). So on higher density boards, there are more DRAM chips. As such, you get better memory capacity there.
Which Type Should You Buy?
Know that low-density RAMs aren’t lesser than higher density ones and vice versa. Both these types of RAM exist because they are useful for different systems. So before buying RAM, you need to check what your system can support. Because if you put in the wrong RAM stick that isn’t compatible with the motherboard, your computer won’t work in the best-case scenario. In the worst-case scenario, your RAM stick, motherboard, or both can end up damaged.
If you don’t have the needed system information to choose the correct RAM stick, observe if your OS crashes frequently. Note that there can be multiple reasons behind your system crashing, but if your RAM stick comes with 16 chips, then you can try swapping it out for eight chips sticks. This can solve the issue, and you will know what works for your PC.
Is Low-Density RAM Compatible With Older Machines Only?
First of all, know that there hasn’t been any official data from manufacturers that have confirmed or denied this allegation. Thus, all these kinds of issues have been derived strictly from the experiences of various users. Many have indeed said that lower density RAM is better suited to some types of older systems.
For example: if you have an older system like IBM ThinkPad600X, it won’t accept a high-density RAM of 256MB. But it will work with a lower density one containing 256MB modules.
Know that high-density RAM sticks work fine on modern laptops. So if you are using a newer system, then it will most probably support a high-density stick. The reason behind this could be how the internal memory, especially the banks and ranks are structured.
So, lower and higher density RAM sticks are both useful and beneficial. You need to look at your system requirements and then decide accordingly. After all, one is not better than the other and if you see someone saying that higher density offers more incredible speeds, then know that it’s a hoax.
READ MORE: How To Update Bios for New RAM? and What Is PC3 RAM?
About the Author Michael E. Yates
Hi! The words you are going to read comes from me! A geek passionately and a writer of 5+ years professionally. If you ask about my likings, well, I love to tag along with upcoming technology trends. Though I also have contributed to many more technology sites through my writings. If you ask about my dreams, then one of them is finding an instant solution for every device malfunction, so I am creating a blog post. A blog post that will help more people like me. I, introduce thepcstuff.com the result of my hard work and patience. Do not worry, with me and my team behind the computers will make sure every vital information related to technology reaches all of you people. So, if you are ready to go on an adventurous ride with thepcstuff.com and me, let's get started!
