How much memory does your system need?

Computer memory is important for the speed and overall performance of your system. Adding more RAM (Random Access Memory) to a computer is one of the best, easiest, and most cost-effective upgrades a computer owner can perform. However, you need to be

However, while buying a Kingston RAM (Random Access Memory) for your computer, you have to be sure that your computer does have the hardware to handle or utilize your entire RAM. This is because more RAM for a computer that cannot handle the excess memory is a waste.

Today's software applications have an ever increasing demand on your system's memory. Furthermore, if you have peripherals such as webcams, digital cameras, DVD players, USB hard drives and PC based video games, you need more and more RAM. Unless you have a high end graphics video card with its own memory, your system's memory will more than likely be shared between your Processor (CPU) and your graphics chip (video memory). Which means when your computer uses its own memory for your operating system, software applications, and peripherals, it is also shared to run your video/graphics. Hence, your system will report significantly less memory than what you originally thought you had. Hence, you need to get Graphics Cards with lots of dedicated video RAM or built-in video memory. This way you can turn off the shared memory and free up your system's memory for maximum power.

Though most of the systems that are available today can take a RAM ranging from 1 GB to 8 GB, you should always be sure of what your system requires. One of the best ways of doing this is checking the specs for the computer or laptop you are buying which will display the installed memory for you, plus it will also tell you the maximum memory that can be installed.

Though, for Windows Vista, the recommended RAM is 1 GB, however most of the users have found that using 2 or 3 GB of Kingston RAM will help to make Vista run more smoothly. Similarly, you should use 256 MB Kingston RAM or more for best results while running Windows XP though 128 MB is recommended. For the Mac OS X system you will need a minimum of 128 MB but for optimal performance try 512 MB. Linux will work nicely on a system with only 4 MB of RAM.

Thus, make sure that you know your system's configuration or refer the manual to know how much RAM you need. However, if you are indulged in gaming or graphics extensively, it is always advisable to go for a RAM which is 1GB and above. Kingston technology provides RAM that is both reliable, long lasting and with excellent performance.