Choosing the Right DDR3 Memory for Your Desktop

What do you need to consider in choosing the right DDR3 memory for your desktop? First, you have limitations on what your motherboard can handle. Each motherboard manufacturer specifically designs a motherboard to handle a particular type of memory. Each motherboard has a built-in I/O clock which limits the speed in which memory modules can do their work. You need to check on the design specifications for your particular motherboard to find out what the limitations are as far as DDR3 memory. You may find that your motherboard cannot handle DDR3 at all. If you know that your motherboard can handle DDR3, the next step is figuring out how much memory.

Second, another factor in choosing the right DDR3 memory for your desktop is selecting how much memory you want in your computer. You may think you want to maximize the amount of memory you have in your computer. If you have the financial wherewithal to do that, it is a good idea. If you cannot do that at one time, you need to plan. When you are looking at your motherboard's documentation, make note at its top capacity for memory. It may have anywhere from one to four slots for memory. If you only have a single slot, then you are limited to whatever you can put in a single slot. However, if you have more than one slot, you can purchase memory at different times and upgrade each slot individually.

Third, what do you do with your computer? Another factor in choosing the right DDR3 memory for your desktop is getting enough to handle your computer use. If you regularly use programs which are memory or graphics intensive, you are going to need to maximize the amount of memory you have in your computer. You also need memory which has the highest clock speed available. This will maximize the amount of usage you get from your computer as well as its responsiveness.

Finally, make sure you get the desktop memory instead of the laptop. This may seem irrelevant but it can be a critical factor. Laptops have a different architecture when it comes to memory. You need to select desktop memory modules when you are choosing the right DDR3 memory for your desktop. If you end up with memory that uses the SO-DIMM architecture, it will not work on a desktop. You need the DIMM architecture for your desktop memory.