A memory module is very important to your PC memory or your Mac memory. Without memory modules you would not be able to use the machine for anything at all. It is through the use of memory modules that your computer can perform by accessing information in a certain order. By doing a computer memory upgrade, you can increase the speed of your machine and provide for opportunity to run more programs at one time.

Here are two terms you will hear used often when talking about a memory module and it refers to the capabilities of each one. The first is a DIMM which are Dual In Line Memory Modules. A SIMM is Single In-line Memory Modules. The faster a computer or CPU can access the information by keeping memory in a cache, the quicker the machine actually is and will perform.

The DIMM is used for a RAM, or a Random Access Memory upgrade. Desktop computers and notebooks need this RAM and is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to increase your memory. But you will need to know a few things before you can do the upgrade. First, a SIMM uses a 32 bit data path, whereas a DIMM uses a 64 bit data path. Initially, the DIMM is still the faster unit to have running.

If you are looking to replace the DIMM, then you need to know what you are currently using. You will have to add up your memory capacity by counting groups of chips. Chips are measured in bits so you will have to do a little math. The convert bits into bytes, the formula is the number of bits divided by 8 bytes. The resulting number is the amount of mega bytes that you are currently using.

PC memory upgrades are pretty simple. You simply replace the memory module with the faster processing speed or you can stack the chips and also stack the mother boards. This allows you to utilize one slot and still build up more memory for your computer to use. You can purchase these chips at a discount computer hardware store and some will even have service departments where you can have a staff member upgrade your computer for a small fee. This may save you time and a hassle, especially if you are not very computer savvy.