Kingston DDR2 SDRAM Computer 512 MB Capacity per Module RAM 1 Modules

What is DDR2 SDRAM Memory?

Memory is the component that temporarily stores data needed for programs in the process of running on a computer. DDR2 SDRAM is one of many types of memory defined both by the way it transfers data but the timing of those transfers. Kingston is one manufacturer that offers a range of DDR2 RAM boards that incorporate different technological features.

What Are Important Things to Know About Installing Memory?

Before installing a Kingston DDR2 board into your laptop or desktop, there are some features and factors worth knowing about memory in general, like:

• Memory Modules: Each individual DDR2 card is known as a module with types including DIMM and SODIMM or SO-DIMM. Your laptop or desktop may contain multiple modules of RAM, so while one memory module may only contain 512 MB, together, four modules will provide 2 GB DDR2 memory. Modules follow naming conventions like PC2-5300, which means that is a DDR2 board with a maximum transfer rate of 5300 Mbps.
• Pin Compatibility: DDR2 cards are inserted into the motherboard but it will only accept DIMM or SODIMM cards of a certain type. To perform a memory upgrade, you need to know what type of DIMM you need as you can't put a 240-pin DDR2 DIMM in the 200-pin slot of a DDR2 SO-DIMM.
• Special Types of RAM: It's important to know that boards like 512 MB DDR2 SDRAM memory modules can implement their own features. There are modules with error correcting code (ECC) designed for servers and buffered memory modules that buffer signals. In both cases, unbuffered and non-ECC are far more common for regular use.

What Are the Trade-Offs of DDR2 SDRAM?

As with most forms of technology that continues to develop and evolve, there are strengths and weakness to DDR2 SDRAM such as:

• Synchronous Dynamic RAM (SDRAM): Compared to other types of memory like DRAM, SDRAM benefits by syncing up with the processor's clock cycle and pipelining incoming commands. This way both components are on the same page as to when transfers will happen, reducing latency between transfers.
• Increased Data Rate: Also known as double pumping, DDR2 boards transfer data twice a clock cycle rather than once. To further increase its data transfer rate capacity, DDR2 slows the internal clock to half speed, 100 MHz instead of 200 MHz, doubling the transfer rate again. This is something DDR does not do while later versions DDR3 and DDR4 take this further by slowing the internal clock even more.

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