Memory (RAM) is where the program and the data are stored.
The processor has a
small amount (gets larger with every new processor) of memory built in, it is
called the cache memory. Your programs are very large due to functions,
graphics, and overhead built into the compiler used to make the program (long
story). For the processor to do it's job it has to have fast access to the
program and data that the program manipulates to give you the desired result.
Do you see a lag in some programs but not others? When you open your email it
takes a second or so to open up, but when you open a document from your word
processor it seems like you could go drink a coke while it loads? The primary
cause is memory.
An effect of lower amount of memory you have in your system is when you load a
large program, parts of the program have to be set aside (swapped out) to
physical storage. If you load two or more programs then more has to be swapped
out to physical storage. Only a small part of the program is retained in memory.
This causes your system to run slow.
You can have an older processor (say a Pentium III) and one gig of memory the
system will be almost as fast as a newer Dual Core system with 256 meg of
memory.
Memory comes in different speeds and types. DDR and DIMM are the current types
of memory. The newer main boards are going to DDR type of memory because it is
faster.
One more thing effects the overall performance of the system in regards to the
memory, that is the speed of the memory. This value is fixed to a certain degree
by the main board when it is manufactured. Some main boards have built in
upgrade paths, in other words the designers know what is being developed and
plan this into their products.
So if you want a performance upgrade and don't have or want to spend a lot of
money then
increasing the memory in your system is best choice.
