In computer terms, DDR memory (also known as DDR ram) is a computer bus (chip) that operates with double data rate, meaning that data transfers on both the rising and falling edges of the clock signal. In simpler terms, DDR is a class of memory that is integrated into most computers' circuitry.

Double data rate memory (DDR memory) has been widely used to increase the power of:

1. microprocessor front side busses
2. Ultra-3 SCSI
3. AGP busses
4. DDR SDRAM
5. HyperTransport busses on AMD's Athlon 64 processors

With the integration of DDR SDRAM memory, the computer industry began referring to the bus bandwidth in megabytes per second.

DDR SDRAM memory only uses double data rate signaling on the data lines. Address and control signals are still sent to the DRAM once per clock cycle.

There are many nuances associated with DDR SDRAM including types, speeds and capacities:

1. Types of DDR memory include: 168 Pin SDRAM, 184 Pin DDR SDRAM, 240 Pin DDR2 SDRAM and 240 PIN DDR3 SDRAM.

2. DDR memory speeds include: DDR 266, DDR 333, DDR 400, DDR 466, DDR 500, DDR2 400, DDR2 533, DDR2 667, DDR2 667, DDR2 675, DDR2 800, DDR2 1000, DDR2 1066, DDR2 1111, DDR2 1142, DDR2 1150, DDR2 1200, DDR2 1250, DDR2 1300, DDR3 1066, DDR3 1333, DDR3 1333, DDR3 1600, DDR3 1625, DDR3 1800, DDR3 1866, DDR3 1866, PC 100 and PC 133.

3. DDR memory capacities include: 128 MB, 256 MB, 512 MB, 1 GB, 2 GB, 4GB and 8GB.

It is important for the efficient operations of a computer to have an appropriate amount of DDR SDRAM memory. You can buy upgrades from many different electronics companies and providers of DDR SDRAM memory.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Locate information about the importance of having the proper amount of DDR memory

DDR memory is important in obtaining correct processing speed and running multiple applications on the same PC. Education on the importance of DDR, DDR SDRAM or DDR DIMM memory is available throughout the Internet.

I recommend: wiseGEEK provides a very good explanation of DDR memory and its importance to computer operations. Tech-FAQ offers a good breakdown about DDR (double data rate) memory. Webopedia details a more technical view of DDR RAM and DDR memory.

Find providers of DDR SDRAM memory

You can purchase DDR memory quite easily from the many providers of DDR SDRAM memory.

I recommend: Crucial offers many solutions and products related to upgrading DDR RAM memory. DDR Memory RAM provides many double data rate memory (DDR) products and also gives installation information on these products. DDR Memory Upgrades is also a good place to buy DDR RAM memory.

Install DDR RAM memory

There are many places online where you can learn to install and make upgrades to your DDR memory.

I recommend: HowStuffWorks gives good information about DDR memory, explaining what it is and how easy it is to make upgrades. DDR SDRAM Memory provides information about DDR memory installation and covers a wide range of different types of this memory. They also offer a great deal of information on the different types of DDR memory and sell it as well. SearchWarp.com is an excellent source on the proper installation of double data rate (DDR) memory.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Although it may seem confusing at first, DDR memory is quite simple to upgrade and install. If you need more processing speed in your computers, look at upgrading your DDR RAM memory. This should increase processing speed and also allow users to run multiple applications at the same time.