A Single In Line Memory Module is an outdated standard for a computer’s Random Access Memory. SIMM memory cards were created to allow computer memory upgrades. An older SIMM memory card could be easily replaced with a SIMM upgrade.

SIMM memory expansions were designed to bypass RAM installation on the motherboard. Unfortunately, there was no real standard. Pentium computers required 72 pin SIMM memory, some Apple computers required 64 pin SIMMs and older computers (Intel 286, 386 and 486) required 30 pin SIMMs.

1. The more RAM you install, the faster your processing speed and the larger the size of files you can work with.

2. Modern operating systems tax SIMM RAM, often demanding gigabytes of memory.

3. SIMM memory and SIMM upgrades have been replaced by two sided DIMM (Dual Inline Memory Modules) DDR2 SDRAM (double-data-rate two synchronous dynamic RAM) in the most recent computers, which are activated by a clock signal to synchronize data transfer with CPU operations.

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

Evaluate your current SIMM computer memory capabilities

Make sure your computer is equipped to run the software you use with maximum efficiency. In order to do this you need to compare your current memory capabilities with the minimum software requirements.

I recommend: You can refer to tech support sites such as 4all memory for instructions on how to find your current system memory configuration. Or you can log onto Computer Hope and have them diagnose your system for you.

Maximize the SIMM memory on older computers

It's possible to skip a generation of software and keep your business running smoothly, but sooner or later you will need to upgrade to take advantage of the current version's time and cost-saving features. Even with older software, you will still find a noticeable improvement if you upgrade to the fastest SIMMs with the most memory available to your computer. Some computers shipped with SIMMs in DIMM slots to hold down purchase cost, which can provide even significant improvements by allowing you to double the RAM capacity of each memory component (you cannot, however, use DIMMs in SIMM slots).

I recommend: Do a serious price and feature comparison. A number of sites, such as PriceRunner and BizRate allow you to compare vendor prices. If you know exactly what you want, you can go directly to an online vendor such as Memory Suppliers or Computer Memory Outlet.

Replace computers using older SIMM RAM memory chips with computers using better chips

The truth is, the world has passed SIMM memory by. You may be able to hold onto your fleet for another couple of years, especially if you are willing to stick with Windows XP or older operating systems. Sooner or later, however, you will want to upgrade to a faster system with faster DDR2 memory and a bigger hard drive. You can't simply replace older SIMMs with the new SDRAM chips because the motherboards and logic chips weren't designed to access them. You could replace the motherboards on your systems. Motherboard upgrades work well in any many systems, although other older components will still run slow and some may need to be replaced to work with the new board. In addition, if your budget allows it, replacing your outdated machines with entirely new ones may prove to be the most cost effective in the long run.

I recommend: If you have your own hardware support staff, you can buy replacement motherboards online at Fry’s Electronics. Unlike other vendors, Fry’s sorts their motherboards by the socket type, making it easier to find the right upgrade board for your CPU. Dell’s Precision T7400 workstations will access up to 128 GB with the expected release of 8 GB DIMMs. Hewlett Packard offers a lower priced Pavilion Elite d5000t ATX series workstation with up to 8 GB of DDR2 SDRAM.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Don't confuse SIMM RAM with hard drive space. SIMMs store the work you are doing on open files, keeping track of changes and allowing you to undo steps. When you save a file it is stored permanently on your hard drive so that you can access it later. As with RAM, modern operating systems and software require more and more hard drive space as well.
• •  Every computer has a maximum amount of RAM memory it can access. Don't install more SIMM RAM than your computers support.