Reasons why the maximum we quote for your system often exceeds the stated maximum of the manufacturer.
The more observant of our customers are very quick to tell us that our stated maximum configuration of their systems doesn’t match the manufacturer’s specified maximum configuration and ask whether we haven’t made a mistake. Our simple answer is NO! We have deliberately increased them. In the following article, we’ll explain how we come to our figures.
Device data meticulously stored since 1998
In order to be able to make an informed statement on the maximum memory capacity of a system, we have maintained an extensive system database, going all the way back to 1998. This contains detailed technical information on the systems available at any given time. Details of every component – from BIOS, CPU, memory socket, graphic board to chipset – are analysed. It is possible for us, even years later, to determine which memory module fits which system.
Why there’s room for more…
The reasons why it is often possible to install far more memory than the original manufacturer intended can be attributed to the following factors:
- The density of the DRAM components, i.e. the number of bits that can be stored in a given space has dramatically increased. Today, memory offers capacities that would have been unthinkable or unaffordable, even a relatively short time ago. Unfortunately manufacturer’s specifications rarely take future, high density memory components into consideration.
- Current BIOS versions are updated to take changes in the individual system components into consideration, in order for BIOS to fulfil its duties as the system’s control centre. The most current DRAM generations are supported, allowing them to be integrated into older systems.
- Artificial limitations can also be unknowingly set by the manufacturer, through introducing errors or by putting too great a focus on other technical details. Limitations can also be deliberate, created by the manufacturer as a marketing strategy, to differentiate various models in the marketplace or, perhaps, because the larger memory modules were not available in large quantities. It is also possible that the pre-installed operating system is unable to address the maximum amount of installable memory. In such cases the system manufacturer may reduce the maximum installable memory, rather than replace the operating system with one, which can cope with a larger memory.
Using our know-how to gain more speed
Few system manufacturers continue to maintain data on their older systems. The manufacturer’s system specifications reflect the upgradability of system components, available at the time of the system release.
Thanks to the meticulously maintained data in the CompuRAM database, we are able to monitor the upward trend of the maximum installable memory and remove some of the limitations set by the manufacturers – to the benefit of our customers.