The steadily dropping price of random-access memory (RAM) has made it one of the most popular choices for people who are looking for ways to upgrade their computers. If your computer has an Intel Core 2 Duo E6700 processor, you can cut through all the confusing model numbers and easily find the RAM that is best for your computer.
RAM Requirement
The Core 2 Duo E6700 requires DDR2-SDRAM running at 266 MHz. You will find this type of memory marketed as either DDR2 1066 or PC2-8500. As of 2009, you can find 2 GB of DDR2 1066 RAM for well under $50.
Be warned that you cannot use DDR-SDRAM, DDR3-SDRAM, or DDR2-SDRAM with a speed under DDR2 1066 (PC2-8500) with your Core 2 Duo E6700. Different types of RAM simply will not fit in the motherboard, and lower speeds of DDR2-SDRAM may cause system instability or failure to boot. You may use higher speeds of DDR2-SDRAM if you wish. However, faster RAM is meant for people who intend to overclock their processors (run them at higher than their rated speeds). If you will not be overclocking, there is little benefit to purchasing RAM that is faster than what the E6700 requires.
CAS Latency
In RAM, CAS latency refers to the number of clock cycles it takes for the memory to react when a command is sent from the computer's processor. The lower the CAS latency of a RAM module, the faster the module is. Examine the instruction manual for your computer or motherboard to determine whether you can adjust the CAS latency of the installed RAM. If you can, you should buy RAM with the lowest latency for the best possible computer performance. DDR2 1066 is available with CAS latency ratings of 5 to 8. To operate at a given latency timing, all of the RAM modules in your computer must be capable of operating at that timing. Bear this in mind if you intend to keep the RAM modules that are already installed in your computer when you upgrade.
Tags: your computer, Core E6700, DDR2 1066, 1066 PC2-8500, DDR2 1066 PC2-8500, E6700 requires