Computer RAM PC800-40ns nonECC. What does the "40" mean? I've seen 40 and 45. Not sure which I need.

Question

I need to buy more RD Ram but not sure which to get or if the 40 or 45 even make a difference.

Answer 1

Go to www.crucial.com and search using the make and model of your PC.

40ns (nano-seconds) is the read / write speed of the RAM stick.

Answer 2

The 40ns means "40 nano-seconds" (a nano-second is one billionth of a second) and refers to the access time it takes to transfer information between the computer and the memory.

Usually the motherboard manufacturer will document the type of memory that you need; however, in the case of access time, it doesn't hurt to get the memory with the 'lower' number if it is not too much more expensive than the other.

If your computer can access the memory at higher speeds, it is better to get the one with faster access time, although it will not hurt if your computer cannot handle the lower number. In your case, 40 nanoseconds is faster than 45 nanoseconds, so you can get the 40ns designated memory.