Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is Memory?

A. Many people confuse computer Memory with Hard Disk Space. Memory is RAM. See the definition below.

Random access memory (usually known by its acronym, RAM) is a type of data store used in computers. It takes the form of integrated circuits that allow the stored data to be accessed in any order — that is, at random and without the physical movement of the storage medium or a physical reading head.

The word "random" refers to the fact that any piece of data can be returned quickly, and in a constant time, regardless of its physical location and whether or not it is related to the previous piece of data. This contrasts with storage mechanisms such as tapes, magnetic disks and optical disks, which rely on the physical movement of the recording medium or a reading head. In these devices, the movement takes longer than the data transfer, and the retrieval time varies depending on the physical location of the next item.



Q. Why should I upgrade my memory?

A. Upgrading your computer's memory (RAM) is one of the quickest, most efficient and most cost-effective ways to boost performance. Many new computers come with only a bare minimum of memory installed. Adding more RAM can add more zip to your system. And installation is not that complicated. Sometimes getting the case off takes more time than installing the actual RAM itself.

How much memory is enough? An average computer user is probably okay with the basic 128MB to 256MB of RAM. But as fast as technology changes, so will your need for additional memory. Just remember: more is better. 256MB is what most average users need. But if you're looking to make your processor really work for you — like for high-end applications, intense gaming and multimedia work — upgrade to even more RAM. You'll notice a significant performance gain all around.

Take a glance at what a memory upgrade can do for you

Smoother multitasking
Like to have your charts and e-mail, too? Do you open several programs at the same time and switch between them frequently — and does your current PC moan and groan when you do? Then a memory upgrade is essential for smooth, effortless multitasking. It gives your computer an extra boost so it doesn't have to use the hard drive to manage data.

Q. What types of memory are there?

A. The type of RAM doesn't matter nearly as much as how much of it you've got, but using plain old SDRAM memory today will slow you down. There are three main types of RAM: SDRAM, DDR and Rambus DRAM.

SDRAM (Synchronous DRAM)
Almost all systems used to ship with 3.3 volt, 168-pin SDRAM DIMMs. SDRAM is not an extension of older EDO DRAM but a new type of DRAM altogether. SDRAM started out running at 66 MHz, while older fast page mode DRAM and EDO max out at 50 MHz. SDRAM is able to scale to 133 MHz (PC133) officially, and unofficially up to 180MHz or higher. As processors get faster, new generations of memory such as DDR and RDRAM are required to get proper performance.

DDR (Double Data Rate SDRAM)
DDR basically doubles the rate of data transfer of standard SDRAM by transferring data on the up and down tick of a clock cycle. DDR memory operating at 333MHz actually operates at 166MHz * 2 (aka PC333 / PC2700) or 133MHz*2 (PC266 / PC2100). DDR is a 2.5 volt technology that uses 184 pins in its DIMMs. It is incompatible with SDRAM physically, but uses a similar parallel bus, making it easier to implement than RDRAM, which is a different technology.

Rambus DRAM (RDRAM)
Despite it's higher price, Intel has given RDRAM it's blessing for the consumer market, and it will be the sole choice of memory for Intel's Pentium 4. RDRAM is a serial memory technology that arrived in three flavors, PC600, PC700, and PC800. PC800 RDRAM has double the maximum throughput of old PC100 SDRAM, but a higher latency. RDRAM designs with multiple channels, such as those in Pentium 4 motherboards, are currently at the top of the heap in memory throughput, especially when paired with PC1066 RDRAM memory.

Q. What type of warranty do I get when I purchase memory from Keystone?

A. No returns will be accepted without an RMA number. The RMA number must be written on the outside of the box. Unauthorized RMA's will be returned to the sender at their expense. Returns may be subject to a 15% restocking fee.

One year warranty for all "NEW" Sun memory upgrades.
90-day warranty for all "Used/Refurbished" sun memory upgrades.
30-day warranty for all PC, Laptop and Generic server memory upgrades.
30 day warranty for all CPU's.

Replacements/Credit at the discretion of Keystone Memory Group for defective product only. NO REFUNDS.

Customer accepts full responsibility for items returned to Keystone Memory Group that are damaged due to improper packaging.

Non-manufacture by Seller.  The goods which are the subject of this contract have not been manufactured by the Seller.  As such, the Seller makes no representation or warranty as to the manufacturer of this product.  All product is specifically sold as a resale product unless otherwise specifically set forth herein in writing.