I’ve spent some time making some lenses on Squidoo for our products. This is basically just a way to get the word out on other markets about our computer memory products. After making a new of these lenses, I found that there was no good Lens Group to add them to, so I had to start my own group (sigh). So now I find myself the manager of a Lens group. If you have a lens that you’d like to add to this group, you can find it at:

Squidoo: Computer Parts Place

And here’s a list of the Lenses that I’ve created so far. More will be posted as I create them:

Dell Dimension 2400 – Computer Memory Upgrades

Dell XPS 710 – Computer Memory Upgrades

eMachines T5082 – Computer Memory Upgrades

Toshiba Satellite A135-S4427 – Computer Memory Upgrades

HP Pavilion A305W – Computer Memory Upgrades

Compaq Presario SR1803WM – Computer Memory Upgrades

Acer Aspire 3680 Notebook – Computer Memory Upgrades

convert this post to pdf.

DDR3 is the next-generation evolution of DDR and newer DDR2 memory technology that will break the Gigahertz speed barrier for memory speed.DDR3 memory comes with a promise of a power consumption reduction of 30% compared to current DDR2 modules, due to DDR3’s 1.5 V supply voltage, compared to DDR2’s 1.8 V or DDR-1’s 2.5 V. This supply voltage works well with the latest fabrication technology used for most DDR3 chips. Some manufacturers further propose to use “dual-gate” transistors to reduce leakage of current.

DDR3 is an industry standard technology defined by JEDEC, who is the semiconductor standardization body of the Electronic Industries Alliance. About 300 member companies representing every segment of the computer memory industry actively participate to develop standards to meet the industry needs.

DDR3 memory features higher data bandwidths, faster speeds, lower voltage and power consumption, and improved thermal performance. Lower power consumption will allow longer battery life for laptops. DDR3 memory is engineered to support the next-generation quad-processors that require higher data bandwidth to enable higher levels of performance.

The main benefit of DDR3 comes from the higher bandwidth made possible by DDR3’s 8 bit deep pre-fetch buffer, whereas DDR2’s is 4 bits, and DDR-1’s is 2 bits deep. Theoretically, these modules could transfer data at an effective clock rate of 800–1600 MHz (using both edges of a 400–800 MHz I/O clock), compared to DDR2’s current range of effective 400–800 MHz (200–400 MHz clock) or DDR-1’s range of 200–400 MHz (100–200 MHz). To date, such bandwidth requirements have been mainly found in the graphics market, where fast transfer of information between frames is required.

Prototypes were announced in early 2005, and products started appearing on the market as of mid-2007, in the form of motherboards based on Intel’s P35 “Bearlake” chipset and memory DIMMs at speeds up to DDR3 1600Mhz. DDR3 launched for these special Intel chipset-based desktops in July 2007, and notebook and server platforms will follow in 2008 and 2009. AMD’s roadmap shows they will also support DDR3 as the new memory technology continues its market ramp-up in 2008.

DDR3 memory modules come in 1066MHz, 1333MHz and 1600MHz speeds (data rate), with 1066MHz and 1333MHz DDR3 launched in 2007, with 1600MHz DDR3 expected in 2008. This compares with DDR2 speeds of 533MHz, 667MHz, and 800MHz.

DDR3 DIMMs have 240 pins, the same number as DDR2, and are the same size, but are electrically incompatible and have a different key notch location. This will keep end users from installing an incorrect part into a DDR2 or DDR3 motherboard.

GDDR3 memory, with a similar name but completely different technology, has already been in use for several years in high-end graphic cards such as ones from NVIDIA or ATI Technologies, and as main system memory on the Microsoft Xbox 360. It has sometimes been incorrectly referred to as “DDR3″.

DDR3 will be available on desktops, servers, notebooks, telecommunications/networking and other platforms in the following form-factors:

• Unbuffered DIMMs, ECC or non-ECC
• Registered ECC DIMMs
• MicroDIMMs
• SO-DIMMs
• Custom Modules

convert this post to pdf.

If you are looking for Designer-Inspired handbags, maybe something for the wife or girlfriend (the holidays are just around the corner), one of our bosses’ wives is now selling them! Please visit STL Purse Party at www.stlpurseparty.com. There’s a pretty good selection right now and more being added soon!

If you are in the St. Louis area and are interested in hosting your own STL Purse Party here are the details:

Purse Party Incentives

• 10% commissions on all sales up to $500. Commissions are raised to 15% for sales $501 and up.
• Discount of 20% (max 3 purses).

Hosting a Party

• We can book a party in as little as 1 week (depending on availability).
• We provide the purses and a knowledgeable consultant.
• We provide a check list of “to do’s” so you don’t forget a thing!
• You choose the games, length of the party, and whether or not to serve food/beverages.

If you are interested in hosting a party, send us an email at info@stlpurseparty.com. If you prefer to call and leave us a message please do so at 636-438-1423. We will call you back within 24 hours (Monday through Friday).

convert this post to pdf.

When installing or handling computer memory, you need to be careful of a handful of things. Most importantly you should prepare against Electro-Static Discharge or ESD. It is extremely important to keep yourself properly grounded when working with computer memory. You can ground yourself with an Anti-Static Wrist Strap. Or you can discharge any built up static electricity in your body by touching the metal frame, or chasis, of the inside of your computer.

When installing or handling computer memory, in addition to keeping yourself grounded, you should try to handle the memory by only touching the edges of the memory module. Also, try to keep your fingers off the pins. The oil from your fingers can possible fry a pin when when the computer is booted up with the module installed.

One last tip, if you’re installing memory in a desktop, make sure the computer is powered off, but leave the power cord connected. This will help keep the entire computer grounded while you are installing the memory.

If ESD causes any damage to your memory, the effects may be immediate and the computer won’t work with the ESD damaged memory module installed, or a problem could arise at a later date, making it difficult to diagnose the source. These tips can help prevent major problems down the road.

convert this post to pdf.