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Although in recent years the issue of optimal amount of memory (RAM) is not as prevalent as before, today it is still of concern to many users. Recently, even the cheapest computers have at least 4 GB of memory - an amount that once seemed unthinkable, as is currently the facts standard. Despite this, many are asking, that's enough? Accelerate whether the additional memory the computer, or special effect will not be?
How much RAM is optimal?

Although in recent years the issue of optimal amount of memory (RAM) is not as prevalent as before, today it is still of concern to many users. Recently, even the cheapest computers have at least 4 GB of memory - an amount that once seemed unthinkable, as is currently the facts standard. Despite this, many are asking, that's enough? Accelerate whether the additional memory the computer, or special effect will not be?
The difference between the 4, 8, 16 or more gigabytes of RAM certainly there, but for the masses relationship between the amount of installed memory and the capacity of the PC is slightly blurred. In this article I will try to shed some light on this question and answer briefly, what is the optimal amount of memory and whether it makes sense to install additional RAM modules.

What is a Random Access Memory (RAM)?

Although computers have long become commonplace, many people still confuse the concept of "operational" and "local" memory. Misunderstanding often comes from the fact that both types of memory are measured in the same units - Recently usually in gigabytes (GB). Contrary to that the operational and the local memory are used to store information, they differ from the viewpoint of the storage period. RAM is usually several times faster than the local and used to store data temporarily. After turning off the computer, all data stored in it disappear. The local memory (hard disks and SSD devices) information is retained regardless of whether the computer is on or off. That is why memory is generally defined as volatile, and local - as a non-volatile.

How much memory do you need a PC?

For a long time attributed to Bill Gates the phrase "640K of memory is enough for all." Ultimately Gates himself issued an official statement saying that is not the author of this statement, which he described as pure folly.
However, in the early 80-ies of the last century it did not sound so ridiculous, because the volume of the order of 100-200 MB were considered huge. Today, even the cheapest computer systems have a 2-4 GB of RAM, and a local space for data storage is measured in terabytes.
Basic configurations have from 4 to 8 GB of the RAM, and high-end models (multimedia or gaming) offer 12-16 times 32 (or more) GB of RAM. So how can be called "the best"?Unfortunately, to give a precise answer, expressed in particular very difficult to figure, as the optimum amount depends on the tasks for which you use your computer. For example, on a Windows PC is only the operating system may require more than one gigabyte for their libraries.If you use the anti-virus program, it does 30-200 megabytes in the background according to the specific product. Most web browsers, office applications and media players require 100-800 MB or more memory. If you start them at the same time (ie, using Windows as intended - multitasking), these volumes are cumulative - the more running programs, the higher the consumption of RAM.
Champions for RAM consumption are video games. Popular titles such as Call of Duty can without too much trouble "swallow" 4-5 GB of memory.
Most modern laptop uses integrated graphics, which is also a consumer of RAM. Integrated in the core video processor does not have its own memory (as opposed to discrete solutions) and "eat" part of the available RAM. Therefore, if your laptop is equipped with the specifications 4GB of RAM and integrated graphics, Windows will tell you that is available only 3.9 GB (or less) of memory.
ram

Other considerations

The optimum amount of memory has the software (perhaps correct to say the system) aspect.Older versions of the operating systems use 32-bit memory addressing method. Currently, it is already outdated and goes back to a time when the volume of more than 4 GB of RAM seemed unthinkable. That is why the 32-bit version of Windows just can not use more than 4 GB of RAM.Even if you have a better memory of 32-bit operating system will insist on the fact that you only have 4GB (although usually much less - 3-3.5 GB) of RAM. To make full use of the volume of more than 4 gigs, you will need a 64-bit Windows.
Another interesting question related to memory concerns the pace of filling the RAM, as well as what would happen if exhaust all available memory.
If the system tool 'Task Manager' shows that all the memory is almost completely exhausted, ie,all running processes are 70-80% or even more RAM, it is not a reason for concern. Microsoft has been seriously changed its philosophy with respect to memory management (memory management), and therefore, starting with Windows Vista, RAM not used by the company considers "bad RAM».
Since RAM is many times faster than any hard or solid state drive, Microsoft decided it would be better if Windows will keep as much as possible frequently used custom modules and applications is constantly loaded in the system RAM. Due to this when re-accessed system reacts much more quickly than when it again and again have to read them from the local disk.
That's the essence of the SuperFetch technology, which develops from the Vista era. The introduction of this concept points to one important conclusion - the more RAM there is available modern versions of Windows, the better (faster) they work. Of course, we are not talking about exponential growth - the biggest difference is when you jump from 2 to 4 GB of RAM. With each successive doubling - 4 GB to 8, 8 to 16 and so on, the effect on overall system performance will decline. However, if you regularly work with heavy programs, hold dozens of tabs open in the browser and play actively, the principle of optimal memory choice boils down to one simple thing: the more, the better.
If at any point the available memory is exhausted, Windows will not stop working. In such cases, the operating system is based on the so-called virtual memory . For this purpose a dedicated area on the local disk, and Windows on it records all data from RAM that are not currently in use, and at the request of the user again reads them using local disk resources. Since the local memory slower than RAM chips, the process of reading data from the disk takes much more time, during which the computer can significantly "slow down." If the system regularly accesses the virtual memory, it is a sure sign that it is time to consider extending the memory.

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Large, perhaps even too much hope vested in the new generation of desktop processors from Intel.Promises of the company with regard to generation, code-named Skylake were generous. Here we briefly summarize them in our material, discussing chips Broadwell: "It (architecture Skylake), is expected to bring substantial productivity gains and mark the beginning of a new wireless era in the PC world - both in terms of display and relative to charging technology and data transfer ". That was then. Let's see what we have today.

The new processors Intel Skylake
Tech-Spider: The new processors Intel Skylake

Details Skylake

Unfortunately, this is not part of the text information will abound, as you might expect. Probably the first time in its history, Intel launches a radically new microprocessor architecture, which is almost unknown to any specific details. The company, for example, says nothing about the number of transistors on a new chip, is silent about the physical size of the silicon wafer, is not even clear exactly what changes were made compared to its predecessor Skylake. No ordinary colorful pictures of "naked" CPU - ie Only the kernel without a protective metal coating.

As you know, Skylake not the first generation of microprocessor, using 14-nanometer manufacturing process - a "privilege" and falls on the family Broadwell, which debuted on the market at the end of last year. Almost immediately after the first wave of chips Broadwell Intel announced that models designed for specific market segments, will be postponed at least a year, maybe more. In light of this information, it was logical to assume that the company will delay the announcement of Skylake, until the market is saturated enough chips Broadwell, and only then will release a new microarchitecture. Instead, Intel released Skylake just a few weeks after the first desktop processors based on Broadwell.

Perhaps the reason for this move is related to the news of the delay Kaby Lake, successor Skylake and Broadwell, which must be produced on the new 10-nanometer manufacturing process. The company clearly has more serious difficulties in trying to follow the famous Moore's Law, while the last fifty years, used microprocessor technology closer to the inevitable limit of their capabilities.

Anyway, architecture Skylake market already fact. In addition to 14-nanometer production technology, it comes with a new microprocessor socket (LGA1151), integrated graphics core of the new generation (Intel HD 530), a new chipset (Z170) and support the new memory DDR4.

Z170 chipset


Tech-Spider: Z170 chipset

If you watch closely the development of the platform from Intel, you will immediately notice that the Z170 in fact almost identical to its predecessor Z97. The difference between them is mainly evolutionary nature.For example, the number of available USB 3.0 ports increased from 6 to 10. As a result, the new chipset supports a total of 14 USB-ports. C Z170 and also debuted a new 3.0 version of the internal DMI (Direct Media Interface) interface between the north and south bridge chipset. This increases the theoretical bandwidth connections to 2.5 GB / s to 8 GB / s (i.e. 3.2 times).

Other theoretical improvement

One of the major innovations that bring Skylake, a memory support DDR4, which in theory should provide a significant improvement in the overall performance of the subsystem CPU-RAM. We say "in theory", as compared with the new DDR3 memory offers high bandwidth but higher latency (or higher latency in addressing all the memory blocks). For example, the highest available today in the market class type memory DDR4 (DDR4-3400) at a latency specification 16-18-18-36. For comparison, the fastest memory DDR3 (DDR3-2133) can brag about latency indicator 8-10-10-27. In other words, the clock frequency DDR4 1.6 times higher than in comparable DDR3 module, but the latency of the latter is 1.6 times smaller.Given the fact that the performance of most currently used mass applications depends more on the performance of latency than the transmission rate (the bandwidth of memory), the transition to DDR4 unlikely to have immediate positive effect in this regard.

This does not mean that DDR4 is bad - on the contrary. Just to reveal the full potential of the new memory will require more time and optimization of popular programs.

Processors


Tech-Spider: Processors
Tech-Spider: Processors 

A few words about the first bird out of the nest Skylake. Heavy task to pave the way for a new architecture was entrusted to two chips: Core i7-6700K and Core i5-6600K. The letter «K» in their names suggests that this CPU with an unlocked multiplier, ie they promise easy and flexible overclocking capabilities (improve their nominal clock frequency). This gave Intel the foundation to position the first two Skylake-processor as products targeted to fans of video games and enthusiasts.

That and more detailed picture of the two chips. A more productive (and expensive) one is the Core i7-6700K with four cores and technology Intel Hyper Threading (ie a total of 8 streams). The chip has 8MB cache in the third level (L3) and clocked at 4.0 GHz. Integrated into the processor memory controller supports DDR4 at 2133 MHz or DDR3L 1600 MHz.

More accessible and Core i5-6600K has four cores, but comes without the support of Hyper Threading. Its nominal clock frequency of 3.5 GHz. Less L3 cache (6 MB), and supported again DDR4 memory and DDR3L.

The recommended starting price of both processors: $ 350 for Core i7-6700K and 243 dollars for a Core i5-6600K.

Performance
Tech-spider : Performance
Tech-spider : Performance

The first practical texts of two chips Skylake are somewhat contradictory. Despite initial promises of generous Now Intel is himself rather conservative in their forecasts of growth performance, which users can expect from the i7-6700K and i5-6600K. According to them, Skylake 10% faster than last year's Devil's Canyon (updated generation Haswell), 20% faster than the Core i7-4770K Haswell of conventional generation and about 30% faster than the chip Core i7-3770K Ivy Bridge.

The results show that the new processor to confirm this. In some applications - while transcoding the video, rendering, and other similar heavy series of successive operations Skylake unable to show 30- and even 40-protsetnoe superiority over previous generation processors.
Tech-Spider : Performance
Tech-Spider : Performance

However, in the more common applications (including games), the growth is much more modest - in the range of 5-10 percent

With this in mind Skylake hardly particularly advantageous upgrade for users of computers with chips Haswell, or even Sandy / Ivy Bridge. Especially considering the fact that the transition to Skylake will mean purchasing a new motherboard, memory modules (DDR4) and probably cooling as LGA1151 socket has a different retention mechanism.

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Choosing the right laptop or desktop computer today is very simple and impossibly difficult task.Simple, because the market offers a huge, really huge variety of brands and models with a combination of features for every taste and every budget. A complex, again, because of the impressive variety of options offered by the market, provoking a sort of 'crisis of plenty "can easily be confused and become lost in the ocean of possibilities.
laptop
laptop

However, in most cases, the choice of the computer is reduced to two relatively simple options: desktop or laptop PC.

Today we will focus on a few reasons why you should choose a laptop, not a classic board machine.

Compactness

Let's start with the most obvious argument: the physical dimensions. A laptop computer is able to offer incomparably greater mobility and freedom to use not just when you're on the move, traveling, on a business trip or just on vacation but also in your own home.

In the end, you can not take a desktop computer with you in bed, right? It would be highly impractical. While the super-slim and modern models such as the Asus ZenBook, Lenovo Yoga 3 Pro or Acer Switch 10 can be always on hand  while relaxing on the couch in the living room, while cooking in the kitchen or in the bedroom at night.

For comfortable work with a laptop you will rarely need a special table, or even a separate working area - will be enough to any smooth, flat surface. Thus, you can save precious space in your home or office and use it for other purposes.

Freedom

The laptop will provide you with extremely broad and flexible to effectively work or entertainment, and almost everywhere. Thanks to independent power supply, for example, you can use your laptop where even close to no power. And since all components neatly stacked in a thin and lightweight design, you do not have to think about where and how to hide numerous cables connecting the main part of the computer peripherals, keyboard, monitor and mouse.

A built-in module for wireless communication, which offers every modern laptop will provide you with a constant connection to the internet and compatible devices, regardless of the cabling and distances.

Performance

A lower speed of a mobile computer than with a fixed configuration with the same parameters is simply an outdated statement. Yes, before the notebook manufacturers have to make compromises in this respect by sacrificing part of their productivity due to more compact size. Today, however, the difference is insignificant and even budget class laptops provide sufficient computing power for a wide range of applications, from office work to serious gaming and multimedia entertainment.

Separately today, it is worth noting portable models Asus G751 and Lenovo Y70, which is not just a par, and even ahead of the configuration of a large part of the current desktop computers in terms of performance
.

Economical

Designed to operate as an autonomous power most of the time, all modern laptops are built of high-performance components, characterized by low power consumption.Desktop versions of many of the central and graphics processors, displays and other elements of the PC also offer energy-saving features, but for desktops, they are not necessary, so manufacturers do not dwell on them special attention. For this reason, a laptop, as a rule, at times consumes less power than a desktop configuration, with the same parameters.

More bargain

Another quite popular and stubbornly refuses to die myth is that laptops are much more expensive than desktop computers with similar characteristics. Quick split into components, followed by simple calculations quickly convince you otherwise. Often, even it turns out that the same characteristics of the laptop for a few thousand rubles cheaper than a desktop PC.

In addition, the desktop eventually turns into a thing that can be difficult to sell as a whole, and often for sale is often the only way to return part of the money invested in it. In turn, the laptops are not only better resold on the secondary market, but not as rapidly losing value.


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After last week, we looked at 5 reasons to choose a laptop rather than a desktop computer, it's time to give some arguments in favor of the good old desktop PC.

Fortunately, there is the written or unwritten rule that dictates that a person should only own a laptop or desktop computer only. On the contrary  experience shows that a significant portion of today's users, and a stationary and mobile machines, each of which has its priceless application when a certain range of tasks.
Desktop PC
Desktop PC
It is for this reason and in order to avoid one sidedness, let's look at a few areas where desktop computers are still exceed mobile counterparts.

Performance

Although in recent years the difference between the rate of desktop computers and portable alternatives to gradually melts, desktops still have the edge in this regard. Depending on the particular hardware configuration, the difference may vary from 20-30% of applications (e.g., games) to 35-40% (in the case of components of an older generation).

The reason for this advantage is the desktop before all that when designing their manufacturers do not need to comply with so much of the stringent requirements for maximum energy efficiency, which are indispensable for the development of a mobile system. In other words, more powerful desktop computers including due to higher energy consumption.

So if you insist on the maximum level of performance, which is able to provide advanced computer technology, all the arguments on the side of the desktop.

Upgradeability

It is unquestionably one of the strengths of desktop configurations to all notebooks. The chassis of mobile computers as necessary (and default) to be thin, light and compact a limitation that a desktop computer does not need to comply with.

For this reason, they offer an incomparably greater opportunities for modernization and inexhaustible experimentation.

This ability involves another class of desktop computers, plus an opportunity to extend the life of the configuration by replacing only some of its components. On laptops, this option is often limited and sometimes non existent. When the mobile configuration is outdated morally and physically, then sooner or later it will have to replace the other.It is unquestionably one of the strengths of desktop configurations to all notebooks. The chassis of mobile computers as necessary (and default) to be thin, light and compact a limitation that a desktop computer does not need to comply with.

For this reason, they offer an incomparably greater opportunities for modernization and inexhaustible experimentation.

This ability involves another class of desktop computers, plus - an opportunity to extend the life of the configuration by replacing only some of its components. On laptops, this option is often limited and sometimes non-existent. When the mobile configuration is outdated morally and physically, then sooner or later it will have to replace the other.

Comfortable

Since desktop computers do not have to comply with the physical volume / size, they offer a higher ergonomics of use. For example, for a number of user designed and comfortable keyboard is a determining factor when choosing a laptop, as a guarantee of fast and accurate printing. However, the search for a model that offers an ergonomic keyboard in all senses can take a lot of time, because of the size and laptops in an effort to achieve the greatest lightweight manufacturers often go on compromises that affect the usability of the keyboard unit. On the other hand, find a comfortable keyboard for a desktop computer is much easier, especially considering that most of them come with a standard desktop variant layout, which is considered ideal ergonomics.

Also, a desktop PC may be equipped with a screen diagonal of 20 inches, while a typical notebook usually has a 15-17 inch screen. For certain tasks, such as professional video editing and digital imaging, large diagonal is an important requirement, so this kind of activity desktop computer is a more appropriate choice

Service maintenance

The argument, which should not be neglected. Modern desktop computers are so called modular construction, i.e, they are made from individual, easily replaceable and repairable, independent components. Troubleshooting desktop computer takes much less time and effort than in notebooks.

By necessity and design mobile PCs are highly integrated systems. Many of its components (such as CPU, GPU) are soldered to the system board, and replacing them is a fairly complex operation that can be performed only by a qualified service center, has a special equipment and tools for repairs.

Security

The mobile nature of the notebook gives greater freedom to use, but at the same time considerably increases the risk of loss, theft or mechanical damage. In a desktop computer no such problems a chance to drop it on the job, and thus damage the hard disk with important information is virtually zero.The same is true about the probability that it will be stolen, forgotten in the park or at the airport.

Cost

This is the most controversial argument in favor of a laptop computer. Components of which contains two seemingly identical configurations  desktop and mobile usually differ, sometimes considerably.Although a layman, they may be the subject of a direct comparison with the engineering point of view, this can not be done. Most mobile versions of existing models of central and graphics processors, such as less powerful than their desktop counterparts. From this perspective, the mobile Intel Core i7 processor offers performance equal to that of the desktop version of the chip  for example, Intel Core i5.

For this reason, a direct comparison of prices is not a good idea, and the choice between a desktop or portable computer configuration is better to look for the opinion of a competent professional who will explain the difference between the hardware components to the engineering point of view.