SDSU Minimum Workstation Standards

Having sufficient system memory (RAM) is critical to the reliable function of your workstation. Without adequate memory you will experience unacceptably slow operation and frequent crashes (system failures). The figures set forth in the specifications should provide adequate RAM for most applications currently being run on campus. You should be aware that minimum RAM requirements are updated frequently.

Our current recommendation is 1 GB of system RAM. This amount could be obtained using a number of different configurations. Please see the notes below.

You should always try to equip a new workstation with the specified amount of RAM taking up the least amount of space (SLOTS) internally. This will facilitate future upgrades that may probably be needed over the workstations life.

What does this mean? In any given computer, there are typically 2 to 4 slots available in which to install RAM. When specifying a new workstation you should make sure that the base RAM fits in only ONE SLOT on the motherboard, if possible. This should be done to simplify future expansion.

On a more technical note, each motherboard (different computers from the same manufacturer use different motherboards) will need a specific type of RAM. These include DDR, DDR-2, SDRAM, RAMBUS and others. Within these broad classifications there exists RAM with and without parity as well as ECC (Error-Correcting Code ) and non-ECC RAM. RAM also comes in various clock speeds. With the plethora of motherboard-RAM combinations it is critical to select the correct RAM if you are purchasing it as an upgrade. If you include, as part of your original computer order from the manufacturer; e.g. Dell, or Apple an increased amount of RAM, you will be assured that they will supply the correct type of Memory.

We are not currently making a recommendation in preference for one type of RAM or the other. The purpose of this note is to inform you of the current trend so you may make a more intelligent choice.