TestOut LabSim A+ Certification Practice Exam

What is the approximate bus speed of DDR2 memory rated at PC2-5300?

1. 400MHz

2. 333MHz

3. 533MHz

4. 266MHz

The correct answer is: 333MHz

DDR2 memory rated at PC2-5300 operates with a speed that is derived from its naming convention. The "PC2" designation indicates it is DDR2 (Double Data Rate 2), and the "5300" part refers to the theoretical maximum bandwidth it can achieve, which is 5,300 MB/s. To determine the effective clock speed, you divide the bandwidth by 8 (since there are 8 bits in a byte), yielding approximately 662.5 MB/s. However, since DDR2 memory transfers data on both the rising and falling edges of the clock signal, you would divide this result by 2 to arrive at the actual DRAM clock speed. This leads to a clock speed of about 333 MHz, which aligns with the bandwidth rating of PC2-5300. Understanding the naming conventions and the way DDR memory operates is crucial for identifying memory specifications accurately. This clarity on the memory type and its operation allows for better decision-making when upgrading or troubleshooting computer systems.