Even in the middle of 2020, many people are still using older systems that use DDR3 RAM, but sooner or later it will be time to update the platform and specifically the RAM, as it is a component which as a rule has a lifetime warranty and it also costs very little to store as it takes up little space, this is one of the components that usually ends up in a drawer waiting for a second life .
Recycle an old RAM
Obviously, if the old RAM you’ve stored is so old that it’s no longer compatible with anything and its performance isn’t worth it, the best you can do is recycle it.
Do not throw your RAM modules in the trash because they contain compounds that, if they end up in a landfill, could end up generating harmful chemical reactions, so safe recycling is paramount.
This means that if you choose to get rid of the RAM modules, the best thing you can do is give them to an accredited body or, at the very least, take them to your city’s own point so that they can give you the appropriate treatment. A quick internet search will surely lead you to companies that take care of everything, but we recommend that you don’t get carried away with the first one you find as a lot of them try to use RAM and what not. not work for them ends in a discharge. Own point or accredited body, do things well that cost nothing.
Your old RAM, in the form of a keychain
It’s much simpler than it looks, even if it is true that it will be necessary to be a little “handyman” and to have some tools (at least a key chain and a drill). Desktop RAM modules are too long to be practical to carry around as a keychain, so you will have to cut them off by a third or at least in half, so you will also need some sort of saw.
Typically, almost all RAM memory modules have small holes in the corners of the PCB, which makes it ideal for sliding the ring onto the keychain. However, if you want, for example, to remove 3 key rings from a single memory module, you will need a drill to be able to make a hole and insert the ring.
Whatever you do, our recommendation is that when doing crafts you do it with great care and, if possible, using protective gloves and goggles to avoid potential accidents.
Create RAM disk
Another way to reuse one or more old RAM modules is to create a RAM disk, essentially a device into which you can plug multiple RAM modules to use as volatile storage.
There are many manufacturers who have had PCIe expansion cards for this for several years, such as the Gigabyte i-RAM and its alternatives. All you need is to mount your old memory modules on this device, connect it to your desktop computer, and you’re good to go. Of course, keep in mind that this is volatile storage, so you won’t be able to use it to back up your files (but as a system cache to speed up computer performance, for example).
Connect your RAM to an Arduino
If you are an Arduino fan and have development boards for it, you can use your old RAM modules to give it extra storage (also temporary, let’s not forget that RAM is volatile storage). Of course, you will also have to be quite a “handyman” since you will have to use solder and a model to make it work.
Of course, keep in mind that for example 16MB RAM modules can only provide an Arduino with 256KB of memory due to its hardware limitations. Therefore, it is not a long term project, but if you are an amateur and have the material, now you know that it is something that can be done.
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