What is a CSO and can I return them?

Products sold as CSO (Customer Special Orders) are specially ordered or manufactured specifically for you. For this reason, all CSO items are supplied on NCNR (Non-Cancellable, Non-Returnable) terms. Once an order has been placed, it cannot be cancelled or returned unless the item is confirmed to be faulty upon arrival. By faulty we mean, physically damaged, or the product which has arrived is different to what was requested. We recommend ensuring all part codes, specifications and quantities are correct before placing your order.

Is RAM the same as memory?

In most systems, yes. When people refer to memory, they are usually talking about RAM, which provides temporary working space for active processes.

How much RAM do I need for business applications?

Requirements depend on workload. Virtualisation, analytics and database systems require significantly more memory than basic office applications.

Why is RAM more expensive than storage?

RAM is built for high speed, low latency data access and therefore costs more per gigabyte than storage.

Will additional memory speed up my computer?

Adding more RAM will improve performance if your system is running out of memory. If your RAM usage regularly exceeds 80-90%, upgrading will significantly help, however if you already have sufficient memory (e.g. you have 32GB but you only use 12GB) adding more won't noticeably increase speed. Key signs that your system could benefit from more RAM include slow application switching, high disk usage and your system freezing while multitasking. 

Can I mix different RAM memory speeds?

Yes, but all installed memory will run at the speed of the slowest module. 
For example, if you install a 3200 MHz module alongside a 2666 MHz module, both will typically operate at 2666 MHz.
For the best stability and performance, we recommend you use identical capacity, identical speed and the same manufacturer and model where possible.

Can I mix DDR3, DDR4, and DDR5 modules in my PC?

No, you can't mix different DDR generations because each generation uses different notch placement and memory controllers, and they have different voltage requirements.

What are memory module ranks and how are they used?

A memory rank is a group of memory chips on a module that the memory controller can access simultaneously - the most common types are Single-rank, Dual-rank and Quad-rank. 
Ranks aren't the same as sides of a module; a module can be dual-rank and still have chips only on one side. 
System documentation should always be checked for supported rank configurations. 

Do Origin SSDs require a driver to operate?

No, most modern operating systems include built-in drivers for SATA and NVMe storage devices.

If I drop my SSD, will it still work?

SSDs are much more resistant to physical shock than traditional hard drives because they don't have any moving parts, spinning platters or read/write heads. However, a severe drop could still damage the PCB. 

Will I save battery life using an SSD instead of a HDD?

Yes, most of the time you will see improved battery life because SSDs consume less power, generate less heat and have no motor or moving components. This can provide faster boot times, longer battery runtime and quieter operation. 

What is ECC?

ECC stands for Error-Correcting Code and it means the memory module is designed to detect and correct data corruption automatically. It improves system stability and reduces the risk of crashes and data corruption, however it requires a compatible CPU and compatible motherboard.