Computer memory refers to either of two types of computer storage. Volatile memory refers to RAM that needs to be constantly refreshed to be retained. Static memory is permanent storage that is retained even after the computer is turned off.
RAM or Random Access Memory is volatile memory that is erased when the power goes off. Program instructions and data held in RAM can be accessed and saved much more quickly than that held in permanent storage. Therefore, files needed to run a program and data that is being processed are held in RAM while they are in use. The amount of RAM you need depends at least partly on the operating system( a program that directs all the basic functions of a computer such as accepting commands from a keyboard, displaying input on a monitor screen, and controlling disk drives and some other peripheral devices) you select as well as the type of programs you intend to run.
When you boot up the computer, in other words turn it on, the operating system or part of it is loaded into the RAM along with a variety of utilities required for normal operation. Therefore, programs and data are loaded into what's left. As little as 2MB(megabytes) total will suffice for most DOS( disk operating system-a proprietary program that controls all the basic functions of a computer) programs. In a Windows 3.x environment, 4MB is the recommended minimum, but 8MB runs far better.
Beyond operating system demands, the amount of RAM required depends on the applications to be run. For example, heavy graphics, real time video, and such need more RAM to keep things from slowing to a crawl or stop. Generally, off-the-rack machines come with 8 to 16MB, more than enough for a general purpose computer.
With improved handling of memory, reduced access times, and lower cost have conspired to make larger amounts of RAM practical. Which in turn has given programmers free rein to add more bells and whistles. This also helps programmers to become more creative in writing programs that require more RAM. There is reason to believe that this trend will continue.
As for static memory, you don't have to be very old to remember buying a computer without a hard drive, then later installing a 20MB hard drive, unable to imagine ever needing more storage than that. Today, a 250MB hard drive is popular; however, most new computers are in the 500 to 1000MB( 1 gigabyte) range. And you may need all of that MB and then some.
Computer Memory fact #1: For the faint of heart, when programs or data files are called up from permanent storage, they are not moved, they are merely copied. If the power goes off during processing, programs generally are safe. The only loss will be data that was changed since the last save.
Computer Memory fact #2: If you decided to get a MAC computer, don't worry. The MAC computer comes loaded with a proprietary operating system and the proper amount of RAM to run it.
Article Source: http://www.articlesphere.com/Article/Different-Types-of-Computer-Memory/45385
RAM or Random Access Memory is volatile memory that is erased when the power goes off. Program instructions and data held in RAM can be accessed and saved much more quickly than that held in permanent storage. Therefore, files needed to run a program and data that is being processed are held in RAM while they are in use. The amount of RAM you need depends at least partly on the operating system( a program that directs all the basic functions of a computer such as accepting commands from a keyboard, displaying input on a monitor screen, and controlling disk drives and some other peripheral devices) you select as well as the type of programs you intend to run.
When you boot up the computer, in other words turn it on, the operating system or part of it is loaded into the RAM along with a variety of utilities required for normal operation. Therefore, programs and data are loaded into what's left. As little as 2MB(megabytes) total will suffice for most DOS( disk operating system-a proprietary program that controls all the basic functions of a computer) programs. In a Windows 3.x environment, 4MB is the recommended minimum, but 8MB runs far better.
Beyond operating system demands, the amount of RAM required depends on the applications to be run. For example, heavy graphics, real time video, and such need more RAM to keep things from slowing to a crawl or stop. Generally, off-the-rack machines come with 8 to 16MB, more than enough for a general purpose computer.
With improved handling of memory, reduced access times, and lower cost have conspired to make larger amounts of RAM practical. Which in turn has given programmers free rein to add more bells and whistles. This also helps programmers to become more creative in writing programs that require more RAM. There is reason to believe that this trend will continue.
As for static memory, you don't have to be very old to remember buying a computer without a hard drive, then later installing a 20MB hard drive, unable to imagine ever needing more storage than that. Today, a 250MB hard drive is popular; however, most new computers are in the 500 to 1000MB( 1 gigabyte) range. And you may need all of that MB and then some.
Computer Memory fact #1: For the faint of heart, when programs or data files are called up from permanent storage, they are not moved, they are merely copied. If the power goes off during processing, programs generally are safe. The only loss will be data that was changed since the last save.
Computer Memory fact #2: If you decided to get a MAC computer, don't worry. The MAC computer comes loaded with a proprietary operating system and the proper amount of RAM to run it.
Article Source: http://www.articlesphere.com/Article/Different-Types-of-Computer-Memory/45385
The System Memory is more commonly called RAM or Random Access Memory. This is the memory used by the computer to hold programs and data.
This data is lost once the computer is turned off.Because demands by powerful software have skyrocketed, system memory requirements have been accelerating at an alarming pace.
Random Access Memory is mounted directly onto the motherboard and transfers data by use of address and data buses. Each data bus consist of a number of circuits.
In 1985, Intel had the 386 processor with its 32 bit bus and the Pentium processor came along in 1993 with a large 64 bit bus. RAM memory is made using DRAM Chips.
RAM chips are large rectangular shaped and made with memory cells with support logic that reads and writes data. These chips must be continously refreshed, that is, data is constantly sent to allow the cells to hold data.
Information being transferred between the CPU Chip and RAM memory is called a memory cycle. During the late 90s, the DIMM chip was the standard RAM Chip. So just what is this DIMM chip? Let's talk about the different Ram memory chips used in the computer.
Static RAM is a type of RAM that holds its data without being refreshed, for as long as power is supplied to the circuit. This is contrasted to dynamic RAM (DRAM), which must be refreshed many times per second in order to hold its data contents.
TYPES OF RANDOM ACCESS MEMORY CHIPS
SIMM or Single Inline Memory Modules came on the scene in the early 90s. The SIMM chips first came with 30 pins. And then the 72 pin SIMM which had 32 bit data paths or buses.
DIMM or Dual Inline Memory Module replace the Simm chips. These chips had 168 pins as compared to the 72 pin Simm variety. The data bus of the 30 pin chip was 8 bits while the 72 data bus can send data on the 32 bit data bus.
DIMMs also come in a smaller form factors suitable for use in notebook computers. These SO DIMMs or Small Outline DIMMs are available in both 32-bit wide/72-pin and 64-bit wide/144-pin form factors.
RIMM came in 1999 and the connectors for this new chip fits in the same sockets as the DIMM chips. They have 184 pins as compared to the Dimm which have 168 pins
The RIMM chip was to come along when DRDRAM OR Direct Rambus DRAM: a totally new RAM architecture, was introduced. A single Rambus Channel has the potential to reach 500 MBps in burst mode; a 20- fold increase over DRAM.
Computers will have DRAM for their main system memory, instead of SRAM, even though DRAMs are slower than SRAM. The reason that DRAMs are used is that they are cheaper and take up much less space. To build a 64 MB core memory from SRAMs would be very expensive
All computers will contain a Memory Controller which,as its name implies, control the memory.It generates signals to regulate the reading and writing of information to and from the memory. The system chipset is normally where the memory controller is integrated.
And just what are the chipsets? Well,they are like the traffic cops for all chips on the motherboard. They keep in check such data transfer from and to the CPU, data buses, printer, video card, and nearly all other devices.
Data flow is such a critical issue in the operation and performance of so many parts of the computer, the chipset is one of the few components that have a truly major impact on your PC's quality, feature set, and speed.
THE TYPE OF RAM MEMORY IN YOUR PC
How can you know what type of memory is right for your PC. Using a memory configurator is one quick way to solve is problem. Some memory makers will have a memory configurator on their site.
The best way to determine the type of memory you use in your computer is to read the owner's manual. No owner's manual,no problem. Visit your computers motherboard web site should you need assistance.
Another very important thing to considerwhen buying your memory is to be sure it is compatible with your system. And you'll need to decide how much memory you need and consider the price, quality, availability, service, and warranty.
Copyright 2006 Otis Cooper
Article Source: http://www.articlesphere.com/Article/How-To-Understand-Your-Computer-s-Random-Access-Memory/39562
This data is lost once the computer is turned off.Because demands by powerful software have skyrocketed, system memory requirements have been accelerating at an alarming pace.
Random Access Memory is mounted directly onto the motherboard and transfers data by use of address and data buses. Each data bus consist of a number of circuits.
In 1985, Intel had the 386 processor with its 32 bit bus and the Pentium processor came along in 1993 with a large 64 bit bus. RAM memory is made using DRAM Chips.
RAM chips are large rectangular shaped and made with memory cells with support logic that reads and writes data. These chips must be continously refreshed, that is, data is constantly sent to allow the cells to hold data.
Information being transferred between the CPU Chip and RAM memory is called a memory cycle. During the late 90s, the DIMM chip was the standard RAM Chip. So just what is this DIMM chip? Let's talk about the different Ram memory chips used in the computer.
Static RAM is a type of RAM that holds its data without being refreshed, for as long as power is supplied to the circuit. This is contrasted to dynamic RAM (DRAM), which must be refreshed many times per second in order to hold its data contents.
TYPES OF RANDOM ACCESS MEMORY CHIPS
SIMM or Single Inline Memory Modules came on the scene in the early 90s. The SIMM chips first came with 30 pins. And then the 72 pin SIMM which had 32 bit data paths or buses.
DIMM or Dual Inline Memory Module replace the Simm chips. These chips had 168 pins as compared to the 72 pin Simm variety. The data bus of the 30 pin chip was 8 bits while the 72 data bus can send data on the 32 bit data bus.
DIMMs also come in a smaller form factors suitable for use in notebook computers. These SO DIMMs or Small Outline DIMMs are available in both 32-bit wide/72-pin and 64-bit wide/144-pin form factors.
RIMM came in 1999 and the connectors for this new chip fits in the same sockets as the DIMM chips. They have 184 pins as compared to the Dimm which have 168 pins
The RIMM chip was to come along when DRDRAM OR Direct Rambus DRAM: a totally new RAM architecture, was introduced. A single Rambus Channel has the potential to reach 500 MBps in burst mode; a 20- fold increase over DRAM.
Computers will have DRAM for their main system memory, instead of SRAM, even though DRAMs are slower than SRAM. The reason that DRAMs are used is that they are cheaper and take up much less space. To build a 64 MB core memory from SRAMs would be very expensive
All computers will contain a Memory Controller which,as its name implies, control the memory.It generates signals to regulate the reading and writing of information to and from the memory. The system chipset is normally where the memory controller is integrated.
And just what are the chipsets? Well,they are like the traffic cops for all chips on the motherboard. They keep in check such data transfer from and to the CPU, data buses, printer, video card, and nearly all other devices.
Data flow is such a critical issue in the operation and performance of so many parts of the computer, the chipset is one of the few components that have a truly major impact on your PC's quality, feature set, and speed.
THE TYPE OF RAM MEMORY IN YOUR PC
How can you know what type of memory is right for your PC. Using a memory configurator is one quick way to solve is problem. Some memory makers will have a memory configurator on their site.
The best way to determine the type of memory you use in your computer is to read the owner's manual. No owner's manual,no problem. Visit your computers motherboard web site should you need assistance.
Another very important thing to considerwhen buying your memory is to be sure it is compatible with your system. And you'll need to decide how much memory you need and consider the price, quality, availability, service, and warranty.
Copyright 2006 Otis Cooper
About the Author/Author Bio Otis F. Cooper is solely dedicated to boosting the knowledge and confidence of every computer user. Use his informative articles and videos to understand all about the drives in your computer.Learn and see more at http://www.ultimatepcrepair.com |
All computers require memory to operate. The main computer memory is Random Access Memory, or RAM for short. It is called this because the data contained in it can be accessed in any, or random, order. It is produced on small circuit boards in the form of sticks, which are often referred to as sticks of memory. Information is stored in the memory as it awaits being processed by the central processing unit, or CPU. It is essential to have the right type and speed of memory to ensure your system is operating optimally.
The main type of memory used today in desktop computer systems is Synchronous Dynamic RAM (SDRAM). With in the past several years, Double Data Rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM, or simply DDR) has become the standard for most systems, with older memory now being referred to as Single Data Rate (SDR SDRAM). Occasionally, systems use Rambus Dynamic RAM (RDRAM) or DDR2 RAM, which are slightly different and are outside of the scope of this article.
SDRAM is different from other forms of asynchronous memory because it waits for each clock, or computing cycle, before it responds to inputs. These clocks happen very fast in computers (millions of times a second) but still the speed of the memory is ultimately limited by the computer bus. This is the wiring on the main- or motherboard in the system that connects all the components. The processor and memory can both handle high clock speeds, but if the speed of the system bus is low, they will be limited by the lowest speed. It is important that they all operate at similar speeds to operate most efficiently. For example, SDR SDRAM comes in PC66, PC100 and PC133; these numbers refer to the clock speed of the RAM in megahertz (a million cycles a second): 66 MHz, 100 MHz and so forth. If the system bus speed is rated at 100 MHz and the memory at 66 MHz, then the memory isn't operating as quickly as it could and PC100 memory should be purchased. Of course, if PC133 were purchased for this same system, the extra 33 MHz would simply be wasted because the system bus can only handle 100 MHz.
Double Data Rate (DDR) memory is very similar to traditional SDRAM except it transfers data twice during each clock cycle. This doubles the transfer rate of the memory while the system bus stays the same. So a 100 MHz system bus that handles DDR memory can effectively use 200 MHz RAM. DDR comes in many speeds, each with two designations. On the box or somewhere in the specifications, the memory will be referred to as DDR-xxx, where the xxx is replaced by the effective clock speed of the memory, such as 200 as in the previous example. It will also list a PC-xxxx number, where xxxx represents the bandwidth of the entire stick of memory. This is not particularly important to understand for novices. The most common are: DDR-200/PC-1600, which operates at a clock speed of 100 MHz (effectively 200 MHz), DDR-266/PC-2100, which operates at 133 MHz (effectively 266 MHz), DDR-333/PC-2700, operating at 166 MHz (333 MHz) and DDR-400/PC-3200, which operates at 200 MHz (400 MHz).
It is very important to know which type (SDR or DDR SDRAM) and speed of memory your system uses and to always purchase this type when upgrading or replacing your memory. You can usually find this information in the manual or contact the manufacturer.
Article Source: http://www.articlesphere.com/Article/Knowing-Your-Computer--Types-of-Memory/39545
The main type of memory used today in desktop computer systems is Synchronous Dynamic RAM (SDRAM). With in the past several years, Double Data Rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM, or simply DDR) has become the standard for most systems, with older memory now being referred to as Single Data Rate (SDR SDRAM). Occasionally, systems use Rambus Dynamic RAM (RDRAM) or DDR2 RAM, which are slightly different and are outside of the scope of this article.
SDRAM is different from other forms of asynchronous memory because it waits for each clock, or computing cycle, before it responds to inputs. These clocks happen very fast in computers (millions of times a second) but still the speed of the memory is ultimately limited by the computer bus. This is the wiring on the main- or motherboard in the system that connects all the components. The processor and memory can both handle high clock speeds, but if the speed of the system bus is low, they will be limited by the lowest speed. It is important that they all operate at similar speeds to operate most efficiently. For example, SDR SDRAM comes in PC66, PC100 and PC133; these numbers refer to the clock speed of the RAM in megahertz (a million cycles a second): 66 MHz, 100 MHz and so forth. If the system bus speed is rated at 100 MHz and the memory at 66 MHz, then the memory isn't operating as quickly as it could and PC100 memory should be purchased. Of course, if PC133 were purchased for this same system, the extra 33 MHz would simply be wasted because the system bus can only handle 100 MHz.
Double Data Rate (DDR) memory is very similar to traditional SDRAM except it transfers data twice during each clock cycle. This doubles the transfer rate of the memory while the system bus stays the same. So a 100 MHz system bus that handles DDR memory can effectively use 200 MHz RAM. DDR comes in many speeds, each with two designations. On the box or somewhere in the specifications, the memory will be referred to as DDR-xxx, where the xxx is replaced by the effective clock speed of the memory, such as 200 as in the previous example. It will also list a PC-xxxx number, where xxxx represents the bandwidth of the entire stick of memory. This is not particularly important to understand for novices. The most common are: DDR-200/PC-1600, which operates at a clock speed of 100 MHz (effectively 200 MHz), DDR-266/PC-2100, which operates at 133 MHz (effectively 266 MHz), DDR-333/PC-2700, operating at 166 MHz (333 MHz) and DDR-400/PC-3200, which operates at 200 MHz (400 MHz).
It is very important to know which type (SDR or DDR SDRAM) and speed of memory your system uses and to always purchase this type when upgrading or replacing your memory. You can usually find this information in the manual or contact the manufacturer.
Article Source: http://www.articlesphere.com/Article/Knowing-Your-Computer--Types-of-Memory/39545
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