RAM is the short-term memory for your computer. Whenever you open an app, view a website or play a video game, the data your processor needs is stored in RAM and available quickly.
This is why it’s important to regularly clear wasteful clutter from your RAM with a software tool. To do this, you’ll need to understand what each type of pc ram offers and its capacity.
Random Access Memory
When the computer is multitasking, RAM keeps all the open programs in memory so they don’t interfere with each other. This is the main reason that computers need a lot of RAM.
It is much faster than secondary storage like ROM and hard drives, processing data from twenty to one hundred times quicker. It can be easily upgraded, allowing for increased performance and flexibility.
The more RAM, the more simultaneous tasks that the computer can handle. It is like your own short-term memory that allows you to keep track of multiple papers and tasks on your desk at once, rather than having to thumb through a filing cabinet (your storage drive). Unlike RAM, ROM can’t be written to; new information must be loaded onto it from another source, such as a CD or DVD. Modern computers use a variant of SDRAM that uses dual data rate technology to double the speed at which data is sent to and from the processor, with the result that computer performance is significantly improved.
SRAM
A stick of RAM is a temporary space where your computer’s immediate data sits as you work with it. Clicking on a link, for example, triggers a series of capacitors and transistors in your RAM to turn on and off, letting your computer translate that data into the web page you see on your screen.
SRAM is the simplest form of memory, offering lightning-fast data access without requiring frequent refresh cycles like DRAM does. It also consumes less power in an idle state, which is perfect for battery-operated devices.
SRAM’s high speed makes it ideal for storing data that needs to be frequently accessed, such as the files you use to edit or render videos. However, it’s important to regularly clear wasteful clutter from your RAM, which can slow down your computer. You can do this manually, or using a specialized software tool that disables wasteful processes and services.
DRAM
DRAM, or Dynamic Random Access Memory, is the main memory type used in your PC. Unlike other types of computer memory, DRAM can be accessed much faster. This speed advantage allows you to work more quickly and efficiently with your applications.
Each DRAM cell consists of a capacitor and a transistor working as a switch. Millions of these cells can be found in a single DRAM module. Data generally goes from the CPU to each DRAM chip 8 bits at a time. Each DRAM chip also has an OE (Output Enable) line that inhibits data output when CS, RC and CAS are low.
DRAM doesn’t need constant power like SRAM, but it must be refreshed periodically to maintain its functionality. The system can control how often DRAM needs to be refreshed based on usage patterns and other factors. This allows the processor to keep the most frequently accessed data in the RAM cache, reducing load times.
Memory Capacity
Memory capacity is defined as the amount of data a computer can store in its memory. This is a measure of how much information the system can hold, and it’s important when selecting a memory upgrade. Software and application developers often list a recommended amount of RAM that is required for optimal performance. However, even a system that can run with less will benefit from increased capacity.
Crucial offers DRAM modules in a variety of gigabyte and terabyte capacities, with DDR4 RAM offering greater module density, higher transfer speeds, and lower voltage requirements. Use the Crucial System Scanner or Upgrade Selector tools to find compatible memory for your computer.
A common benchmark for computer memory capacity is a test that measures how many distinct colored squares can be recognized in a row. This is a simple, easy-to-understand measure of the maximum possible memory capacity for a given processor. The first computer to fly humans to the moon had a mere 64 kilobytes of hard-drive information storage capability, which is almost as small as a digital toaster’s hard drive.