RAM stores information that can be accessed quickly. Opening numerous programmes, running various processes, or accessing several files simultaneously will use a lot of RAM. More complicated programmes like games or design software will use even more.
RAM comes in sticks, or modules, that snap into slots on the motherboard. Modules that are incompatible with the motherboard won’t fit or won’t work properly.
Random Access Memory
RAM (random access memory) is where the computer’s CPU temporarily stores information. Its purpose is to make it much easier for the CPU to retrieve and store data compared to secondary storage like hard disks or solid-state drives. RAM is volatile, meaning it loses its contents when the computer shuts off or reboots.
If your computer doesn’t have enough RAM, opening a file can take quite some time. This is because your computer must transfer the necessary data between its slower HDD, RAM and processor.
Unlike the old tape-based memory, where it took longer to access data based on its location in the system, modern RAM is randomly accessed. This makes it much faster than the old sequential access of ROM (read-only memory). There is one distinction that is left between RAM and ROM; both are nonvolatile, but ROM can’t be altered after manufacture. EEPROM and Flash memory have properties of both ROM and RAM, and can be written to after production.
SRAM
SRAM (static RAM) is a form of computer memory that uses flip-flop circuits to store data. It has a faster access time than DRAM, and it doesn’t require a refresh cycle. This makes it ideal for use as cache memory in the CPU. It also has a lower power consumption, but it has a lower storage capacity than DRAM.
It is also more expensive than DRAM, so it’s not used as the main form of memory on motherboards. However, it can be used for cache memory, small on-chip memory, FIFOs, and other small buffers.
SRAM chips have an on-chip mode register that configures the core device’s operation. It regulates the column address strobe’s (CAS) delay, burst type, and burst duration.
DRAM
Located close to the computer processor, RAM allows data to be accessed much faster than it would be on long-term storage devices like hard disk drives or solid-state drives. This enables your computer to run programs and applications almost instantly.
When you close a program, the operating system takes it out of RAM and converts it back to long-term storage on your hard disk or other storage device. This re-loads the file from the slower storage device into RAM, giving you near-instantaneous performance when launching new software.
DRAM is available in many forms, such as SDR, DDR2, DDR3 and DDR4. The most common types of DRAM feature CAS before RAS refresh, which reduces external circuitry by performing two memory operations per clock cycle. They also offer low latency and consume less power than SRAM.
Memory Capacity
A computer’s memory capacity is the amount of information it can hold at one time. It’s often measured in bytes, kilobytes, gigabytes, and even terabytes.
RAM acts as a bridge between a processor and permanent data storage, such as an internal hard disk drive or solid state drive (SSD). This type of storage is non-volatile and maintains data so long as it’s powered on.
The capacity of a CPU’s main memory is determined by the number of address registers built into the chip. Most 32-bit processors can only address up to 4 GB of memory. The CPU’s addressing capability can be upgraded by adding additional RAM or a faster form of permanent storage, such as an SSD.