What is RAM?
RAM is an abbreviation for Random Access Memory. It is the main volatile memory of a computer system used for storing data and information in any order, which is at random, not in sequence. It is called volatile memory because the information in RAM is lost when the power is removed. Conversely, RAM only holds information when the computer is powered on. RAM works as a “highway bridge”, which “links” the CPU and Hard Disk during information “exchange” between the two components. RAM holds the most recently accessed information to ensure quick access by the CPU when required. It works much faster than reading directly from the Hard Drive. As a result, having a higher capacity of RAM makes it quicker to retrieve recently accessed files, applications, information and other data. All computer programs that are loaded MUST be run through RAM before they can be used.
Types of RAM
RAM has been evolving from SIMM 30-pin (FPRAM) to the newest DIMM240-pin (Double Data Rate 2). Types of common RAM packages consists of SIMM 30-pin (FPRAM), SIMM 72-pin (EDO RAM), DIMM 168-pin (SD RAM), DIMM 184-pin (DDR RAM) and DIMM 240-pin (DDR2 RAM).
No matter how its physical attributes have changed or evolved, RAM still serves the same function – to store data and information in random order, not in sequence.
How RAM Works
RAM installed in the PC is organized much like a “huge spreadsheet / Microsoft Excel” with rows and columns of data. However, to understand the process of accessing memory, a second analogy is useful.
Imagine looking for Stephen King’s Novel, Cell from Borders, Visualise RAM data locations as books in a very sophisticated that use electric ladders attached to the top of the book shelves for easy access. The process of getting the novel in the bookstore works as follows:
1. The reader requests the novel.
2. The store keeper locates the novel.
3. The store keeper moves the electric ladder to accurate set of shelves.
4. Electric ladder will raise the store keeper up to get the novel off the shelf.
5. The store keeper will put away any novels that go on the shelf.
6. Electric ladder will bring the store keeper down from top of the shelf with the novel.
7. The store keeper gives the novels to the reader.
Analogically speaking:
· The Reader : CPU
· The Novel : Data & Information
· The Store Keeper : RAM
· The Shelves : Row & Column within the RAM
· The Electric Ladder : Memory Parameter
The process of completing each task, starting from the request of the novel to the delivery of the novel to the reader, involves delays. This is why some RAM performs better than others even though rated at the same clock speed. Having a good “Store Keeper” & “Electronic Ladder” plays an important role in delivering better performance.
RAM is an abbreviation for Random Access Memory. It is the main volatile memory of a computer system used for storing data and information in any order, which is at random, not in sequence. It is called volatile memory because the information in RAM is lost when the power is removed. Conversely, RAM only holds information when the computer is powered on. RAM works as a “highway bridge”, which “links” the CPU and Hard Disk during information “exchange” between the two components. RAM holds the most recently accessed information to ensure quick access by the CPU when required. It works much faster than reading directly from the Hard Drive. As a result, having a higher capacity of RAM makes it quicker to retrieve recently accessed files, applications, information and other data. All computer programs that are loaded MUST be run through RAM before they can be used.Types of RAM
RAM has been evolving from SIMM 30-pin (FPRAM) to the newest DIMM240-pin (Double Data Rate 2). Types of common RAM packages consists of SIMM 30-pin (FPRAM), SIMM 72-pin (EDO RAM), DIMM 168-pin (SD RAM), DIMM 184-pin (DDR RAM) and DIMM 240-pin (DDR2 RAM).
No matter how its physical attributes have changed or evolved, RAM still serves the same function – to store data and information in random order, not in sequence.
How RAM Works
RAM installed in the PC is organized much like a “huge spreadsheet / Microsoft Excel” with rows and columns of data. However, to understand the process of accessing memory, a second analogy is useful.
Imagine looking for Stephen King’s Novel, Cell from Borders, Visualise RAM data locations as books in a very sophisticated that use electric ladders attached to the top of the book shelves for easy access. The process of getting the novel in the bookstore works as follows:
1. The reader requests the novel.
2. The store keeper locates the novel.
3. The store keeper moves the electric ladder to accurate set of shelves.
4. Electric ladder will raise the store keeper up to get the novel off the shelf.
5. The store keeper will put away any novels that go on the shelf.
6. Electric ladder will bring the store keeper down from top of the shelf with the novel.
7. The store keeper gives the novels to the reader.
Analogically speaking:
· The Reader : CPU
· The Novel : Data & Information
· The Store Keeper : RAM
· The Shelves : Row & Column within the RAM
· The Electric Ladder : Memory Parameter
The process of completing each task, starting from the request of the novel to the delivery of the novel to the reader, involves delays. This is why some RAM performs better than others even though rated at the same clock speed. Having a good “Store Keeper” & “Electronic Ladder” plays an important role in delivering better performance.
No comments:
Post a Comment