Skip to content
Step by Step Internet 🌐 Guides for learning to surf the Net

RAM Memory What is it, what is it for and what types are there in computing?

RAM Memory What is it

RAM is one of the essential elements of our computer , our phone, our smart TV and all kinds of devices. It is used to store data temporarily while doing tasks, relieving the storage memory load .

This is a logical element, a software , although is acquired and used mounted on a hardware element that is not welded to the motherboard but can be attached and undocked.

Knowing it in detail is essential to know if we are giving it the best use and if it is the best option for our computer. So that you know it yourself and, if you wish, you can change it, we will tell you in detail what this software is, what types exist, how it works, how to know if it is enough for you, what problems it presents and many more things .

What is and what is the RAM of a computer? / span>

Que es y como funciona memoria RAM

RAM is one of the three memories a computer uses . And know that we say computer but, in most cases, we could generalize by talking about all kinds of smart devices.

Definition

RAM is a working memory of the logical parts of technological equipment . Better explained, we can say that it is the software that receives certain information of the tasks that are being executed in the system so, as we pointed out at the beginning, not to load the hard disk so much as we can work it faster, because RAM is faster than the internal storage unit in computing.

This information is temporary, disappears at the end of the processes, so that essential feature of this element is volatility. RAM constantly changes the information it has based on the tasks that are being performed at all times.

Similarly, any stored information will disappear if memory stops receiving power . We see this clearly when the power goes out, comes back, we start and, obviously, the computer starts from scratch, does not maintain the tasks and information we had before the cut.

RAM is an acronym for Random Access Memory , random access memory if we translate it into Spanish. The definition of this name indicates that the reading and writing are carried out in any memory position, all these being equal in terms of waiting time , which means that the information goes to a random place at there are no more or less advantageous conditions.

Evolution

RAM replaces delay lines and relays as systems to function as memory. This begins as a magnetic core, developed in the middle of the last century . This model, also known as bull memory, was used in computers for more than two decades.

Historia origen evolucion memoria RAM

One of its requirements was the storage of a byte by toroid tiny ferromagnetic, which required an amount of space that increased as more memory capacity was needed . Imagine, for a few millimeters that were required per byte, if we multiply … That became a nonsense after a few years!

It is in the year 1969 when 3101 is launched, a 64-bit integrated that becomes the first RAM with a silicon semiconductor base . Intel does it, Only a year later presented what was the first 1024 bytes DRAM memory , a milestone for the success of its commercialization and, with it, the point by which the previous ones began to disappear.

The 1973 stands out in this sector by introducing what quickly became a standard and that helped reduce the size of the pieces to a large extent: the transmission of several signals (in this case, memory addresses) by a single means . The novelty came from the hand of MOSTEK, with MK4096, 4096 bytes in 16 pins .

After standardization, this type of memory with the mentioned addressing scheme was directly coupled to the base plates by welding or installed in sockets, occupying an important part of the printed circuit.

Its installation in the main soon evidenced the impossibility of miniaturization , so in the minds of technicians soon the memories appeared to modules , the first being the SIPP and quickly moving to SIMM, an improvement without pins.

At the end of the 80s the evolution of the rest of the hardware of the equipment made that the MOSTEK model was totally insufficient , having to work hard and addressing.

The models that stood out in this aspect are:

  • FPM RAM or Fast Page Mode RAM : The addressing mode included that the address delivery was given only by the controller, throwing one after the other without having to generate the total addresses at the same time. The access times were 60 and 70 nanoseconds, which meant significant time savings.
  • EDO RAM or Extended Data Output RAM: access times were reduced to 30 or 40 nanoseconds, sending contiguous addresses while addressing the column to be used and reading the previous one, eliminating the waiting state and making the buffer always active in each cycle
  • BEDO RAM or Burst Extended Data Output RAM: It used internal address generators, accessing several memory locations per clock cycle, increasing the benefits of its 50% predecessor.

Functions on the PC and mobile devices

On any device, the use of RAM is always the same, as already mentioned: store data of tasks that are currently running, so that you have quick access to them and that you they can also easily remove , leaving space quickly for information from any other task to be attached.

Types and examples of RAM or random access

Tipos y ejemplos de memoria RAM

The types of RAM are two: SRAM and DRAM . Within these, we see that they can be classified according to different factors or elements. Let’s look at a first general scheme and then we will explain the most significant details of each type.

  • SRAM:
    • Volatiles.
    • Nonvolatile.
      • NVRAM,
      • MRAM.
  • DRAM:
    • Asynchronous DRAM . We have already seen these, as an important part of evolution.
      • FPM RAM.
      • EDO RAM.
      • BEDO RAM.
    • SDRAM.
      • RAMBUS
        • RDRAM.
        • XDR DRAM.
        • XDR2 DRAM. >
      • SDR SDRAM .
      • DDR SDRAM.
      • DDR2 SDRAM.
      • DDR3 SDRAM.
      • DDR4 SDRAM.

SRAM or Static Random Access Memory

Semiconductor-based technology that kept memorized data while it was connected to the current without having to use the refreshment circuits, as was the case with DRAM memories.

Compared to its competitor, consumes less, is faster and more expensive . For this reason, its use is given for activities of high demand for time or consumption. They can be volatile or non-volatile, synchronous and have a bipolar junction transistor or MOSFET by CMOS.

NVRAM or Non-Volatile Random Access Memory

It is a non-volatile SRAM memory , that is, will not lose information after disconnecting from the power. This causes it to move away a bit from its own definition, but it is a fairly specific type used in routers and computers, not computers.

For this reason, are a kind of predecessors of reprogrammable ROMs , as they maintain, like these, a minimum information necessary for the launch of the devices.

MRAM or Magnetoresistive Random Access Memory

It also turns out to be a non-volatile SRAM memory that was developed in the 90s but that, due to generalization of DRAM memory and flash, did not get too consumed, falling into oblivion in spite of having defenders that indicate that it will end up imposing.

Work by storing data using magnetic force and not as an electric charge. It includes two ferromagnetic discs that maintain a magnetic field each. They don’t need soda and they don’t consume energy continuously. In addition, its accesses are around 2 nanoseconds .

DRAM or Dynamic Random Access Memory

This memory is based on capacitors and is characterized by the progressive hanging of the load, so that a refreshment circuit must check and replace it through cycles of soda Very long, since the 60s, and of current use for most major memories in computers and other devices.

Asynchronous DRAM

The subtypes of the previous scheme have already been in the evolution section .

RDRAM or Rambus Dynamic Random- Access Memory

In its time it was the fastest synchronous DRAM memory , also famous for working differently, giving us a large bandwidth, but also seeking to solve the problems with the number of pins and with the granularity .

This implies that, clearly, it was not an economic element, which is why he soon had a substitute. His presentation was made in RIMM modules with 184 contacts . It began to be used on the well-known Nintendo 64 console, on the Pentium 4 and on other later devices.

The following types were available:

  • PC600: Working at a maximum of 300 MHz.
  • PC700 : Operating up to 350 MHz.
  • PC800 : It could work up to 400 MHz.

  • PC1066 : It would reach 533 MHz.
  • PC1200 : Its maximum performance meant reaching 600 MHz.

XDR DRAM or Extreme Data Rate Dynamic Random Access Memory

Another Rambus SDRAM memory , or rather a high-performance implementation that happened to the previous Rambus. Notable for eliminating latency and having a maximum capacity of 1 GB.

Its use is perfect in small systems that require high performance, such as the Play Station 3 console, and high performance GPUs. It had a second version very similar but that improved, of course, some aspects. It is passed without penalty or glory due to the imposition of other memories of the competition.

SDR SDRAM or Single Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic Random-Access Memory

It is a synchronous memory dating from the 70s whose access times fluctuate between 10 and 25 nanoseconds .

Its presentation is given in DIMM modules that have 168 contacts and the data buses were 4, 8 and 16 bits. It was used in the second and third generation of Pentium processors as well as in several AMDs.

The types offered of this type of RAM are:

  • PC66 : It will work at a maximum of 66.6 MHz.
  • PC100 : The operation is given at a maximum of 100 MHz.
  • PC133 : at 133.3 MHz maximum.

DDR SDRAM or Double Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic Random-Access Memory

A synchronous memory that will send two groups of data in each clock cycle , hence its name. That is, it is twice as fast without having to increase the clock frequency.

Presented in DIMMs with 184 contacts for use on the desktop and 144 contacts if we opt for those that are integrated into laptops.

>

The types that exist are:

  • PC1600 : Maximum use at 200 MHz.
  • PC2100 : Maximum performance at 266.6 MHz.
  • PC2700 : It offered a frequency of up to 333.3 MHz.
  • PC3200 : It reached 400 MHz.
  • PC3500 : It could reach 433 MHz.
  • PC4500 : It could work up to 500 MHz.

DDR2 SDRAM

It is simply an improvement of the previous type in which the input and output buffers can work with a double core frequency to make four transfers per clock cycle . Your presentation will be given in DIMM modules with 240 contacts .

The types we found are:

  • PC2-3200 : It works up to 400 MHz.
  • PC2-4200 : Its operation is up to 533.3 MHz.
  • PC2-5300 : It will work up to 500 MHz.
  • PC2-6400 : The work will be done up to 800 MHz.
  • PC2-8600 : The work is done up to 1066.6 MHz.
  • PC2-9000 : The MHz maximums reached are 1200.

DDR3 SDRAM

Improving the previous ones, they stand out for their high performance in low voltage conditions , making the consumption lower overall. They are presented in 240-pin DIMMs .

Their types are:

  • PC3-6400 : The maximum frequency may be 800 MHz,
  • PC3-8500 : Its maximum frequency would reach 1066.6 MHz.
  • PC3-10600 : The maximum work will be 1333.3 MHz.
  • PC3-12800 : Its maximum operation includes a frequency of 1600 MHz.
  • PC3-14900 : The clock will work at 1866.6 MHz.
  • PC3-17000 >: It will work up to 2133.3 MHz.
  • PC3-19200 : Your maximum work can be done at 2400 MHz.
  • PC3-21300 : The maximum frequency is 266.6 MHz.

DDR4 SDRAM

Consume less than the previous and perform more . Otherwise, their work is done in the same way. They are presented in 288-pin DIMMs .

The types currently available are:

  • PC4-1600 : It has a maximum frequency of 1600 MHz.
  • PC4-1866 : The frequency it will reach 1866.6 MHz.
  • PC4-17000 : 2133.3 MHz maximum for its clock frequency.
  • PC4-19200 : Your work is done up to 2400 MHz frequency.
  • PC4-25600 : It reaches a very high frequency of 2666.6 MHz.