The Significance of RAM in Computing 💾🧠💡

What is RAM?

Let's talk about RAM (Random Access Memory), our computer's short-term memory. We use RAM to store data that we want to access quickly. This data changes all the time, so it isn't permanent. Almost all RAM is volatile, meaning that once we power off our machines, the data stored in RAM is cleared.

Running Programs

Remember that our computer is comprised of programs. To run a program, we need to make a copy of it in RAM so our CPU can process it. When you see a new phone or laptop that says it has 16 gigs of RAM, that means it can run up to 16 gigs of programs, allowing you to run many programs at the same time. When you type a document, you're using RAM. 💻📝

Data Loss

If you've ever worked on an important presentation or paper and lost power, you know the feeling of having all your work disappear. It's a total bummer! This can happen to anything with RAM, even video games. Have you ever gone on a long campaign without saving, only to lose all your progress when the power goes out? It’s not fun at all. You might spend the next hour deciding whether to rage quit the game and start over. Not that this happened to me or anything—just a friend! 😅

Types of RAM

All of this happens because RAM clears its data when powered off. The most common type of RAM in computers is DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory). When 1 or 0 is sent to DRAM, it stores each bit in a microscopic capacitor, either charged (1) or discharged (0). These semiconductors are put into chips on the RAM to store our data.

There are also different types of memory sticks for DRAM chips. The more modern DIMM sticks (Dual Inline Memory Module) have various pin sizes. 🧮🔌

Buying RAM

It's important to note that we don't buy RAM based on the number of DRAM chips; they're labeled by their capacity, like an eight-gig stick of RAM. After DRAM, manufacturers developed SDRAM (Synchronous DRAM), which is synchronized to the system's clock speed for quicker data processing.

DDR SDRAM

Today, we use another type of RAM called double data rate SDRAM, or DDR SDRAM for short. Most people simply refer to it as DDR. There are many iterations, from DDR1 to DDR4. DDR is faster, uses less power, and has a larger capacity than earlier versions. The latest version, DDR4, is currently the fastest type of short-term memory available for computers. Faster RAM means that programs run quicker and more programs can run simultaneously. 💨⚡️💻

Compatibility

Keep in mind that any RAM sticks you use need to be compatible with your motherboard, which has specific pin alignments for RAM slots. Just like with the CPU, make sure your motherboard is compatible with any RAM sticks you purchase.

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Up Next

We'll take a deep dive into motherboards. Stay tuned! 🤓🔍🖥️