What is RAM Memory : RAM is associated with performance and is a critical element of any computer system. There are more and more models and options that you should know.
Both laptops and desktops have many components that most of us are not aware of and that have to do with their capacity and operation.
Some of them are essential to have a fast and efficient team. We tell you what RAM memory is for and why it is critical when choosing a device.
Types of Computer Memory
Table of Contents
Before explaining what RAM memory is, let’s start by defining what computer memory is: we are talking about a device developed based on circuits, which allows limited storage of the information to be made available to the processor.
It is vital for the startup of devices (computers, phones, tablets), the processing of information, and the execution of applications.
There are different types of computer memory:
- RAM memory
- ROM memory
- Avg Memory
- SRAM or Cache memory
- Virtual memory
- Flash memory
What is RAM Memory
RAM (Random Access Memory) stands for Random Access Memory. It is a device that can temporarily store data and instructions issued by the processor.
Information is transmitted very quickly because it was designed precisely for that purpose.
It is one of the essential elements within the computer, and, generally, it is integrated into the motherboard.
If we want to parallel the human body, the processor would be the heart and the RAM, the circulatory system.
The good thing about this component is that it can be increased to improve the performance of your equipment and does not require a significant investment.
It does not have a high cost compared to the benefits it provides.
What is RAM Memory for
Its operation allows electronic equipment to perform different tasks more quickly because the RAM memory makes it so that, when the processor wants to execute an instruction, it does not have to go to the hard disk and solve it with the information stored there.
In other words, it is designed to speed up processes and make everything faster.
It increases the speed and execution of different operations and allows you to use several programs or applications simultaneously.
Therefore, the greater the RAM memory capacity, the faster the computer executes processes and reacts with various open programs or applications.
It is important to note that not all the programs that you install on your computer will run properly if your computer does not have a good processor and a good RAM memory capacity.
What’s more: remember that the more applications open, the more memory we will need. That is why smartphones begin to have more and more RAM memory.
What is ROM
ROM works as read-only memory. Typically, the programs necessary to start or make a diagnosis on the computer are stored in it.
These are not erased when the device is turned off, so nothing stored there can be easily modified.
RAM Memory Types
When we look at types of RAM, we focus on both its capacity and its speed.
- Capacity: they can be 2, 4, 8, 16 Gb, and 32 Gb.
- Speed: it is an aspect that has changed over time.
We can find different options in what it does to speed:
SRAM
stands for Static Random Access Memory. It is one of the most expensive on the market, but it is one of the fastest and least wasteful. It is usually used to create the processor cache.
DRAM
stands for Dynamic Random Access Memory. It is a dynamic access memory. It was the first to hit the market, based on silicon semiconductors, which allowed data to remain as long as it was electrically powered.
The problem it presents is that it cannot synchronize with the processor, which causes communication failures between the two.
DDR RAM
it is the most used RAM currently. It allows synchronization with the processor and carries out the transfer of information at the same time through two different channels, achieving more incredible speed and efficiency in operations.
DDR2 RAM
The second version of DDR, with improvements made in terms of speed and design. Allows 4-bit data transfers. Another improvement is the power consumption as it only needs 1.8V to be able to work.
The installation slot changes, thus not supporting standard DDR. The transfer speed ranges from 300 to 1200 Mhz.
DDR3 RAM
This version optimizes energy consumption, reducing the demand for its operation to 1.5 V. The capacity per module is 16 Gb and incorporates improvements depending on the needs of the equipment.
DDR4 RAM
This is what most laptops and desktops carry since they are the best performing.
Its energy consumption varies between 1.45 to 1.05 V. Something new is that it begins to operate in 3 and 4 channels, allowing greater data fluency and making it possible to implement modules of up to 32 Gb. The speed transfer ranges from 1600 to 4600 Mhz.
GDDR
Stands for Graphics Double Data Rate. They were designed specifically for graphics cards, ideal for those who work with design and video programs.
They also provide a great video game experience. They are designed to optimize the access time to the instructions.
Its prices are somewhat higher than standard DDR, but its performance deserves it. The most powerful is GDDR6.
Why Increase the RAM Memory of My Computer
When the computer becomes too slow, we need to check what we can improve so that its performance improves.
It must be considered that the installation of programs and additional data and instructions, and the demand for the equipment are more significant.
One of the cheapest improvements we can make is to increase the RAM. It does not involve a very high investment and, in general, helps our computer be faster.
You don’t have to be an expert. You have to take into account some details:
- Check how much RAM you use on average, something you can check on your computer’s activity monitor.
- Determine the amount of memory you need: for example, if you only need to surf the internet with 2 Gb, you will be fine. 4 or 8 GB of memory is recommended for games, videos, or design programs, and we recommend 16 GB or more for complex multitasking processes for video and sound editing.Check the available slots on the motherboard of the computer.
- View the type of RAM the computer uses.
- See the RAM memory model used by the system.
- Learn to configure the operation of RAM. Take into account the number of channels in which you operate.
Checking these issues, you can increase your RAM and enjoy the benefits that this implies. Some of them are:
- Execution speed will not be affected by having multiple programs open.
- You will be able to browse the internet more efficiently.
- You will be able to access a more significant number of games and applications, which generally require more memory.
- The computer will start up quickly and efficiently.
VIDEO: RAM Explained – Random Access Memory
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