RAM is your computer’s short-term memory. It’s where your computer stores information about the apps and data you’re now utilizing. You undoubtedly already know that more RAM is better, but you may be considering upgrading your RAM right now. However, shopping for RAM might be perplexing. What is the distinction between DDR3 and DDR4 memory? What’s the difference between a DIMM and a SO-DIMM? Is there a distinction between the DRR3-1600 and the PC3-12800? Is timing and latency in RAM important? Continue reading to learn about the many types of RAM, how to interpret RAM specs, and how RAM works.
What Is Random Access Memory (RAM)?
Random Access Memory (RAM) is a type of memory that is used to store data. It serves as a bridge between your CPU’s little, super-fast cache and your hard drive’s or solid-state drive’s huge, super-slow storage (SSD). RAM is used by your system to temporarily store operating system components as well as data that your programmes are currently utilizing. RAM is not a type of long-term storage.
Consider your computer to be an office. The file cabinet in the corner houses the hard drive. The RAM is comparable to a whole office workstation, whereas the CPU cache is comparable to the real working area where you actively work on a document.
The more RAM you have, the more resources you can access quickly at any given time. A larger desk can contain more bits of paper without becoming cluttered and awkward, just as a larger desk can hold more bits of paper without becoming cluttered and unwieldy (as well as requiring more trips back to the filing cabinet to reorganize).
However, unlike an office desk, RAM cannot be used as long-term storage. When you switch the power off, the contents of your system RAM are gone. Losing power is like to clearing your desk of all documents.
SDRAM is usually referred to as RAM.
When individuals discuss RAM, they typically refer to the SDRAM. SDRAM is also discussed in this article. RAM comes in the form of a stick that you can plug into the motherboard on most desktops and laptops. There are the light laptops where you can see that the RAM has been soldered and the system runs in the best condition. This is what SDRAM is all about and you can get it from any brand easily in the market.
RAM’s Different Form Factors
DIMM (Dual In-Line Memory Module), which is used in desktops and servers, and SO-DIMM (Small Outline DIMM), which is found in laptops and other small form factor computers, are the two most common types of RAM.
You can’t combine the two RAM form factors, even if they utilise the same technology and function in the same way.
What Is DDR and What Does It Mean?
Double Data Rate is the mode of operation for the RAM in your computer (DDR). DDR RAM refers to memory that performs two transfers per clock cycle. RAM modules are labelled DDR, DDR2, DDR3, and so on since newer varieties of RAM are upgraded versions of the same technology.
Despite the fact that all versions of desktop RAM have the same physical size and form, they are not compatible. DDR3 RAM will not work with a motherboard that only supports DDR2. Similarly, DDR3 will not fit in a DDR4 slot. Each RAM generation has a notch cut in the pins at distinct positions to avoid any mistake. That implies that even if you buy the wrong type of RAM, you won’t be able to mix them up and damage your motherboard.
DDR2
DDR2 is the most common kind of RAM on the market today. There are 240 pins on it (200 for SO-DIMM). Although DDR2 has been mostly supplanted, it is still available in limited numbers to update outdated PCs. DDR2 is no longer supported.
DDR3
DDR3 was first introduced in 2007. Despite the fact that DDR4 officially replaced it in 2014, several systems still use the older RAM standard. Why? Because DDR4 capable computers didn’t truly take off until 2016 (two years after the availability of DDR4).
DDR4
DDR4 first appeared on the market in 2014, and it took some time for it to overtake DDR3 as the most common form of RAM. Since then, DDR4 has rapidly increased in popularity, accounting for over 80% of all RAM sales globally.
DDR5
DDR5 is expected to be available in consumer markets in 2019. That was not the case. It also didn’t happen in 2020, as the new memory standard was only issued in the middle of the year. As a result, DDR5 RAM is just now beginning to make its way into the public, albeit primarily through high-end showcase modules rather than consumer-grade devices.
Speed, Latency, Timing, and Other RAM Terminology
SDRAM, DIMMs, and DDR generations are all familiar to you. But what about the RAM model’s other lengthy strings of numbers? What exactly do they imply? What units does RAM come in? What about ECC and Swap, for example? Here are the other terminology you should be familiar with when it comes to RAM specifications.
Transfers, Clock Speed, and Bandwidth
RAM is sometimes referred to by two numerals, such as DDR3-1600 and PC3-12800. These both allude to and refer to the RAM’s production and transfer speed.
Latency and timing
RAM modules containing a series of numbers, such as 9-10-9-27, are sometimes seen. Timings are the names given to these figures. A RAM timing is a nanosecond-based measurement of the RAM module’s performance. The lower the value, the faster the RAM responds to requests.
The CAS delay is the first number (9 in this case). The amount of clock cycles it takes for data requested by the memory controller to become available to a data pin is referred to as the CAS latency.
Conclusion
The days of “640K ought to be enough for anybody” are long gone. Across all system types, the average quantity of installed RAM is also growing.