What Is RAM?
Random-access memory (RAM) is a form of computer memory that can be read and changed in any order, typically used to store working data and machine code. A random-access memory device allows data items to be read or written in almost the same amount of time irrespective of the physical location of data inside the memory. In contrast, with other direct-access data storage media such as hard disks, CD-RWs, DVD-RWs and the older magnetic tapes and drum memory, the time required to read and write data items varies significantly depending on their physical locations on the recording medium, due to mechanical limitations such as media rotation speeds and arm movement. RAM contains multiplexing and demultiplexing circuitry, to connect the data lines to the addressed storage for reading or writing the entry. Usually more than one bit of storage is accessed by the same address, and RAM devices often have multiple data lines and are said to be "8-bit" or "16-bit", etc. devices.
As time went on, we’ve grown to understand ways to compute faster. Over the years, RAM speeds and capacity have increased so much that the only way we were able to accommodate for these speeds was to build different motherboards. Essentially, our way of computing has certainly changed, but almost every user wouldn’t have notice anything different.
At the time of this article, the most modern kind of of RAM is DDR4, which proceeded DDR3. DDR3 proceeded DDR2, DDR2 to DDR, and DDR to SDRAM -- each iteration being faster and more capable of a higher capacity of random access storage.
Speed sort of works in tandem with type. As older types of RAM are only made to go up to a certain speed. Although to pull data from RAM is miles faster than to pull data from a hard drive, each type of RAM still has certain “speed limits”, which is measured in megahertz (Mhz). This speed allows data to move in and out even faster. Some motherboards even have technical limitations to what kind of RAM speed it can handle. This can be for a number of reasons like to prevent overheating, or simply put the motherboards firmware doesn’t support it.
But, Let’s take for example why knowing this is important. If you purchase an 1833mhz stick of RAM for your computer but motherboard specifications says it can only accept 1333mhz RAM or lower, it will throttle to 1333mhz. Essentially, it is slowing down the stick to match the motherboard’s imposed speed limit. This can also happen with mixing high speed RAM with low speed RAM. Your system needs uniformity, so it will throttle your faster stick to meet this need.
Another thing to note is that there generally isn’t fast RAM with an old DDR type. Most 3000mhz RAM is only available in DDR4, and there really isn't 1333mhz DDR4 RAM either.
Here is a chart to show you what common speeds are found on what type
DDR3 Common Speeds
1066mhz
1300mhz
1600mhz
1866mhz
DDR4 Common Speeds
2133mhz
2400mhz
2666mhz
3200mhz
There’s also different form factors available, respectively called DIMM and SO-DIMM. The form factor DIMM is usually used for Desktops where SO-DIMM is usually used for laptops. It's worth mentioning that there’s a type of RAM specifically built for servers, but if you were going to do that, you’re likely to already know most of the the information in this article.
If you’re using DIMM or SO-DIMM memory, DDR type rules still apply. So, there is just as many DDR4, SO-DIMM RAM sticks, than there are DDR4 DIMM RAM sticks. Also, you can’t fit a SO-DIMM stick in a slot that is expecting a DIMM stick. It’s just not physically possible.
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM,FACEBOOK AND PINTEREST
DISCLAIMER
The information is provided by Tecquisition for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional legal advice.
If you have any feedback, comments, requests for technical support or other inquiries, please mail us by tecqusition@gmail.com.
Comments