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The System Memory is more commonly called RAM or Random Access Memory.This
is the memory used by
the computer to hold programs and data.
This data is lost once the computer
is turned off.Because
demands by powerful software have skyrocketed, system
memory requirements have been accelerating at an
alarming pace.
Random Access Memory is mounted
directly onto the motherboard
and transfers data by use of address and
data buses.Each data bus consist of a number of circuits.
In 1985,Intel had the 386
processor with its 32 bit bus and
the Pentium processor came along in 1993 with a large 64 bit bus.RAM memory
is made using DRAM Chips.
RAM chips are large rectangular
shaped and made with memory cells with support logic that reads and writes
data.
These chips must be continously refreshed,that is,data is constantly sent
to allow the cells to hold data.
Information being transferred
between the CPU Chip and
RAM memory is called a memory cycle.During the late
90s,the DIMM chip was the standard RAM Chip.So just
what is this DIMM chip? Let's talk about the different
Ram memory chips used in the computer.
Static RAM
is a type of RAM that holds its data without being
refreshed, for as long as power is supplied to the circuit.
This is contrasted to dynamic
RAM (DRAM), which must
be refreshed many times per second in order to hold its
data contents.
TYPES OF RANDOM ACCEESS MEMORY CHIPS
SIMM or Single Inline Memory Modules
came on the
scene in the early 90s.The SIMM chips first came with
30 pins.And then the 72 pin SIMM which had 32 bit
data paths or buses.
DIMM or Dual
Inline Memory Module replace the Simm
chips.These chips had 168 pins as compared to the
72 pin Simm variety.The data bus of the 30 pin chip
was 8 bits while the 72 data bus can send data on the
32 bit data bus.
DIMMs
also come in a smaller form factors suitable for
use in notebook computers. These SO DIMMs or Small
Outline DIMMs are available in both 32-bit wide/72-pin
and 64-bit wide/144-pin form factors.
RIMM came in 1999 and the connectors
for this new
chip fits in the same sockets as the DIMM chips.They
have 184 pins as compared to the Dimm which have
168 pins
The RIMM
chip was to come along when DRDRAM OR
Direct Rambus DRAM: a totally new RAM architecture, was
introduced.A single Rambus Channel has the
potential to reach 500 MBps in burst mode; a 20- fold
increase over DRAM.
Computers will have DRAM for their main system memory,
instead of SRAM, even though DRAMs are slower than
SRAM.The reason that DRAMs are used is that they are
cheaper and take up much less space.To build a 64 MB
core memory from SRAMs would be very expensive
All computers will contain a Memory Controller which,as
its name implies,control the memory.It generates signals
to regulate the reading and writing of information to and
from the memory.The system chipset is normally where
the memory controller is integrated.
And just what are
the chipsets? Well,they are like the
traffic cops for all chips on the motherboard.They keep
in check such data transfer from and to the CPU, data
buses,printer,video card,and nearly all other devices.
Data flow is such a critical issue in the operation and
performance of so many parts of the computer, the
chipset is one of the few components that have a truly
major impact on your PC's quality, feature set, and speed.
THE TYPE OF RAM MEMORY IN YOUR PC
How can you know what type of memory is right for your
PC.Using a memory configurator
is one quick way to solve
is problem.Some memory makers will have a memory
configurator on their site.
The
best way to determine the type of memory you use
in your computer is to read the owner's manual.No
owner's manual,no problem.Visit your computers
motherboard web site should you need assistance.
Another very important thing to considerwhen buying your
memory is to be sure it is compatible with your system.
And you'll need to decide how much memory you need and
consider the price, quality, availability, service, and warranty.
We will look at this in much more detail in the next article
named Installing RAM Memory.Visit the photos page at http://www.ultimatepcrepair.com
to see pictures of these
RAM chips.
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