DEFINITION

RAM (random-access memory) is a hardware device that allows information to be stored and retrieved on a computer. RAM is usually associated with DRAM, which is a type of memory module. Because data is accessed randomly instead of sequentially like it is on a CD or hard  drive access times  are much faster. However, unlike ROM, RAM is a VOLATILE MEMORY and requires power to keep the data accessible. If the computer is turned off, all data contained in RAM is lost.Tip

New users often confuse RAM with disk drive space. See our memory definition for a comparison between the two.

What are the features of RAM?

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.

TYPES OF RAM

Two main types of RAM are:

• Static RAM
• Dynamic RAM

Static RAM (SRAM)

The word static indicates that the memory retains its contents as long as power is being supplied. However, data is lost when the power gets down due to volatile nature. SRAM chips use a matrix of 6-transistors and no capacitors. Transistors do not require power to prevent leakage, so SRAM need not be refreshed on a regular basis.

There is extra space in the matrix, hence SRAM uses more chips than DRAM for the same amount of storage space, making the manufacturing costs higher. SRAM is thus used as cache memory and has very fast access.

Characteristic of Static RAM

• Long life
• No need to refresh
• Faster
• Used as cache memory
• Large size
• Expensive
• High power consumption

Dynamic RAM (DRAM)

DRAM, unlike SRAM, must be continually refreshed in order to maintain the data. This is done by placing the memory on a refresh circuit that rewrites the data several hundred times per second. DRAM is used for most system memory as it is cheap and small. All DRAMs are made up of memory cells, which are composed of one capacitor and one transistor.

Characteristics of Dynamic RAM

• Short data lifetime
• Needs to be refreshed continuously
• Slower as compared to SRAM
• Used as RAM
• Smaller in size
• Less expensive
• Less power consumption

FUNCTIONS OF RAM

Computer random access memory (RAM) is one of the most important components in determining your system’s performance. RAM gives applications a place to store and access data on a short-term basis. It stores the information your computer is actively using so that it can be accessed quickly.

The more programs your system is running, the more you’ll need. SSDs (solid state drives) are also important components and will help your system reach its peak performance.

The speed and performance of your system directly correlate to the amount of RAM you have installed. If your system has too little RAM, it can be slow and sluggish. But on the opposite end, you can install too much with little to no added benefit. There are ways to see if your computer needs more memory, and to make sure you are buying memory that is compatible with the other components in your system. Generally, components are created to the highest standard at the time of manufacture, but with the expectation that technology will continue to change.

To prevent users from inserting incompatible memory, modules are physically different from each  memory technology generation. These physical differences are standard across the memory industry. One of the reasons for industry-wide standardization in memory is that computer makers need to know the electrical parameters and physical shape of the memory that can be installed in their computers.

Advantages of RAM

• RAM is a must to store the data for processing on CPU.
• More RAM is a factor to increase the speed of a computer.
• If CPU wants to read the data from RAM, then it is fast as compared to data access from hard disk, CD, DVD, Floppy, and USB.

Shortcomings of RAM

• Less RAM is a factor to decrease the speed of a computer.
• If CPU wants to read the data from RAM, then it is slow as compared to data access from registers and cache.

DVD RAM advantages

DVD-RAM discs can be rewritten over many many times. For example it can be over 100,000.
Data storage on DVD-RAM is reliable and can be store for many years.
Total storage capacity of DVD-RAM is 4.7GB and 9.4GB If your disc is double sided.
The speed of DVD-RAM for overwriting the data is much faster and easier than CD/DVD-RW.

Advantages of dual channel ram

Dual channel RAM means that we are adding more channels of communication between the memory and the memory controller. So its increase data transfer speed.

Nano ram advantages

• Faster
• Low power consumption
• Data storage
• Boot up
• denser

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