Importance of RAM in a Types

Computer
3. RAM comes in a number of types. Older
computers might use SDRAM or DDR1
RAM, while newer machines are likely to
use DDR2 or DDR3 chips. Newer chips use
more efficient methods to transfer data and
use less power. Each type of RAM also
comes in a number of different speeds and
capacities. Faster and larger memory chips
RAM is essential to the functioning of modern can process more information in a given
computers. period than smaller and slower ones.
Upgrading your RAM can often make a big
RAM, or random access memory, also is called difference in your computer's performance.
volatile memory. It's one of the best-known types
of computer memory and one of the easiest parts
of a computer for a user to upgrade. The amount Warning
and type of RAM in a computer can affect its
speed and performance, especially during 4. Each computer motherboard is made to
memory-intensive tasks like video game play accommodate a certain size and type of
and graphic editing. RAM. Attempting to use the wrong type of
chip, or installing a chip that's larger than the
motherboard can handle, is likely to cause
Significance operating problems. In many cases, your
computer will be unable to recognize the chip
1. RAM is a type of memory that stores data and will beep instead of starting up.
temporarily. Unlike the memory on a hard drive, Attempting to put the wrong type of chip into
all of the information held in RAM is lost when another slot could damage the chip and the
the computer is turned off. Your computer uses memory slot.
RAM to store data until it can be processed.
Most programs are loaded into RAM while
you're using them, since accessing this type of Considerations
memory is much faster than reading hard drive
data. 5. Slow computers can often be improved by
upgrading the RAM, but it's important to check
compatibility first. An older motherboard might
Benefits need to have its BIOS (the set of instructions that
allows it to recognize computer components)
2. Since accessing data stored in RAM is faster upgraded before you can install new RAM. 32-
than accessing data on the hard drive, bit operating systems also cannot recognize as
computers can run much more quickly. much RAM as 64-bit systems. It's important to
Running programs from your computer's check the information on your computer and
RAM allows them to function with little to operating system before attempting to add
no lag. Some types of RAM also have additional memory.
mechanisms that make sure data has not been
corrupted. They check the data as it's
transferred and are often used on systems that
store important information, such as servers.
Ordinary chips do not perform this check.
 SD RAM Definition and from the RAM at the exact time the RAM is
ready for the next request. Synchronous memory
is designed for reading and writing in something
called "burst mode," in which the memory
operates faster in sequence after the initial
access. Synchronous memory is able to have half
the memory modules access data while the other
half is transmitting the data.
SDRAM is a type of computer memory.

Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Bottlenecking

Memory, or SDRAM as it is commonly called, is
a type of memory used by computers and other 3. RAM runs into performance problems with
similar devices. SDRAM no longer is used in something called bottleneck. The term refers to
currently manufactured computers and was when computer hardware has performance
replaced by the first generation of Double Data limitations because one of the components can’t
Rate SDRAM, or DDR for short. The primary operate as quickly as the other. Synchronous
difference of SDRAM from its predecessors is memory has the capability to operate faster
that it can access data from two of the memory's compared with asynchronous memory, which
storage areas at once and uses the computer's better prevents bottleneck problems with the
clock to optimally time data access. RAM.

RAM SDRAM Speed

1. RAM is a computer's active memory. RAM is 4. SDRAM operates at a system bus frequency of
used to store data that will be transferred to the up to 133 megahertz. The faster speed was
computer's processor substantially faster than if developed when existing RAM technology could
it were being transferred from a hard drive or a not keep up with the 66 MHz bus speed of the
disc. The more RAM a computer has the more first generation of Pentium processors.
complex programs it can quickly and efficiently
use at a time. RAM speed and capacity DDR
requirements increase as computer programs
increase in complexity. If a computer lacks 5. DDR RAM is a type of synchronous RAM that
enough RAM to hold all the data it needs to was developed to operate at speeds faster than
perform a task, it uses a process called "paging," SDRAM. Eventually, SDRAM led to bottleneck
in which the extra data is stored on a hard drive problems as processors got faster and faster,
or flash memory drive and can't be accessed as which led to the need for faster operating
quickly. A computer needing to page data can memory. DDR can transfer data twice as fast as
cause noticeable performance hiccups and SDRAM.
stalling while the data is loading.
What is the Definition of DDR
Synchronous Memory?
2. Synchronous memory means that the memory is Double data rate memory is a type of computer
synchronized with the computer's clock so that memory built off integrated circuit technology.
the processor can optimally time memory access. DDR memory achieves just under double the
RAM is not constantly accessed and takes a data rate of single data rate memory, which it
fraction of a second break each time data is superseded by using a double pumping data
moved to and from the memory. Synchronous transfer technology. This technology doubles the
memory makes sure the data requests are sent to
 data transfer rate without increasing the clock
speed of the memory.
Size
4. DDR memory module size is typically a measure
Function not of its physical dimensions but rather its
interface pin count. Pin counts for DDR RAM
1. DDR memory operates at twice the bandwidth of range from 100 to 240 interfacing pins. This
single data rate memory. This double pumping specification is used because DDR memory
mechanism is accomplished by accessing data on module sticks are all the same socket size and
the rising and falling edges of each clock cycle. only differ in their interface pin counts. Further,
An analogy that is helpful for understanding how DDR memory size also refers to the amount of
this process works is to compare it to musical memory a particular module has. DDR memory
beats. Every musical beat has an upbeat and capacities range from 128 MB to 4 GB. Higher
downbeat portion of its operation. So it is capacity RAM is available; however, it is usually
analogous to say that data transfer happens on only able to be recognized by enterprise-level
the upbeat and downbeat of a clock cycle, thus computer systems.
doubling the data rate.
Warning
Benefits
5. DDR memory acts as a volatile memory type
2. DDR memory has a much higher data transfer within computer systems for data manipulation
rate than single data rate memory. This higher during run-time. This designation of "volatile"
data bandwidth allows for a computer system means that the data within the DDR memory
that is more responsive and capable of modules is not persistent. If a computer system's
processing data with lower latencies. This double power source is interrupted for any reason, the
data rate also does not increase the clock speed. data within the memory modules will be lost and
This ability to operate at standard clock speeds unrecoverable. Because of this, it is advised to
allows for lower operating temperatures and save all work performed on a computer often to
lower required voltages for operation. avoid data loss as a result of power interruption.

Types DR RAM Vs. SDRAM

3. DDR memory is differentiated by two Computer memory is vital to the operation of a

specifications that are both related to operating computer system. However, with all of the types
speeds. DDR memory comes in several different of memory available, it can be confusing to
clock speeds. Configuration speeds of 100 MHz know which type of memory will work with your
to 2000 MHz are available depending on the computer system.
memory controller's settings. Also, a DDR
memory module's latency is of consideration Many older systems use SDRAM, whereas many
when differentiating modules. DDR memory new systems use DDR, DDR2, or DDR3 RAM.
latency is a measure of clock cycles it takes for While it might seem as though "memory is
memory to complete a read or write cycle. This memory", it is important to note the differences
latency is expressed as a single-digit number so that the right type of memory is purchased
between two and nine. Lower latencies provide and installed.
faster data access and transferring between
memory and components. SDRAM

1. SDRAM is a type of computer memory (random

access memory, or RAM). This type of memory
waits for a clock signal from the computer
system before transferring data. When this type
 of memory first appeared in the early 1990s, it What Is a DDR2?
was normally listed in maximum clock speed
that it could process data (such as PC-66, PC-
100, or PC-133). A computer motherboard that
operated at 100 MHz, for example, could utilize
PC-100 or PC-133 memory, but not PC-66
memory.

DDR RAM
Computer RAM
2. DDR RAM is actually a form of SDRAM. The
acronym "DDR" stands for "Double Data Rate". DDR SDRAM, which stands for double data rate
This is because DDR (and its successor synchronous dynamic random access memory, is
technologies, DDR2 and DDR3) performs two a type of computer memory. It improves on the
data transfers per clock cycle, as opposed to one older RAM standard by offering higher data
transfer per cycle that regular SDRAM performs. transfer rates while using less power. DDR2 is
an upgrade to the DDR standard, offering still
DDR RAM is rated at twice the clock speed that improved speeds and transfer rates.
the computer motherboard uses. For example, a
100 MHz motherboard that uses DDR RAM Single Data Rate RAM
would take DDR-200 RAM.
1. SDR SDRAM, or single data rate synchronous
As with other speeds of SDRAM, DDR RAM dynamic random access memory, was the
that has a faster rating can be used in a slower standard for computer memory until the advent
motherboard. For example, a DDR-266 module of DDR. Synchronous DRAM is an
can be used in a 100 MHz or 133 MHz improvement over the older, asynchronous
motherboard. standard. Asynchronous RAM responds to the
rest of the system as quickly as it can to input,
Are SDRAM and DDR RAM one instruction at a time. Synchronous RAM
Interchangeable? responds in time with the system bus clock,
transferring data at each clock signal, which
3. While DDR is a form of SDRAM, the two are allows the RAM to execute multiple instructions
not physically interchangeable. Physical RAM simultaneously in sequence, increasing overall
modules have notches cut into their sides and throughput.
near the electrical connections. Regular SDRAM
has two notches near the electrical connectors, Double Data Rate RAM
whereas DDR modules only have one notch.
2. DDR SDRAM is almost twice as fast as
Practical Applications comparable SDR RAM modules. The primary
way DDR achieves this is by use of "double
4. SDRAM is used in older computers with clock pumping," or transferring data and receiving
speeds between 66 and 133 MHz. Typical input on both the rising and falling edge of the
microprocessors used with these computers were system bus clock signal, while SDR RAM only
the Pentium through Pentium III and Celeron transfers data once per clock signal. Effectively,
series from Intel; the AMD K5 through K6-3+, this means a DDR module with otherwise the
Athlon, and Duron series same specifications as an SDR module can
transfer twice the data. Because of this increase
in data rate, the frequency of DDR RAM can be
lower than comparable SDR RAM, using less
power.
 date and year when a computer was
DDR2 manufactured. If you are uncertain which
belongs in your laptop, see the link to
3. The DDR2 specification was revealed in 2003,
Crucial.com in the Resources to find a definitive
replacing the older DDR specification. DDR and
answer.
DDR2 memory modules and motherboards are
not compatible. DDR2 works using the same
principles as DDR, but DDR2 makes significant SDRAM
changes in the way it fetches data and in its own
clock speed. DDR2 also has a denser pin layout, 2. SDRAM is difficult to find and is often limited
meaning there are more pins to connect the to specialty computer stores and online retailers,
memory module to the motherboard . The notch because it is so old. The data transfer rates for
between the pins is also in a different location, SDRAM are only 100 and 133 Mbps; most
ensuring that damage is not caused to memory SDRAM sticks do not have a capacity greater
modules or motherboards by attempting to use than 256 MB. Laptop SDRAM has 144 pins (the
the wrong memory standard in an incompatible pins are the little metal connections that lock into
motherboard. the RAM slot on the motherboard).

Power Savings DDR

4. The manufacturing processes used to make 3. DDR RAM is one of the older versions of RAM
DDR2 were improved over DDR. The dies used readily available on the market. It works with
are smaller, so the resulting chips require less data transfer rates of 200, 266, 333, or 400
voltage. DDR2 uses 1.8 volts, while DDR Mbps. Laptop DDR RAM most often has 200
required 2.5 volts. pins, as opposed to SDRAM's 144. Most DDR
sticks are currently available in 512 MB and 1
GB capacities, though some searching can yield
Latency Issues a 256 MB stick (useful for older laptops that
cannot handle 1 GB or more of RAM).
5. Because DDR2 is clocked at half the original
DDR clock rate, DDR2 initially suffered from
high latency issues. Some early DDR2 test DDR2
systems performed slower than comparable DDR
systems. But this issue has since been largely 4. DDR2 RAM doubles the data transfer
solved. By 2004, DDR2 chips with lower capabilities of DDR, running with transfer rates
latencies became available. DDR2 became a of 400, 533, 677, and 800 Mbps. Like DDR
widely used standard, although it has been itself RAM, laptop DDR2 is available in 200 pins. The
superseded by DDR3 way the pins are arranged, though, as well as the
location of the gap between pins, make DDR and
Types of RAM Guides for a DDR2 incompatible with each other. DDR2
sticks are available with capacities as small as
Laptop 512 MB and as large as 2 GB. As of January
2010, DDR2 is still the industry standard, though
1. There are three main types of laptop RAM on it will likely succumb to DDR3 in a few months.
the market today--DDR, DDR2, and DDR3--
along with a fourth, lesser-used kind called
SDRAM. Each has its own properties in terms of DDR3
speed and storage space, and none are
interchangeable with the others. (For instance, 5. DDR3 is the newest, fastest, and most energy-
you cannot use a DDR3 stick in a DDR slot.) efficient RAM on the market, which can clock
Figuring out which belongs in your computer is data transfer rates of 800, 1066, 1333, and 1600
fairly easy, as each kind corresponds with the Mbps. DDR3 RAM is currently produced with a
 minimum capacity of 1 GB, up to a maximum of data as memory clock, but this time internally
capacity of 4 GB, which is bound to become on the stick. Most often, this is moving a piece of
larger as DDR3 technology evolves. data from one stick to another or storing it in a
Additionally, laptop DDR3 RAM has 204 pins to different section of the stick near similar data.
support its faster speeds and larger capacities. I/O speed has no buffer between itself and
memory clock speed; this means it must be rated
DDR 333 Vs. DDR 400 exactly the same as its memory clock. PC-2700
clocks in at 166 MHz, while PC-3200 is a full
Double data rate (DDR) is an integrated form of 200 MHz.
synchronous dynamic random access memory
(SDRAM) used for personal computers (PC) in Data Transfers per Second
order to store packets of data. First developed in
1996 and released to the public, DDR quickly 4. Data transfers per second is a rating that
replaced single data rate (SDR) memory until determines how many of those 32-byte blocks of
late 2000. Improvements continue to be made in information can be moved around at one time.
the density of the chips, allowing for more Often this is considered the most important
operations and larger storage, but the speed is factor for DDR sticks, and they will be seen
limited by hardware concerns at 400 megahertz labeled with it, such as DDR-333. With that in
(MHz). DDR sticks are available in units as mind, the PC-2700 is 333 million transfers per
small as 256 megabytes (mb) in 256 increments second and the PC-3200 is 400 million transfers
up to 1024 mb, also known as 1 gigabyte (gb). per second. This is a significant difference in
transfers per second, meaning that the PC-3200
Memory Clock is able to handle a greater amount of data per
second.
1. Memory clock is speed rating that measures the
transfer of a single 32-byte block of information Peak Transfer Rate
from the memory stick to the processor and back.
This is the maximum possible transfer rate on a 5. Peak transfer rate is a function determined by
given stick. DDR-333 also known as PC-2700 taking the data transfers per second multiplied by
clocks in at 166 MHz, while DDR-400, which is the clock speed in megabytes/second (MB/s).
known as PC-3200, is a full 200 MHz. This is a This shows exactly how much more work a DDR
full 20 percent increase over the PC-2700. stick can do compared with another, or other
types of memory sticks. The PC-2700 is rated at
Cycle Time 2700 MB/s and the PC-3200 is 3200 MB/s. This
is a huge improvement over the older 2700 chips
2. Cycle time is the inverse function of the I/O bus and quite noticeable with larger applications.
clock in the next section and memory clock in
the previous. It is rated in nano seconds (ns) per Conclusion
memory clock cycle. The PC-2700 rates at 6 ns,
making it slightly slower than the PC-3200, 6. Every few years, DDR has made huge leaps and
which rates 5 ns. Cycle time is also important bounds in either technology or reduction in price.
because it indirectly determines how much With that in mind, use the highest rated DDR
electricity the memory stick draws from the within your budget. You cannot mix and match
computer. different rated DDR sticks. So make sure they
are all of the same type and preferably the same
I/O Bus Clock brand as manufacturers tend to differ slightly.
The only other consideration should be the
3. I/O bus clock determines the speed of internal amount of total memory you can put in your PC.
operations of transferring the same 32-byte piece Always strive for at least 2 gigabytes as this is
 what Windows recommends, but beyond 4gb the system performance attribute when going from
rate of return quickly diminishes. single to dual channel RAM.

What Is Dual Channel DDR

RAM?
Dual channel DDR (Double Data Rate) memory
is a technology that doubles communication
speed between RAM and the memory controller
(north bridge). It eliminates or reduces a
potential memory performance bottleneck that
occurs if CPU bus speed is greater than memory
speed.

Function
1. Dual channel technology expands memory
controller bus width from 64-bit to 128-bit by
adding the second parallel channel.

Considerations
2. To enable the dual channel technology, matched
(identical) memory modules must be added and
installed in pairs in similarly colored sockets on
a motherboard.

Warning
3. MSI is the only motherboard manufacturer that
does not follow any color coding of memory
sockets. One socket must be left empty between
two modules to allow the dual channel mode.

Misconceptions
4. Dual channel RAM boosts the performance by
100 percent only theoretically. Practically, this
boost translates into a much smaller
enhancement in the system performance, since
neither the memory controller nor the CPU
communicate with memory modules 100 percent
of the time.

Performance
5. Popular 3D benchmarks Quake3 Arena and 3D
Mark show an approximate 15 percent gain in