As we all know that RAM is a type of memory in computers. So, along with history and types of RAM we will also discuss about memory.
Table Of Contents:
- Types of Memory
- What Is RAM?
- History of RAM
- Types of RAM
- Need of RAM in computer.
- How to test RAM in computer
- conclusion
Difference between Memory and Storage
Memory is a short term information which is used to operate immediate functions. While storage is a location where data is stored for a long term basis.
Types of Memory:
There are 2 main types of memory:
- Internal Memory
- External Memory
Further classification of Internal memory:
- RAM
- Cache
- Sequential Access
- Virtual Memory
- ROM
More Classification of External Memory:
- Solid State
- Optical
- Magnetic
What Is RAM?
RAM stands for Random Access Memory. Which is also called the main memory of computers.
It is a volatile type of memory which means if your computer is turned off by any reason, the data stored in RAM will be lost.
This is also called short term memory because data stored in this memory is temporary.
Computer’s OS reads RAM memory faster than other memories like HDD, SSD etc.
History Of RAM
The first RAM in the world was invented in 1947. In this technology, it used a Williams tube and CRT and the data was stored in the form of electrically charged spots.
Later in 1947 another form of RAM was introduced to the world which was magnetic core memory.
This magnetic core ring stores data in the form of metal rings and wires connecting to each ring.
Types of RAM
There are 2 main types of RAM
- SRAM
- DRAM
Characteristics of SRAM Or Static RAM
- It is the fastest type of memory in your computer.
- Cache memory is also a static memory.
- Static RAM is more expensive than other types of memory.
- SRAM stores data as long as power supply is available.
- This type of RAM is a small memory unit.
- SRAM can not store data as much as other memory types.
Characteristics of DRAM or Dynamic RAM
- DRAM is not as fast as SRAM.
- This type of RAMis cheaper than SRAM.
- Dynamic RAM are larger in size.
- This can store more data as compared to SRAM.
Other Types Of RAM
SRAM and DRAM are classification of RAM on a large scale. If you go deeper there are some other types of RAM available in the market which are also used very frequently.
RD RAM
- Rambus Dynamic Random Access Memory
- Max. transfer speed- 1600 Mbps
FPM DRAM:
- Full form- First Page Mode Dynamic Random Access Memory.
- Max. transfer rate 176 Mbps
DDR SDRAM:
- Full Form: Double Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic Random-Access Memory.
- Data transfer rate- 1064 Mbps.
SDR RAM
- Full Form- synchronous dynamic access memory.
- Data is stored using capacitors.
EDO RAM
- Full Form- Extended Data Output Random Access Memory
VRAM (Video)
- RAM optimised for video.
Flash Memory:
Flash memory is also a type of RAM. It is electrically erasable and has programmable RAM.
Modern days pen-drive are also a type of flash memory which are widely used nowadays.
If you want to know specifications about RAM installed on your PC then you can use a software to test RAM for detailed information. Some of the nice tools are-
- AIDA64 Extreme
- Windows Memory Diagnostic
- Performance Test By Passmark
- Prime95
- MemTest64
Need of RAM in computers?
RAM is one of the most important components in computers. The processing of computers is directly proportional to the RAM stored.
Nowadays computers come with at least 4GB of RAM. 4 GB is enough for normal users. If you are a professional like a video editor then you will need 16 GB of RAM for a nice video editor program to run on your computer.
And if you are a photo editor then some of the popular programs need at least 8 GB of RAM installed in the computer.
Also, some heavy games need a good amount of memory to run smoothly.
If your computer has less RAM than you should have, then you don’t need to worry, you can easily upgrade RAM to experience a faster computer.
To know the step by step guide to upgrade RAM follow this guide.
How to Test RAM on Your Computer:
Your computer might face sudden crashes from time to time. There could be many reasons behind crashing your computer but rogue memory is the most common reason. So, you should test the RAM installed on your PC for possible errors.
There are many tools available which can help you test memory on your computer.
Some of the nice tools are-
- AIDA64 Extreme
- Windows Memory Diagnostic
- Performance Test By Passmark
- Prime95
- MemTest86
Memtest86 is a popular program to test RAM on your computer. The tool is free and very easy to use. You need to have a flash drive to use this tool.
Here are the steps to use MemTest86:
- Visit memtest86 official website and download the software on your computer.
- Once the download is complete you need to extract the zip file.
- Next run imageUSB.exe file with your USB drive inserted into the computer.
- Now to select the USB drive by checking the box in the window that just appeared (In the step 1).
- Make sure that you select the “write image USB drive” option. (You will find this option in the same window.)
- Next in the step 3 browse and select memtest86-usb img. (if already not selected.)
- Click “write” and a new window will pop up asking to confirm the selection of USB to install the program.
Note: once you select “Yes” all the data will be erased on the USB drive. So, make sure that you have backup of the data stored on your USB.
- Now click “Yes” Now the warning will appear about the loss of content on the USB. Now the program will start to install and it will take some time, so you need to have some patience.
- Once the installation is complete you need to shutdown the computer.
- After shutting down the computer you need to open the cabinet and remove all the RAM sticks except one. We are doing this because we are testing one RAM at a time.
- Startup your computer and boot to the USB flash drive.
- You will see a card will appear on your screen. Which will suggest 2 types of scan.
- Here we will choose the type 2 So,.just type “2” using your keyboard and hit enter.
- Now the program will start scanning the RAM installed on your computer. This process will take some time so make sure you have enough time.
After some time if there are any issues on your computer the program will show them.
Now, you can repeat the process with other RAM sticks.
Conclusion:
So, This was the essential information about RAM. We learned about history of RAM, types of RAM, and how to test RAM installed in your computer. There are some other questions which are also very important like-
What is the best RAM to install?
What type of RAM should I purchase?
How to select RAM for gaming?
I wanted to include these questions in the article, but that would have made the article very long. So, we will discuss these questions some other time.
As we can conclude that RAM is an essential part of computers and more RAM means better speed. So, next time you purchase a PC or laptop keep in mind the amount of RAM you need.
