Importance of RAM in a
Computer
RAM is essential to the functioning of modern
computers.
RAM, or random access memory, also is called
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
and type of RAM in a computer can affect its
speed and performance, especially during
memory-intensive tasks like video game play
and graphic editing.
Significance
1. RAM is a type of memory that stores data
temporarily. Unlike the memory on a hard drive,
all of the information held in RAM is lost when
the computer is turned off. Your computer uses
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
memory is much faster than reading hard drive
data.
Benefits
2. Since accessing data stored in RAM is faster
than accessing data on the hard drive,
computers can run much more quickly.
Running programs from your computer's
RAM allows them to function with little to
no lag. Some types of RAM also have
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.
Types
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
can process more information in a given
period than smaller and slower ones.
Upgrading your RAM can often make a big
difference in your computer's performance.
Warning
4. Each computer motherboard is made to
accommodate a certain size and type of
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
operating problems. In many cases, your
computer will be unable to recognize the chip
and will beep instead of starting up.
Attempting to put the wrong type of chip into
another slot could damage the chip and the
memory slot.
Considerations
5. Slow computers can often be improved by
upgrading the RAM, but it's important to check
compatibility first. An older motherboard might
need to have its BIOS (the set of instructions that
allows it to recognize computer components)
upgraded before you can install new RAM. 32-
bit operating systems also cannot recognize as
much RAM as 64-bit systems. It's important to
check the information on your computer and
operating system before attempting to add
additional memory.
 SD RAM Definition
SDRAM is a type of computer memory.
Synchronous Dynamic Random Access
Memory, or SDRAM as it is commonly called, is
a type of memory used by computers and other
similar devices. SDRAM no longer is used in
currently manufactured computers and was
replaced by the first generation of Double Data
Rate SDRAM, or DDR for short. The primary
difference of SDRAM from its predecessors is
that it can access data from two of the memory's
storage areas at once and uses the computer's
clock to optimally time data access.
RAM
1. RAM is a computer's active memory. RAM is
used to store data that will be transferred to the
computer's processor substantially faster than if
it were being transferred from a hard drive or a
disc. The more RAM a computer has the more
complex programs it can quickly and efficiently
use at a time. RAM speed and capacity
requirements increase as computer programs
increase in complexity. If a computer lacks
enough RAM to hold all the data it needs to
perform a task, it uses a process called "paging,"
in which the extra data is stored on a hard drive
or flash memory drive and can't be accessed as
quickly. A computer needing to page data can
cause noticeable performance hiccups and
stalling while the data is loading.
Synchronous
2. Synchronous memory means that the memory is
synchronized with the computer's clock so that
the processor can optimally time memory access.
RAM is not constantly accessed and takes a
fraction of a second break each time data is
moved to and from the memory. Synchronous
memory makes sure the data requests are sent to
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.
Bottlenecking
3. RAM runs into performance problems with
something called bottleneck. The term refers to
when computer hardware has performance
limitations because one of the components can’t
operate as quickly as the other. Synchronous
memory has the capability to operate faster
compared with asynchronous memory, which
better prevents bottleneck problems with the
RAM.
SDRAM Speed
4. SDRAM operates at a system bus frequency of
up to 133 megahertz. The faster speed was
developed when existing RAM technology could
not keep up with the 66 MHz bus speed of the
first generation of Pentium processors.
DDR
5. DDR RAM is a type of synchronous RAM that
was developed to operate at speeds faster than
SDRAM. Eventually, SDRAM led to bottleneck
problems as processors got faster and faster,
which led to the need for faster operating
memory. DDR can transfer data twice as fast as
SDRAM.
What is the Definition of DDR
Memory?
Double data rate memory is a type of computer
memory built off integrated circuit technology.
DDR memory achieves just under double the
data rate of single data rate memory, which it
superseded by using a double pumping data
transfer technology. This technology doubles the
 data transfer rate without increasing the clock
speed of the memory.
Size
4. DDR memory module size is typically a measure
Function
1. DDR memory operates at twice the bandwidth of
single data rate memory. This double pumping
mechanism is accomplished by accessing data on
the rising and falling edges of each clock cycle.
An analogy that is helpful for understanding how
this process works is to compare it to musical
beats. Every musical beat has an upbeat and
downbeat portion of its operation. So it is
analogous to say that data transfer happens on
the upbeat and downbeat of a clock cycle, thus
doubling the data rate.
Benefits
5. DDR memory acts as a volatile memory type
2. DDR memory has a much higher data transfer
rate than single data rate memory. This higher
data bandwidth allows for a computer system
that is more responsive and capable of
processing data with lower latencies. This double
data rate also does not increase the clock speed.
This ability to operate at standard clock speeds
allows for lower operating temperatures and
lower required voltages for operation.
Types
3. DDR memory is differentiated by two
specifications that are both related to operating
speeds. DDR memory comes in several different
clock speeds. Configuration speeds of 100 MHz
to 2000 MHz are available depending on the
memory controller's settings. Also, a DDR
memory module's latency is of consideration
when differentiating modules. DDR memory
latency is a measure of clock cycles it takes for
memory to complete a read or write cycle. This
latency is expressed as a single-digit number
between two and nine. Lower latencies provide
faster data access and transferring between
memory and components.
1. SDRAM is a type of computer memory (random
not of its physical dimensions but rather its
interface pin count. Pin counts for DDR RAM
range from 100 to 240 interfacing pins. This
specification is used because DDR memory
module sticks are all the same socket size and
only differ in their interface pin counts. Further,
DDR memory size also refers to the amount of
memory a particular module has. DDR memory
capacities range from 128 MB to 4 GB. Higher
capacity RAM is available; however, it is usually
only able to be recognized by enterprise-level
computer systems.
Warning
within computer systems for data manipulation
during run-time. This designation of "volatile"
means that the data within the DDR memory
modules is not persistent. If a computer system's
power source is interrupted for any reason, the
data within the memory modules will be lost and
unrecoverable. Because of this, it is advised to
save all work performed on a computer often to
avoid data loss as a result of power interruption.
DR RAM Vs. SDRAM
Computer memory is vital to the operation of a
computer system. However, with all of the types
of memory available, it can be confusing to
know which type of memory will work with your
computer system.
Many older systems use SDRAM, whereas many
new systems use DDR, DDR2, or DDR3 RAM.
While it might seem as though "memory is
memory", it is important to note the differences
so that the right type of memory is purchased
and installed.
SDRAM
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
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
2. DDR RAM is actually a form of SDRAM. The
acronym "DDR" stands for "Double Data Rate".
This is because DDR (and its successor
technologies, DDR2 and DDR3) performs two
data transfers per clock cycle, as opposed to one
transfer per cycle that regular SDRAM performs.
DDR RAM is rated at twice the clock speed that
the computer motherboard uses. For example, a
100 MHz motherboard that uses DDR RAM
would take DDR-200 RAM.
1. SDR SDRAM, or single data rate synchronous
As with other speeds of SDRAM, DDR RAM
that has a faster rating can be used in a slower
motherboard. For example, a DDR-266 module
can be used in a 100 MHz or 133 MHz
motherboard.
Are SDRAM and DDR RAM
Interchangeable?
3. While DDR is a form of SDRAM, the two are
not physically interchangeable. Physical RAM
modules have notches cut into their sides and
near the electrical connections. Regular SDRAM
has two notches near the electrical connectors,
whereas DDR modules only have one notch.
2. DDR SDRAM is almost twice as fast as
Practical Applications
4. SDRAM is used in older computers with clock
speeds between 66 and 133 MHz. Typical
microprocessors used with these computers were
the Pentium through Pentium III and Celeron
series from Intel; the AMD K5 through K6-3+,
Athlon, and Duron series
What Is a DDR2?
Computer RAM
DDR SDRAM, which stands for double data rate
synchronous dynamic random access memory, is
a type of computer memory. It improves on the
older RAM standard by offering higher data
transfer rates while using less power. DDR2 is
an upgrade to the DDR standard, offering still
improved speeds and transfer rates.
Single Data Rate RAM
dynamic random access memory, was the
standard for computer memory until the advent
of DDR. Synchronous DRAM is an
improvement over the older, asynchronous
standard. Asynchronous RAM responds to the
rest of the system as quickly as it can to input,
one instruction at a time. Synchronous RAM
responds in time with the system bus clock,
transferring data at each clock signal, which
allows the RAM to execute multiple instructions
simultaneously in sequence, increasing overall
throughput.
Double Data Rate RAM
comparable SDR RAM modules. The primary
way DDR achieves this is by use of "double
pumping," or transferring data and receiving
input on both the rising and falling edge of the
system bus clock signal, while SDR RAM only
transfers data once per clock signal. Effectively,
this means a DDR module with otherwise the
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.

DDR2
3. The DDR2 specification was revealed in 2003,
replacing the older DDR specification. DDR and
DDR2 memory modules and motherboards are
not compatible. DDR2 works using the same
principles as DDR, but DDR2 makes significant
changes in the way it fetches data and in its own
clock speed. DDR2 also has a denser pin layout,
meaning there are more pins to connect the
memory module to the motherboard . The notch
between the pins is also in a different location,
ensuring that damage is not caused to memory
modules or motherboards by attempting to use
the wrong memory standard in an incompatible
motherboard.
Power Savings
4. The manufacturing processes used to make
DDR2 were improved over DDR. The dies used
are smaller, so the resulting chips require less
voltage. DDR2 uses 1.8 volts, while DDR
required 2.5 volts.
Latency Issues
5. Because DDR2 is clocked at half the original
DDR clock rate, DDR2 initially suffered from
high latency issues. Some early DDR2 test
systems performed slower than comparable DDR
systems. But this issue has since been largely
solved. By 2004, DDR2 chips with lower
latencies became available. DDR2 became a
widely used standard, although it has been itself
superseded by DDR3
Types of RAM Guides for a
Laptop
1. There are three main types of laptop RAM on
the market today--DDR, DDR2, and DDR3--
along with a fourth, lesser-used kind called
SDRAM. Each has its own properties in terms of
speed and storage space, and none are
interchangeable with the others. (For instance,
you cannot use a DDR3 stick in a DDR slot.)
Figuring out which belongs in your computer is
fairly easy, as each kind corresponds with the
date and year when a computer was
manufactured. If you are uncertain which
belongs in your laptop, see the link to
Crucial.com in the Resources to find a definitive
answer.
SDRAM
2. SDRAM is difficult to find and is often limited
to specialty computer stores and online retailers,
because it is so old. The data transfer rates for
SDRAM are only 100 and 133 Mbps; most
SDRAM sticks do not have a capacity greater
than 256 MB. Laptop SDRAM has 144 pins (the
pins are the little metal connections that lock into
the RAM slot on the motherboard).
DDR
3. DDR RAM is one of the older versions of RAM
readily available on the market. It works with
data transfer rates of 200, 266, 333, or 400
Mbps. Laptop DDR RAM most often has 200
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
a 256 MB stick (useful for older laptops that
cannot handle 1 GB or more of RAM).
DDR2
4. DDR2 RAM doubles the data transfer
capabilities of DDR, running with transfer rates
of 400, 533, 677, and 800 Mbps. Like DDR
RAM, laptop DDR2 is available in 200 pins. The
way the pins are arranged, though, as well as the
location of the gap between pins, make DDR and
DDR2 incompatible with each other. DDR2
sticks are available with capacities as small as
512 MB and as large as 2 GB. As of January
2010, DDR2 is still the industry standard, though
it will likely succumb to DDR3 in a few months.
DDR3
5. DDR3 is the newest, fastest, and most energy-
efficient RAM on the market, which can clock
data transfer rates of 800, 1066, 1333, and 1600
Mbps. DDR3 RAM is currently produced with a
 minimum capacity of 1 GB, up to a maximum
capacity of 4 GB, which is bound to become
larger as DDR3 technology evolves.
Additionally, laptop DDR3 RAM has 204 pins to
support its faster speeds and larger capacities.
DDR 333 Vs. DDR 400
Double data rate (DDR) is an integrated form of
synchronous dynamic random access memory
(SDRAM) used for personal computers (PC) in
order to store packets of data. First developed in
1996 and released to the public, DDR quickly
replaced single data rate (SDR) memory until
late 2000. Improvements continue to be made in
the density of the chips, allowing for more
operations and larger storage, but the speed is
limited by hardware concerns at 400 megahertz
(MHz). DDR sticks are available in units as
small as 256 megabytes (mb) in 256 increments
up to 1024 mb, also known as 1 gigabyte (gb).
Memory Clock
1. Memory clock is speed rating that measures the
transfer of a single 32-byte block of information
from the memory stick to the processor and back.
This is the maximum possible transfer rate on a
given stick. DDR-333 also known as PC-2700
clocks in at 166 MHz, while DDR-400, which is
known as PC-3200, is a full 200 MHz. This is a
full 20 percent increase over the PC-2700.
Cycle Time
2. Cycle time is the inverse function of the I/O bus
clock in the next section and memory clock in
the previous. It is rated in nano seconds (ns) per
memory clock cycle. The PC-2700 rates at 6 ns,
making it slightly slower than the PC-3200,
which rates 5 ns. Cycle time is also important
because it indirectly determines how much
electricity the memory stick draws from the
computer.
I/O Bus Clock
3. I/O bus clock determines the speed of internal
operations of transferring the same 32-byte piece
of data as memory clock, but this time internally
on the stick. Most often, this is moving a piece of
data from one stick to another or storing it in a
different section of the stick near similar data.
I/O speed has no buffer between itself and
memory clock speed; this means it must be rated
exactly the same as its memory clock. PC-2700
clocks in at 166 MHz, while PC-3200 is a full
200 MHz.
Data Transfers per Second
4. Data transfers per second is a rating that
determines how many of those 32-byte blocks of
information can be moved around at one time.
Often this is considered the most important
factor for DDR sticks, and they will be seen
labeled with it, such as DDR-333. With that in
mind, the PC-2700 is 333 million transfers per
second and the PC-3200 is 400 million transfers
per second. This is a significant difference in
transfers per second, meaning that the PC-3200
is able to handle a greater amount of data per
second.
Peak Transfer Rate
5. Peak transfer rate is a function determined by
taking the data transfers per second multiplied by
the clock speed in megabytes/second (MB/s).
This shows exactly how much more work a DDR
stick can do compared with another, or other
types of memory sticks. The PC-2700 is rated at
2700 MB/s and the PC-3200 is 3200 MB/s. This
is a huge improvement over the older 2700 chips
and quite noticeable with larger applications.
Conclusion
6. Every few years, DDR has made huge leaps and
bounds in either technology or reduction in price.
With that in mind, use the highest rated DDR
within your budget. You cannot mix and match
different rated DDR sticks. So make sure they
are all of the same type and preferably the same
brand as manufacturers tend to differ slightly.
The only other consideration should be the
amount of total memory you can put in your PC.
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