Common types and how they differ
Nearly every computing-capable rig needsRAM.
), and you should find some information about the RAM.
RAM comes in a variety of shapes (i.e.
RAM gives computers the virtual space needed to manage information and solve problems in the moment.nazarethman / Getty Images
These and other aspects are important to consider when upgrading systems with RAM, as computer systems (e.g.
hardware, motherboards) have to adhere to strict compatibility guidelines.
Because of the continuous power, SRAM doesnt need to be refreshed to remember the data being stored.
This is why SRAM is called static no change or action (e.g.
refreshing) is needed to keep data intact.
The advantages of using SRAM (vs. DRAM) are lower power consumption and faster access speeds.
The disadvantages of using SRAM (vs. DRAM) are lesser memory capacities and higher costs of manufacturing.
The capacitors that store data in DRAM gradually discharge energy; no energy means the data becomes lost.
This is why DRAM is called dynamic constant change or action (e.g.
refreshing) is needed to keep data intact.
The advantages of using DRAM (vs. SRAM) are lower costs of manufacturing and greater memory capacities.
The disadvantages of using DRAM (vs. SRAM) are slower access speeds and higher power consumption.
These memory types had appeal due to increased performance/efficiency at lower costs.
However, the technology was rendered obsolete by the development of SDRAM.
By contrast, DRAM is asynchronous, which means it responds immediately to data input.
Processing one readandone write instruction per clock cycle results in higher overall CPU transfer/performance rates.
The single data rate indicates how the memory processes one read and one write instruction per clock cycle.
DDR SDRAM is capable of processingtwo read and two write instructionsper clock cycle (hence the double).
Despite sharing very similar characteristics with DDR SDRAM, GDDR SDRAM is not exactly the same.
There are notable differences with the way GDDR SDRAM operates, particularly regarding how bandwidth is favored over latency.
Despite the name, flash memory is closer in form and operation (i.e.
storage and data transfer) tosolid-state drivesthan the aforementioned types of RAM.
Flash memory is most commonly used in:
