Topic > Random access memory

RAM (random access memory) is memory that the computer can use in a "random" way, this is memory kept available for use by programs: available memory is measured in gigabytes (GB), and speed is measured in megahertz. This means that the more RAM a computer has, the faster it will run and be able to use more software at the same time. This memory is known as volatile memory as it is lost when the system is turned off, which is why we save our games/work and go to the storage space - the hard drive. Unlike ROM (read-only memory), which cannot be lost or altered. ROM performs basic and necessary functions such as booting a computer system as it contains the BIOS. The BIOS on the ROM chip is a collection of software utilities that boots the system every time it is turned on, checking the hardware configuration against the configuration data called the power on self-test (POST) process. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay There are different types of RAM; Dynamic RAM (DRAM) is memory that stores bits of data in cells made up of capacitors and transistors, which millions of cells make up RAM – the memory must be refreshed repeatedly, otherwise it will forget the data it contained, this process takes more time and slows down memory. On the other hand, static RAM (SRAM) is made up of 4/6 transistors plus wiring and keeps data in memory as long as the computer is powered, so it does not need to be refreshed, which makes it faster than DRAM but also more expensive. Rambus dynamic RAM uses a RAM controller and bus connected directly to the processor and other devices that require it, and provides a constant memory bandwidth of 1.6 GB per second running at 800 MHz; this type of memory was useful in previous gaming platforms like the N64. However, modern memory has used variations of these types to create faster and more efficient forms of RAM. Synchronous dynamic RAM SDRAM was a 1990s variation that allowed memory responses to control inputs in data buses to be synchronized: this meant it could queue processes while a process completed. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Double Data Rate (DDR) was introduced in 2000 which allowed memory to transfer data on the falling and rising edges of the clock signal so that it was continuous and doubled the transfer rate and it allowed RAM to run at lower clock frequencies to use fewer volts but still maintain higher transfer speeds. DDR versions of RAM have been updated today to the fourth version expanding on the existing idea, DDR4 RAM allows up to double GB (4-16GB), doubled data rate and lower voltage required for operation. For examples of different RAM usage, the Samsung Galaxy S7 uses 4GB of DDR4 RAM and the Nintendo 3DS XL uses 128MB of FCRAM (a type of SDRAM developed by Fujitsu and Toshiba). While the PS4 Pro uses 8GB GDDR5 RAM, which is a type of RAM that only works with graphics cards, desktop PCs can have as much RAM as the motherboard and operating system can support, but add more than necessary it doesn't make your computer faster. :Arnett, J. J. (2019). Adolescence and emerging adulthood. Routledge.Chen, L., & Rao, Y. (2019). The negative impact of social media on adolescent well-being: A prospective cohort study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health,, 108(9), 1679-1685.