RAM (random-access memory)

RAM is the computer’s short-term memory. Program instructions and data are stored on the RAM chips, which the processor accesses directly. The more RAM you have, the more instructions and data you can load. The amount of RAM greatly affects the performance of the PC. However, if power is discontinued to the RAM, as when you shut off your PC, the contents of the RAM disappear. This is why disks are used for long-term storage.

Vocabulary Exercise: Completion

Fill in the blanks with the appropriate terms about RAM.

RAM stands for random-access memory.

Insufficient RAM can cause the computer to run slower.

RAM chips are volatile, meaning that they immediately lose their data when the computer is shut off.

PC100 SDRAM operates at 100 MHz and requires 10 ns DRAM chips, but requires 8 ns DRAM

chips that are capable of running at 125 MHz.

PC133 SDRAM operates at 133 MHz and requires 7.5 ns DRAM chips.

The DDR in DDR DRAM is short for double data rate. DDR chips that run at 400 MHz are known as PC3200.

DDR chips that run at 677 MHz are known as PC5300.

SIMM is short for single in-line memory module.

DIMM is short for dual in-line memory module.

RIMM is short for rambus in-line memory module.

72-pin SIMMs are 32 bits wide and can be installed singularly.

DIMM supports 64-bit pathways, whereas RIMM is the only memory module that is 16-bits wide.

DIMMs are available in 168-pin and 184-pin sticks.

DDR DIMMS use 184-pin connectors, whereas DDR2 DIMMS use 240-pin connectors.

RIMM is available in 184-pin version.

VRAM and SGRAM is a specialized memory used on video cards.