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Types of RAM
A buyer should learn about the different types of RAM before
attempting to buy RAM modules. Different types of RAM have
different capabilities. It is important that a user knows which RAM
suits his or her purposes. Some of the various types of RAM available
on the market include SRAM and DRAM, each of which has a number
of subtypes.
SRAM
SRAM , or static random access memory, has multiple transistors,
usually between four and six. This kind of memory chip is usually used
as cache. It does not have a transistor in each cell. Although SRAM is
the faster option, it also tends to be more expensive than DRAM.
DRAM
DRAM , or dynamic random access memory, has memory cells with a
capacitor and paired transistor. This kind of memory requires constant
refreshing. A buyer can also choose from a number of different
subtypes of DRAM, includingEDO DRAM and SDRAM.
Types of ROM
Buyers can find five different basic types of ROM on the market,
including ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory. All of
these types of ROM are non-volatile and unchangeable, but they still
have some differences among the various types of ROM. Thus, a user
should at least have a basic understanding of them.
ROM
ROM is the standard for this type of memory. Because of the way ROM
is designed, it is essential that the chip needs to be programmed
perfectly with the correct data in order for it to work accurately. These
kinds of chips cannot be rewritten or reprogrammed. Thus, if it is
incorrect or the data needs to be updated in some way, there is no way
to salvage the chip. Once they are completed, however, ROM chips
tend to be very inexpensive.
PROM
PROM , or programmable read only memory, is more fragile than
ROM, and it can only be programmed once. Because of this limitation,
PROM tends to be inexpensive.
EPROM
EPROM , or erasable programmable read only memory, tries to do
away with the problem of PROMs only being able to be used a single
time. This type of memory can be rewritten many times. In order to be
erased, however, the user has to use a special tool for the task.
EEPROM
EEPROM , or electrically erasable programmable read only memory, is
another step up from EPROM because EEPROM chips do away with
some of the drawbacks. For example, EEPROM chips do not need to be
removed to be rewritten. Additionally, a portion of the chip can be
changed without erasing the entire chip. Furthermore, it does not
require special equipment to rewrite the chip.
Flash Memory
Flash memory is another type of ROM that is actually a type of
EEPROM chip that attempts to further improve on the technology.
Flash memory tends to be faster than normal EEPROM chips because it
tends to write data in chunks instead of one byte at a time.
Expanding Memory
Buyers should know that they can purchase more RAM rather easily for
computers and other electronic devices whenever they need more
memory. When first purchasing a computer, it is a good idea for the
buyer to think about how much RAM he or she needs. This depends on
what he or she tends to do with the computer. RAM comes in
microchips of different sizes, such as 256 MB, 512 MB , 1 GB, 2 GB,
or more. If a buyer engages in activities that require a lot of memory,
such as gaming, 3D modelling, or similar activities, then he or she
needs more RAM than someone who is simply checking his or her
email or shopping on the Internet.
On the other hand, ROM is permanent and is typically built into the
device, so it is difficult to purchase it separately. Generally speaking,
the buyer is limited to whatever ROM was included when he or she
purchased a computer.
Conclusion
Those who are new to electronics may be unsure of the difference
between RAM and ROM, which are different types of memory found in
One of the questions that Webopedia has been asked a few times
on our Facebook Page is to explain the difference between RAM
and ROM. RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only
Memory) are types of computer memory that provide users with
access to information stored on a computer. Here are the top five
differences between the two types of memory:
1. Introduction
The Central Processing Unit (CPU) needs to store data whilst it is carrying out the processing
required.
The hardware that carries out this task is called 'memory'. Memory can be classed into two
types:
Read Only Memory (ROM)
Random Access Memory (RAM)
ROM is a type of memory that retains its data even without power, so even when the computer
is switched off, it will not lose the data which is saved onto it.
This kind of memory is needed because the computer must be able to obtain instructions from
the moment it is switched on and it must know some basic things about the hardware that
makes up the machine i.e. 'its configuration settings'.
Because the data is 'read only', it can be read but not changed by the user.
The ROM chip (although there may be more than one) is attached to the Motherboard.
The key thing to remember about ROM is that the data is not erased when the computer is
switched off - the data is stored permanently. This type of memory is also called 'non volatile
memory
This was because your work was stored in RAM, or 'temporary memory'. It was fairly safe there
while the computer was working, but as soon as it was switched off, everything disappeared.
This type of memory known as 'volatile memory'.
As well as storing the data you are working on, RAM also stores the modules that are needed to
make your applications work. For example, when you open up your favourite word processing
application, you may notice a short delay while the modules are loaded into RAM.
RAM is also needed so that you can have multiple windows open and so that you can switch
between them.
However, if you have a lot of windows, documents and different applications running, you might
find that your system starts to slow down. This is because your RAM is full up and it is having to
decide what it needs to keep stored in memory at any given time and what it can release. If this
happens to you a lot, you can improve the performance of your computer by installing extra
RAM.
Most computers are typically sold with 1-4 Gb of RAM installed.