RAM

RAM (Memory) RAM (random access memory) is the place in a computer where the operating system, application programs, and data in current use are kept so that they can be quickly reached by the computer's processor.

Types The two most common types of RAM used in desktop computers today are DDR2 and DDR3. The two most common types of RAM used in desktop computers today are DDR2 and DDR3. RAM can be listed using two different names. For example, DDR800 is also called PC6400. The DDR number (800) is multiplied by 8 to calculate the PC (6400) number. 8 x 800 = 6400 RAM can be listed using two different names. For example, DDR800 is also called PC6400. The DDR number (800) is multiplied by 8 to calculate the PC (6400) number. 8 x 800 = 6400 Notebook computers use SODIMMS (Small Outline DIMMS) which take up less space than desktop memory. Notebook computers use SODIMMS (Small Outline DIMMS) which take up less space than desktop memory.

Dual Channel RAM Dual channel RAM allows the bandwidth between the memory and the memory controller to be doubled when compatible memory is installed on a dual channel motherboard. Dual channel RAM allows the bandwidth between the memory and the memory controller to be doubled when compatible memory is installed on a dual channel motherboard. Dual channel memory banks are normally color coded and require memory to be installed in both slots. Dual channel memory banks are normally color coded and require memory to be installed in both slots.

Compatibility The choice of RAM is determined by the types of RAM which are compatible with the motherboard. The choice of RAM is determined by the types of RAM which are compatible with the motherboard. A motherboard designed specifically to use DDR RAM will not accept DDR2 RAM. A motherboard designed specifically to use DDR RAM will not accept DDR2 RAM. It is important to closely examine motherboard specifications for CPU and RAM before making a purchase. It is important to closely examine motherboard specifications for CPU and RAM before making a purchase.

Capacity Different operating systems can address various amounts of RAM. Different operating systems can address various amounts of RAM. The majority of 32 bit versions of modern Microsoft Windows operating systems can address up to 4GB of RAM. The majority of 32 bit versions of modern Microsoft Windows operating systems can address up to 4GB of RAM. 64 bit versions of Microsoft Windows operating systems can address 8GB or more of RAM depending on the specific edition. 64 bit versions of Microsoft Windows operating systems can address 8GB or more of RAM depending on the specific edition.

Installation As with other electronic components, always take steps to prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD) from damaging the RAM and motherboard. As with other electronic components, always take steps to prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD) from damaging the RAM and motherboard. Antistatic wrist straps and antistatic mats help to prevent ESD when installing components. Antistatic wrist straps and antistatic mats help to prevent ESD when installing components.