In short, we can say that RAM is a component that makes every computational device work much faster. However, as with many components, the question of what is RAM has much more detailed answers. With this article, we answer questions such as what is RAM and what is it for.
All devices with calculation capability have RAM (Random Access Memory) in them. The more powerful the devices, the more RAM unit inside is shaped according to that need. For that reason “What is RAM” The most correct answer to the question should be detailed. Because there are actually a lot of different types of RAM.
Today we will take a closer look at what RAM as a whole is, what the different types of RAM are responsible for, and in which areas they are preferred. Although our main focus is on computers and mobile devices, used in devices such as cameras. Types of RAM We will also provide information about
Briefly What is RAM?
RAM It is a very fast component that acts as a short-term memory of the computer. Data is stored instantaneously in RAM. Temporarily stored data is deleted as soon as it is sent to the required component after processing. Need to replace deleted data new data is brought. This cycle is repeated for each operation performed on the device.
Now let’s look at it in more detail: In its broad definition What is RAM?
As we mentioned above RAM It is actually the short-term memory of electronic devices. Windows operating system, internet browsers, video games, TV series and movies you can think of. all transactions It goes over RAM. The operations we have mentioned could also be performed by the processor directly communicating with the hard disk. However, when RAM is involved, processes are much faster.
With the introduction of technologies such as SSD into our lives over time, significant increases were observed in hard disk speeds. Still, it’s not as fast as RAM, which constantly refreshes itself and acts as a bridge between the hard drive and other components. Because every second to RAM is consumed by all components. will not be counted can be reached with small delays.
Like human short-term memory, RAM cannot hold anything in its memory forever. As the power to its circuits is cut off, all the data it holds on it is deleted. Due to the working principle, electronic devices high processing power can easily perform the required actions. Hard disks are also used for data that requires less processing power and persistence.
What are the types of RAM?
What is SRAM (Static RAM)?
The use of SRAM, one of the two main types of RAM, began in the 1990s. The phrase “static” in its name comes from the fact that it has an uninterrupted power current inside. However, static RAMs are also used for temporary storage, just like DRAM-type RAMs. The advantage over DRAM is, little power while consuming too fast to be. The disadvantage is that it has a smaller capacity and is more expensive.
- Commonly used devices for SRAM: Digital cameras, printers, and routers
What is DRAM (Dynamic RAM)?
Another of the main types of RAM, DRAM was widely used between the 1970s and 1990s. Despite SRAM, the power current in it needs to be refreshed regularly. The advantage of DRAM is that it is more to overcapacity production while having cheaper to be. The disadvantage is high power consumption despite its low capacity.
- Devices where DRAM is frequently used: Video game consoles, network equipment
What is SDRAM (synchronous dynamic RAM)?
SDRAM or SDR SDRAM is a DRAM subcategory RAM type that entered our lives in 1993 and is still used today. The phrase “simultaneous” in its name comes from its ability to run synchronously with the processor clock. its own clock cycle with the processor clock cycle able to match It offers much better performance by balancing the data transfer rate for
- Devices where SDRAM is frequently used: Computer memory, video game consoles
What is DDR SDRAM (double data rate synchronous dynamic RAM)?
Replaces the pulse in electronic circuits, “hour markThere is a sign called ‘. The clock signal is used as a metronome to coordinate circuit behaviors. Each hour mark creates two edges. These are called rising and falling edges. The name “double data rate” (DDR) is given in consideration of the number of transactions per clock tick.
Before DDR technology was developed, “Single Data Rate” (SDR) technology was used in RAMs. SDR was a technology that could only trade on the rising edge of a clock tick. DDR, on the other hand, has the ability to handle both rising and falling edges. That is, while SDR can do one operation per unit time, DDR two transactions he can.
- Devices with frequent use of DDR SDRAM: Computer memory
What is GDDR SDRAM (picture double data rate synchronous dynamic RAM)?
GDDR, which entered our lives in 2003, is actually a subcategory of DDR SDRAM technology. This type of RAM, specially produced for graphics cards, is used to run today’s seriously demanding games. a must. Just like DDR kinds of RAMs, GDDR SDRAMs are also divided into generations such as GDDR2 and GDDR5.
The main difference between GDDR SDRAM and DDR SDRAM is this: DDR SDRAMs need to process very fast with little latency. With GDDR SDRAMs, it’s not the latency that matters, but the number of transactions. So DDR is similar to a two-lane 50km/h highway, while GDDR is similar to a four-lane 80km/h highway.
- Devices where GDDR SDRAM is used frequently: Video card, some tablets
What is the difference between single channel and dual channel RAM?
RAMs used in computers can be connected as single channel or dual channel. What the word channel here indicates is the amount of memory you have how many different slots with what you get. Consider two computers using 8GB of RAM. Have a single 8GB RAM installed in one of them in a single slot. In the other, have two 4 GB RAMs installed.
The RAM usage in the first example is called single-channel. The use in the second example is called dual channel. Dual channel RAM usage compared to single channel RAM usage more advantageous is an option. You ask why? Let’s explain it again through an example of a highway.
In our example, highways replace channels and bytes replace cars. 8,192 different cars traveling at the same speed, single lane on a highway, double lane It will go at a much slower speed than it would on a freeway. This is exactly why using dual channel RAM is advantageous over using single channel RAM.
Can computers run without RAM?
There are two possible answers to this question. If by RAM we mean any component that takes on the role of “random access memory”, the answer is no. Devices such as a computer, phone or tablet always need a part to temporarily store data. But if by RAM I mean RAM slots. from the parts we wear If we are talking about it, then our answer is yes.
Theoretically, a computer with no RAM component installed can be run. Although it is a process that requires a lot of effort and patience, it is possible to use a hard disk as random access memory. Of course, it is not easy to do such a process, and it is very, very much compared to today’s computers. more slowly A computer will pop up.
So, can RAM be used instead of hard disk?
Although it is possible to use hard drives as RAM in theory, the same is not true for the reverse. Because it is possible to keep the data on the hard disks or delete them after a while. If RAM only temporarily A component designed for data storage. This is the reason why the programs that were open when you shut down your computer are closed when you turn the computer back on.
At this point, if you think of the latest versions of Windows, which allows you to find the computer the same way you turned it off when you turn it back on.hibernation” feature has come, let’s talk about that issue right away. Hibernation saves a copy of the data in RAM to the hard disk while the computer is shutting down. When the computer is restarted, it transfers the data on the hard disk back to RAM.
In the past, we wrote an article about the hibernation feature that works in conjunction with the fast startup option of Windows. At the same time, if you use the fast start feature, it may occur. from the disadvantagesif you want to close how you can turn it off You can find the article we talked about here.
Is there a difference between RAM in a computer and RAM in a phone?
As with every component used by computers and mobile devices, there is also a difference in the types of RAM used. Today’s computers are generally DDR kind When using RAM, the common type of RAM in mobile devices is “LPDDR”, which consumes less power.
We mentioned why the components used in computers and mobile devices have to differ in an article we wrote about processors before. Let’s briefly summarize here. Because of the limited space in mobile devices, it is more difficult to cool the parts inside than computers. So both device sizes shrinks as well as cooling is limited For this, the dimensions of the components are reduced.
Thus, What is RAM We come to the end of our article where we answer the question. We hope it has been an explanatory text for you. If you want to see similar articles where we explain what different parts are and their functions, you can share them with us in the comments section.