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RAM & Types

There are two types of memory in a computer system: volatile and nonvolatile. Volatile memory like RAM loses its contents when power is removed, while nonvolatile memory such as ROM does not. RAM, the most common type of volatile memory, is where operating system files and programs load when a computer turns on. There are three basic types of RAM chips - dynamic RAM which must be constantly refreshed, static RAM which does not need as much refreshing but is more expensive, and new magnetoresistive RAM which uses magnetic charges instead of electrical charges.

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183 views

RAM & Types

There are two types of memory in a computer system: volatile and nonvolatile. Volatile memory like RAM loses its contents when power is removed, while nonvolatile memory such as ROM does not. RAM, the most common type of volatile memory, is where operating system files and programs load when a computer turns on. There are three basic types of RAM chips - dynamic RAM which must be constantly refreshed, static RAM which does not need as much refreshing but is more expensive, and new magnetoresistive RAM which uses magnetic charges instead of electrical charges.

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shahid4a
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Types of Memory The system unit contains two types of memory: volatile and nonvolatile.

When the computers power is turned off, volatile memory loses its contents. Nonvolatile memory, by contrast, does not lose its contents when power is removed from the computer. RAM is the most common type of volatile memory. Examples of nonvolatile memory include ROM, flash memory, and CMOS.

RAM Users typically are referring to RAM when discussing computer memory. RAM (random access memory) also called main memory, consists of memory chips that can be read from and written to by the processor and other devices. When you turn on power to a computer, certain operating system files (such as the files that determine how the desktop appears) load into RAM from a storage device such as a hard disk. These files remain in RAM as long as the computer has continuous power.

Three basic types of RAM chips exist: dynamic RAM, static RAM, and magnetoresistive RAM. Dynamic RAM chips must be re-energized constantly or they lose their contents. Many variations of DRAM chips exist, most of which are faster than the basic DRAM. Most personal computers today use some form of SDRAM chips or RDRAM chips. Static RAM chips are faster and more reliable than any variation of DRAM chips. These chips do not have to be re-energized as often as DRAM chips, thus, the term static. SRAM chips, however, are much more expensive than DRAM chips. A newer type of RAM, called magnetoresistive RAM (MRAM pronounced EM-ram), stores data using magnetic charges instead of electrical charges. Manufacturers claim that MRAM has greater storage capacity, consumes less power, and has faster access times than electronic RAM. Also, MRAM retains its contents after power is removed from the computer, which could prevent loss of data for users.

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