RAM

Article about Random Access Memory (RAM) in computing

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Random Access Memory (RAM) is a form of computer data storage that stores data and machine code currently being used. A random-access memory device allows data items to be read or written in almost the same amount of time irrespective of the physical location of data inside the memory.

Overview

RAM is a type of volatile memory, meaning that it requires power to maintain the stored information. When the power is turned off, all data stored in RAM is lost. This is in contrast to non-volatile memory, such as hard drives and solid-state drives, which retain data even when the power is off.

Types of RAM

There are two main types of RAM:

1. Dynamic RAM (DRAM): DRAM stores each bit of data in a separate capacitor within an integrated circuit. The capacitors need to be refreshed periodically to retain the data, which makes DRAM slower than SRAM. However, DRAM is more cost-effective and is commonly used as the main memory in computers.

2. Static RAM (SRAM): SRAM uses bistable latching circuitry to store each bit. It does not need to be refreshed, which makes it faster than DRAM. However, SRAM is more expensive and is typically used for cache memory in processors.

Functionality

RAM is used by the operating system and software applications to store data that is actively being used or processed. This allows for quick access and manipulation of data, which is essential for the efficient operation of a computer.

When a computer is turned on, the operating system is loaded from the hard drive into RAM. As applications are opened, they are also loaded into RAM, allowing the CPU to access them quickly. The more RAM a computer has, the more data it can process without having to access slower storage solutions.

History

The concept of RAM dates back to the early days of computing. The first practical form of RAM was the magnetic-core memory, which was used in computers in the 1950s and 1960s. Modern RAM, based on semiconductor technology, began to be developed in the 1960s and has evolved significantly since then.

Applications

RAM is used in a wide variety of electronic devices, including:

• Personal computers
• Smartphones
• Tablets
• Gaming consoles
• Embedded systems

Performance

The performance of RAM is measured in terms of its speed and capacity. The speed is often measured in megahertz (MHz) or gigahertz (GHz), indicating how many cycles per second the RAM can perform. The capacity is measured in gigabytes (GB) or terabytes (TB), indicating how much data the RAM can store.

Also see

• Computer memory
• Cache memory
• Virtual memory
• Memory management
• Non-volatile memory

References

• Computer History Museum
• Techopedia