Different types of RAM

RAM
RAM stands for Random Access Memory. It is place where computer stores its
Operating System. Application Program and current data. when you refer to
computer memory they mostly it mean RAM. The two main forms of modern
RAM are Static RAM (SRAM) and Dynamic RAM (DRAM). DRAM memories
(Dynamic Random Access Module), which are inexpensive . They are used
essentially for the computer's main memory SRAM memories(Static Random
Access Module), which are fast and costly. SRAM memories are used in particular
for the processer's cache memory. Early memories existed in the form of chips
called DIP (Dual Inline Package). Nowaday's memories generally exist in the form
of modules, which are cards that can be plugged into connectors for this purpose.
They are generally three types of RAM module they are
1. DIP
2. SIMM
3. DIMM
4. SDRAM
1. DIP(Dual In Line Package)
Older computer systems used DIP memory directely, either soldering it to the
motherboard or placing it in sockets that had been soldered to the motherboard.
Most memory chips are packaged into small plastic or ceramic packages called
dual inline packages or DIPs . A DIP is a rectangular package with rows of pins
running along its two longer edges. These are the small black boxes you see on
SIMMs, DIMMs or other larger packaging styles. However , this arrangment
caused many problems. Chips inserted into sockets suffered reliability problems
as the chips would (over time) tend to work their way out of the sockets.


2. SIMM
A SIMM, or single in-line memory module, is a type of memory module containing
random access memory used in computers from the early 1980s to the late 1990s
. It differs from a dual in-line memory module (DIMM), the most predomiant form
of memory module today,in that the contacts on a SIMM are redundant on both
sides of the module. Most early PC motherboards (8088-based PCs, XTs, and early
ATs) used socket DIP chips. with the introduction of 286-based IBM XT/286,
which could use larger amounts of memory , memory modules evolved to save
motherboard space and to ease memory expansion. instead of plugging in eight
or nine single DIP DRAM chips, only one addtional mmory module was needed to
increase he memory of the computer. SIMM modules with 30 connectors
(dimensions are 89x13m) are 8-bit memories with which first-generation PCs
were equipped (286,386).
Single Inline Memory Module (SIMM) SIMM is a memory module with 72 or 30
pins, as shown in Figures and . SIMMs are considered legacy components and can
be found in older machines. SIMMs with 72 pins can support 32-bit transfer rates
and 32-pin SIMMs can support 16-bit transfer rates.






72 pin Bottom SIMMs







3. DIMM
A DIMM or dual in-line memory module, comprises a series of dynamic random
access memory integrated circuits. These modules are mounted on a printed
circuit board and designed for use in personal computers, workstations and
servers. DIMMs began to replace SIMMs (Single in-line memory modules) as the
predominant type of memory module as Intel P5-based Pentium processers
began to gain market share. The main difference between SIMMS and DIMMs is
that DIMs have separate electrical contacts on each side of the module, while the
contacts on SIMMs on both sides are redundant. Another difference is that
standard SIMMs have a 32-bit data path, while standard DIMMs have a 64-bit
data path. Since Intels Pentium has a bit bus width, it requires SIMMs installed
in matched pairs in order to complete the data bus. The processer would then
access the two SIMMs simultaneously. DIMMs were introduced to eliminate this
practice.


4. SDRAM
Synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM) is a dynamic
random access memory that is synchronized with the system bus.
SDRAM has a synchronous interface, meaning that it waits for a clock
signal before responding to control inputs and is therefore
synchronized with the computers system bus.


Troubleshooting RAM Issues

RAM failures are either sudden or intermittent. Overused or defective memory can cause the
system to fail at anytime. System performance is a good indication of the state of the memory. If
the system is running smoothly and applications rarely stall, the RAM workload is well within
the RAM specifications. If the computer is multitasking and frequently freezes, the RAM is
probably insufficient for the workload.

Troubleshooting the RAM modules is straightforward. RAM is inexpensive and easy to replace.
Technicians can easily remove the memory that is a suspected problem and add a valid module.
If the problem is resolved, the RAM module is probably no longer operative. If the memory
problem still exists, consult the motherboard documentation. Some motherboards require
memory modules to be installed in a particular slot order, or require jumpers to be set. Figures , ,
and show the correct way to install SIMMs, DIMMs, and RIMMs.

Also, verify that the module has been correctly installed. Memory modules are notched and
insert in one direction. If the user suspects an improper installation, remove the module and
visually inspect the module socket. Remove any debris, dust, or dirt and reset the memory
module.

Modern computers run software applications that are very memory intensive. These programs
continually put stress on the memory modules, potentially causing them to fail. There are several
common symptoms for failed memory:

HIMEM.SYS has problems loading.

Computer appears inoperative and does not boot.

Windows program is unstable or programs are freezing.

POST errors exist.



RAM Compatibility Issues

SDRAM memory modules come in various speeds. The most common SDRAM speeds are PC-
66, PC-100, and PC-133. The speed of SDRAM memory is measured in megahertz (MHz).
SDRAM with a higher MHz rating indicates a higher performing memory module. SDRAM
memory has compatibility issues with the bus on the motherboard. The speed of the SDRAM
module must match the speed of the bus. Common bus speeds are PC-100 or PC-133. When
looking to purchase RAM modules, verify the bus speed and buy a compatible RAM module.

The speed of EDO and FPM memory modules are measured in nanoseconds (ns). The memory
module with the lowest ns rating is the fastest. EDO and FPM also have compatibility issues
with the system bus.

Faster DRAM can be installed on a slower system bus and it will not affect performance. The
system will operate at the bus speed even if faster memory is installed. However, a slower or
mixed DRAM module cannot be installed on a system with faster DRAM requirements or
different clocked DRAM.

Legacy machines might require parity RAM. Parity RAM performs error-checking calculations
for every eighth bit of data stored. Today, RAM is non-parity and does not perform parity
calculations on data. Never mix parity and non-parity SIMMs. For older systems, the setup
utility has an option for enabling or disabling RAM parity checking. Also, error correction code
(ECC) and non-ECC RAM cannot be mixed. ECC has the ability to correct data errors and is
typically found in file servers. The following scenario helps to illustrate an issue with RAM.