Different RAM Types and its uses

Intro

The type of RAM doesn't matter nearly as much as how much of it you've got, but
using plain old SDRAM memory today will slow you down. There are three main
types of RAM: SDRAM, DDR and Rambus DRAM.

SDRAM (Synchronous DRAM)

Almost all systems used to ship with 3.3 volt, 168-pin SDRAM DIMMs. SDRAM is not
an extension of older EDO DRAM but a new type of DRAM altogether. SDRAM
started out running at 66 MHz, while older fast page mode DRAM and EDO max out
at 50 MHz. SDRAM is able to scale to 133 MHz (PC133) officially, and unofficially up
to 180MHz or higher. As processors get faster, new generations of memory such as
DDR and RDRAM are required to get proper performance.

DDR (Double Data Rate SDRAM)

DDR basically doubles the rate of data transfer of standard SDRAM by transferring
data on the up and down tick of a clock cycle. DDR memory operating at 333MHz
actually operates at 166MHz * 2 (aka PC333 / PC2700) or 133MHz*2 (PC266 /
PC2100). DDR is a 2.5 volt technology that uses 184 pins in its DIMMs. It is
incompatible with SDRAM physically, but uses a similar parallel bus, making it
easier to implement than RDRAM, which is a different technology.

Rambus DRAM (RDRAM)

Despite it's higher price, Intel has given RDRAM it's blessing for the consumer
market, and it will be the sole choice of memory for Intel's Pentium 4. RDRAM is a
serial memory technology that arrived in three flavors, PC600, PC700, and PC800.
PC800 RDRAM has double the maximum throughput of old PC100 SDRAM, but a
higher latency. RDRAM designs with multiple channels, such as those in Pentium 4
motherboards, are currently at the top of the heap in memory throughput,
especially when paired with PC1066 RDRAM memory.

DIMMs vs. RIMMs

DRAM comes in two major form factors: DIMMs and RIMMS.

DIMMs are 64-bit components, but if used in a motherboard with a dual-channel

configuration (like with an Nvidia nForce chipset) you must pair them to get
maximum performance. So far there aren't many DDR chipset that use dual-
channels. Typically, if you want to add 512 MB of DIMM memory to your machine,
you just pop in a 512 MB DIMM if you've got an available slot. DIMMs for SDRAM and
DDR are different, and not physically compatible. SDRAM DIMMs have 168-pins and
run at 3.3 volts, while DDR DIMMs have 184-pins and run at 2.5 volts.

RIMMs use only a 16-bit interface but run at higher speeds than DDR. To get
maximum performance, Intel RDRAM chipsets require the use of RIMMs in pairs over
a dual-channel 32-bit interface. You have to plan more when upgrading and
purchasing RDRAM.
 From the top: SIMM, DIMM and SODIMM
memory modules

Memory Speed
SDRAM initially shipped at a speed of 66MHz. As memory buses got faster, it was
pumped up to 100MHz, and then 133MHz. The speed grades are referred to as PC66
(unofficially), PC100 and PC133 SDRAM respectively. Some manufacturers are
shipping a PC150 speed grade. However, this is an unofficial speed rating, and of
little use unless you plan to overclock your system.

DDR comes in PC1600, PC2100, PC2700 and PC3200 DIMMs. A PC1600 DIMM is
made up of PC200 DDR chips, while a PC2100 DIMM is made up of PC266 chips.
PC2700 uses PC333 DDR chips and PC3200 uses PC400 chips that haven't gained
widespread support. Go for PC2700 DDR. It is about the cost of PC2100 memory and
will give you better performance.

RDRAM comes in PC600, PC700, PC800 and PC1066 speeds. Go for PC1066 RDRAM
if you can find it. If you can't, PC800 RDRAM is widely available.

CAS Latency
SDRAM comes with latency ratings or "CAS (Column Address Strobe) latency"
ratings. Standard PC100 / PC133 SDRAM comes in CAS 2 or CAS 3 speed ratings.
The lower latency of CAS 2 memory will give you more performance. It also costs a
bit more, but it's worth it.

DDR memory comes in CAS 2 and CAS 2.5 ratings, with CAS 2 costing more and
performing better.

RDRAM has no CAS latency ratings, but may eventually come in 32 and 4 bank
forms with 32-bank RDRAM costing more and performing better. For now, it's all 32-
bank RDRAM.
Understanding Cache
Cache Memory is fast memory that serves as a buffer between the processor and
main memory. The cache holds data that was recently used by the processor and
saves a trip all the way back to slower main memory. The memory structure of PCs
is often thought of as just main memory, but it's really a five or six level structure:

The first two levels of memory are contained in the processor itself, consisting of
the processor's small internal memory, or registers, and L1 cache, which is the
first level of cache, usually contained in the processor.

The third level of memory is the L2 cache, usually contained on the motherboard.
However, the Celeron chip from Intel actually contains 128K of L2 cache within the
form factor of the chip. More and more chip makers are planning to put this cache
on board the processor itself. The benefit is that it will then run at the same speed
as the processor, and cost less to put on the chip than to set up a bus and logic
externally from the processor.

The fourth level, is being referred to as L3 cache. This cache used to be the L2
cache on the motherboard, but now that some processors include L1 and L2 cache
on the chip, it becomes L3 cache. Usually, it runs slower than the processor, but
faster than main memory.

The fifth level (or fourth if you have no "L3 cache") of memory is the main memory
itself.

The sixth level is a piece of the hard disk used by the Operating System, usually
called virtual memory. Most operating systems use this when they run out of main
memory, but some use it in other ways as well.

This six-tiered structure is designed to efficiently speed data to the processor when
it needs it, and also to allow the operating system to function when levels of main
memory are low. You might ask, "Why is all this necessary?" The answer is cost. If
there were one type of super-fast, super-cheap memory, it could theoretically
satisfy the needs of this entire memory architecture. This will probably never
happen since you don't need very much cache memory to drastically improve
performance, and there will always be a faster, more expensive alternative to the
current form of main memory.

Memory Redundancy
One important aspect to consider in memory is what level of redundancy you want.
There are a few different levels of redundancy available in memory. Depending on
your motherboard, it may support all or some of these types of memory:

The cheapest and most prevalent level of redundancy is non-parity memory.

When you have non-parity memory in your machine and it encounters a memory
error, the operating system will have no way of knowing and will most likely crash,
but could corrupt data as well with no way of telling the OS. This is the most
common type of memory, and unless specified, that's what you're getting. It works
fine for most applications, but I wouldn't run life support systems on it.
The second level of redundancy is parity memory (also called true parity). Parity
memory has extra chips that act as parity chips. Thus, the chip will be able to
detect when a memory error has occurred and signal the operating system. You'll
probably still crash, but at least you'll know why.

The third level of redundancy is ECC (Error Checking and Correcting). This requires
even more logic and is usually more expensive. Not only does it detect memory
errors, but it also corrects 1-bit ECC errors. If you have a 2-bit error, you will still
have some problems. Some motherboards enable you to have ECC memory.

Older memory types

Fast Page Mode DRAM
Fast Page Mode DRAM is plain old DRAM as we once knew it. The problem with
standard DRAM was that it maxes out at about 50 MHz.

EDO DRAM
EDO DRAM gave people up to 5% system performance increase over DRAM. EDO
DRAM is like FPM DRAM with some cache built into the chip. Like FPM DRAM, EDO
DRAM maxes out at about 50 MHz. Early on, some system makers claimed that if
you used EDO DRAM you didn't need L2 cache in your computer to get decent
performance. They were wrong. It turns out that EDO DRAM works along with L2
cache to make things even faster, but if you lose the L2 cache, you lose a lot of
speed.

Memory Notes

The term byte is commonly used as a unit of storage measurement in computers, regardless of the type of
data being stored. It is also one of the basic integral data types in many programming languages. There
are 8 bits in a byte. A bit (binary digit) refers to a digit in the binary numeral system (base 2). For
example, the number 10010111 is 8 bits long. Binary digits are almost always used as the basic unit of
information storage and communication in digital computing. The bit is also a unit of measurement, the
information capacity of one binary digit. It has the symbol bit.

A nibble is smaller than a byte. For example, if you took a ½ of a bite from a cookie, you could say you
had a nibble. In this sense, a nibble would be 4 bits or half a byte.

Here are the terms for different memory terminology:

Starting with a bit

Bit: 1 bit is a 0 or 1 in binary

Nibble: There are 4 bits in a nibble

Byte: There are 8 bits in a byte

Kilobyte (KB): 1 KB is equal to 1024 bytes

Megabytes (MB): 1 MB is equal to 1024 KB or 1,048,576 bytes

Gigabyte (GB): 1GB is equal to 1024 MB or 1,048,576 KB or 1,073,741,824 bytes

You will lose 70MB of storage space for every GB. With this, you will lose 5.6 GB on an 80GB
hard drive, which will leave you with 74.4GB on an unformatted disk.

Terabyte (TB): 1 TB is equal to 1024 GB

Petabyte (PB): 1 PB is equal to 1024 TB

Exabyte (EB): 1 EB is equal to 1024 PB (1billion GB or 1 quintillion bytes)

Figure out the size:

If you typed up every word ever spoken by every human being ever to live in all the history of the world,
the resulting file would be between 2 and 5 exabytes in size.

Brontobyte: all the atoms in all the people’s bodies living in India. (1 billion people)

All computer systems use one of many types of RAM (Random Access Memory)

Memory Configuration

In the past, memory, like processors, used the DIP (Dual In-Line Pin) configuration. This became to
overcrowded on the motherboard as there were to many chips. Now a number of chips are combined onto
a replaceable card known as a memory module. Memory would then indicate how much RAM was on the
module by giving the number of chips multiplied by the size of each chip in megabits. So if you have a
stick of memory that says 8X64, it has 512 Mbits of memory. Knowing that there are 8 bits in a byte, you
can divide by 8 and get 64MB.

The first standard of these replaceable modules was the SIPP (Single In-Line Pin Package).

SIPP was a type of RAM. It consisted of a small printed circuit board upon which were mounted a
number of memory chips. It had 30 pins along one edge which mated with matching holes in the
motherboard of the computer. The problem with SIPPs was that often the pins bent or broke while
installing into the motherboard. This type of memory was used in the 80286 systems, and was later
replaced by SIMMs (Single In-Line Memory Module).
A SIMM is the third generation of RAM. It differs from today’s DIMM (Dual In-Line Memory
Module) in that the contacts on a SIMM are redundant on both sides of the module. These memory
modules worked better than the old DIP or SIPP modules since it saved a lot of space on the motherboard.

The first variant of SIMMs has 30 pins and provides 8 bits of data. Therefore, systems usually required
that 30 pin SIMMs would have to be installed in sets of 4 (because processors such as the 80486 had 32
bit data paths).

The second variant of SIMMS – sometimes called PS/2 after the IBM line of personal computers in which
it was first used – has 72 pins and provides 32 bits of data. Around 1997, 72-pin SIMMs replaced 30-pin
SIMMs

Due to the different data bus widths of memory modules and some processors, sometimes several
modules must be installed in identical pairs or in identical groups of four to fill a memory bank. For
instance, on 80386 or 80486 systems (data bus width of 32 bits) either four 30-pin SIMMS or one 72-pin
SIMM are required for one memory bank. On Pentium systems (data bus width of 64 bits), two 72-pin
SIMMs are required.

The earliest SIMM sockets were conventional push-type sockets. These were soon replaced by ZIF (Zero
Insertion Force) sockets in which the SIMM was inserted and rotated until it locked into place. To install
a SIMM, the module must be placed in the socket at an angle, then rotated (angled) into position. To
remove one, two metal or plastic clips at each end must be pulled to the side, then the SIMM must be
tilted back and pulled out. The earlier sockets uses plastic retainer clips which were found to break, so
steel clips replaced them.

SIMM is standardized under JEDEC JESD-21C Standard

RAM

1. DIP 18-pin (RAM chip, usually pre-FPRAM)

2. SIPP (usually FPRAM)
3. SIMM 30-pin (usually FPRAM)
4. SIMM 72-pin (so-called "PS/2 SIMM", usually EDO RAM)
5. DIMM 168-pin (SDRAM)
6. DIMM 184-pin (DDR SDRAM)
7. DIMM 240-pin (DDR2 SDRAM - not pictured)
As mentioned earlier, there are several types of RAM in today’s computers.

SIMM (Single In-Line Memory Module)

We mentioned SIMM modules earlier. There are a couple different sizes of SIMMs including 30-pin and
72-pin. The 30-pin modules were used in computers up the early 80486 models. The mid 80486 models
switched to 72-pin SIMM

30-pin SIMM could only send 8 bits at once so at least two were needed for the 286/386SX and four
were needed for the 386DX/486 and eight were needed for Pentium’s. A matching set is called a bank.

72-pin SIMM could send 32 bits of data at once. It was not used in the 286 or 386SX. You need one
SIMM in 386DX and 486 models and two matching sticks in the Pentiums. The speed of 72-pin SIMMs
was either 70ns or 100ns. This is the handling speed.

DIMM (Dual In-Line Memory Module)

SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) (168-pin) – The word “static” indicates that the memory
retains its contents as long as power remains applied, unlike DRAM (See Next section) that needs to
periodically refresh. SRAM should not be confused with SDRAM (see below). SRAM is deemed to
expensive to be used as system RAM though so just a small amount is used. Static RAM is very fast,
usually going at least half of if not the full processor speed.

DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) (168-pin) – is a type of RAM that stores each bit of data
in a separate capacitor. As real-world capacitors are not ideal and hence leak electrons, the information
eventually fades unless the capacitor charge is refreshed periodically. Because of this refresh requirement,
it is a dynamic memory as opposed to SRAM and other static memory. It advantage over SRAM is its
simplicity: only one transistor and a capacitor are required per bit, compared to six transistors in SRAM.
This allows DRAM to reach very high density. Since DRAM loses its data when the power supply is
removed, it is a class of volatile memory device.

Cache Memory

Most computer system memory in modern computers is DRAM. DRAM uses a capacitor and a transistor
to hold data. The capacitor is always discharging so that it forgets the data it held. In order to prevent the
loss of the data, the MCC has to read all the data and write it back to memory. This is a waste of time for
the processor. A computer makes up for that by providing cache memory. SRAM usually makes up that
cache. The processor does provide a certain amount of cache built into the processor itself. Some
motherboards also have built in cache. The computer can store some of the data from memory into cache
to allow the processor to still have something to do while the system refreshes the RAM.

Computers have different levels of cache. Level 1 is usually smallest and fastest. Level 2 is larger and
sometimes slower. Not all processors have it but Level 3 is the largest and slowest. Cache goes between
the memory and CPU and holds a small amount of data from the RAM that the processor can use while
the RAM refreshes. Cache is always at the ready because it uses SRAM, Static RAM uses 4 or 6
transistors not 1 and has no capacitors. For that reason it needs no refreshing. SRAM is deemed to
expensive for system memory.

SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory) (168-pin) – This is the first memory
synced to the system clock. Other dynamic random access memories (DRAM) have an asynchronous
interface which means that it reacts as quickly as possible to changes in control inputs. SDRAM has a
synchronous interface, meaning that it waits for a clock signal before responding to its control inputs. It is
synchronized with the computer's system bus, and thus with the processor. The clock is used to drive an
internal finite state machine that pipelines incoming commands. This allows the chip to have a more
complex pattern of operation than DRAM which does not have synchronizing control circuits.

Pipelining means that the chip can accept a new command before it has finished processing the previous
one. In a pipelined write, the write command can be immediately followed by another command without
waiting for the data to be written to the memory array. In a pipelined read, the requested data appears a
fixed number of clock pulses after the read command. This delay is called the latency and is an important
parameter to be considered when purchasing SDRAM for your computer. It is not necessary to wait for
the data to appear before sending the next command.

SDRAM chips are rated according to their maximum clock rate and their read cycle time. Clock rate is
directly proportional to maximum bandwidth and is affected primarily by the speed of the internal state
machine and interface circuitry. Read cycle time affects the delay between issuing a command and
initiating the corresponding operation and is determined primarily by the speed of the memory cells
themselves.

SDRAM modules are typically rated according to their maximum clock rate (which may differ from that
of the chips on the module) and by their CAS latency. CAS latency is the delay between specifying a
column address and receiving the first data output and is closely related to read cycle time. It is specified
in clock cycles, typically with the assumption that the module is running at its maximum speed. However,
CAS latency is actually programmable by the memory controller, and a lower CAS latency setting may be
viable if the module is running slower than its rated clock speed. When 100 MHz SDRAM chips first
appeared, some manufacturers sold modules that could not reliably operate at that speed. In response,
Intel published the PC100 standard, which outlines requirements and guidelines for producing a memory
module that can operate reliably at 100 MHz. This standard was widely influential; the term "PC100"
quickly became a common identifier for 100 MHz SDRAM modules, and modules are now commonly
designated with "PC"-prefixed numbers (although the actual meaning of the numbers varies widely
among different types of modules).

SDRAM was introduced in 1996, and by 2000 had replaced all other types of DRAM in modern
computers, because of its greater speed, and much lower latency. SDRAM can be identified by the front
side bus rating only: PC66, PC100, PC133 or PC150.

SDRAM is also available in registered memory varieties, for systems that need greater scalability.

Currently, 168-pin SDRAM type is not used in new PC systems, and PCs come with DDR or DDR2
SDRAM, with DDR2 quickly phasing out DDR.

DDR (Double Data Rate) (184-pin)

The second generation of SDRAM is DDR which operates twice in a single cycle of the front side bus.
DDR can be identified by its single notch vs. SDRAM’s two notches.

DDR is identified by the effective rating or by the bandwidth. It debuted in AMD 751, 761, KT266A,
KT333, KT400, and KT600

DDR200 – PC1600

DDR266 – PC2100

DDR300 – PC2400

DDR333 – PC2700

DDR375 – PC3000

DDR400 – PC3200

DDR433 – PC3500

DDR466 – PC3700

DDR500 – PC4000

DDR533 – PC4200

Dual Channel DDR – Also known as DDR2 (240-pin)

The latest memory technology in system memory. This uses at least one pair of DDR DIMMs to double
the memory speed again. Unlike the SIMMs where we were using two sticks to equal the data bus, we are
now using the two sticks in parallel, each half of the time so the data speed is doubled again. This
memory debuted in computers with nVidia nForce 420D. It is now used in nForce2, nForce3 Opteron,
Intel Springdale (855 and 915) and Canterwood (875 and 925)

Operating System RAM Requirements

Operating System Minimum Recommended

Windows 95/98 8MB 32MB Could not use more than 256MB

Windows NT 16MB 32MB

Windows2000 64MB 128MB

Windows XP 128MB 256MB

What is DDR2?

Stands for "Double Data Rate 2." DDR2 RAM is an improved version of DDR memory
that is faster and more efficient. Like standard DDR memory, DDR2 memory can
send data on both the rising and falling edges of the processor's clock cycles. This
nearly doubles the amount of work the RAM can do in a given amount of time. DDR
and DDR2 are also both types of SDRAM, which allows them to run faster than
conventional memory.

While DDR and DDR2 have many similarities, DDR2 RAM uses a different design
than DDR memory. The improved design allows DDR2 RAM to run faster than
standard DDR memory. The modified design also gives the RAM more bandwidth,
which means more data can be passed through the RAM chip at one time. This
increases the efficiency of the memory. Since DDR2 runs more efficiently than
standard DDR memory, it actually uses less power than DDR memory, even though
it runs faster. The only downside of DDR2 memory is that it is not compatible with
standard DDR slots. So make sure your computer supports DDR2 RAM before
upgrading your memory.
Popular terms beginning with 'D':
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Stands for "Database Management System." In short, a DBMS is a database
program. Technically speaking, it is a software system that uses a standard method
of cataloging, retrieving, and running querie... continue

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Stands for "Dynamic Link Library." A DLL (.dll) file contains a library of functions and
other information that can be accessed by a Windows program. When a program is
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What is DDR?
Stands for "Double Data Rate." It is an advanced version of SDRAM, a type of
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What is DIMM?
Stands for "Dual In-Line Memory Module." It is a type of computer memory. A DIMM
is a small circuit board that holds memory chips. It uses a 64-bit bus to the memory,
whereas a single in-line memory m... continue

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DDR3 SDRAM improves on DDR2 SDRAM in several significant ways:

• Higher bandwidth due to increased clock rate

• Reduced power consumption due to 90mm fabrication technology
• Pre-fetch buffer is doubled to 8 bits to further increase performance

The voltage of DDR3 SDRAM DIMM's was lowered from 1.8V to 1.5V. This reduces power
consumption and heat generation, as well as enabling more dense memory configurations for higher
capacities.

Standard DDR3 SDRAM DIMM's

DDR3 SDRAM is normally packaged in DIMM modules.

DIMM Module Chip Type Clock Speed Data Rate Transfer Rate
PC3-6400 DDR3-800 400 800 6,400
PC3-8500 DDR3-1066 533 1066 8,530
PC3-10667 DDR3-1333 667 1333 10,660
PC3-12800 DDR3-1600 800 1600 12,800
PC3-14900 DDR3-1866 933 1866 14,930