Chapter 4

RAM

RAM on the Motherboard

Loses all data when PC is turned off (except data stored on CMOS chip) Two categories

Static RAM (SRAM)

Fast
Used as a memory cache

Dynamic RAM (DRAM)

Slower; requires constant refreshing

DRAM

SRAM

Memory Technologies

How SRAM Is Used in Different Memory Caches

How Memory Caching Works

Dynamic RAM Technologies

Stored on DIMM, RIMM, or SIMM modules (plug directly into motherboard)

Differences among these modules:

Width of data path that each type accommodates The way data moves from system bus to module

Examples of Memory Modules

DRAM Technologies

DRAM Technologies (continued)

DRAM

SIMM technologies

Can use either EDO or FPM technology

DIMM technologies

Can use either BEDO (burst EDO) or synchronous RAM (SDRAM)

RIMM technologies

Each socket must be filled to maintain continuity

Identifying the DIMM Module

RIMM Technologies

Error Checking and Parity

Parity

Error-checking procedure in which every byte has an even number of ones or an odd number of ones Older method of testing integrity of bits

Stored in RAM or secondary medium Sent over a communications device

Error-correcting code (ECC)

Current method of error checking that can detect and correct an error in a single bit

Parity

Other Memory Features

CAS (column access strobe) latency

RAS (row access strobe) latency

Both CAS and RAS refer to the number of clock cycles it takes to write or read a column or row of data

Memory Speeds: Factors to Consider

Speed of memory in ns, MHz, or PC rating How much memory is installed Memory technology used CL (CAS Latency) rating
CL- the number of clock cycles between the time a read command is sent and the data is available

ECC/parity or non-ECC/nonparity

Factors That Contribute to Memory Speed

Upgrading Memory

What to look for when buying memory chips and modules How much and what kind of memory to buy Reading ads about memory modules Installing memory

What to Look for When Buying Memory Chips and Modules

Use type, size, density, and fastest speed supported by the motherboard Match tin leads to tin connectors and gold leads to gold connectors Beware of remanufactured and re-marked memory chips

How Much and What Kind of Memory to Buy

Determine how much memory you have and need Identify the number, type, and size of memory modules supported by your motherboard Determine how much memory can you afford

Match memory modules to the motherboard

Using Motherboard Documentation to Select Memory

Using Motherboard Documentation to Select Memory (continued)

RDRAM Memory Configuration

Installing Memory

Protect chips against static electricity

Usually modules pop into place easily and are secured by spring catches on both ends

Installing a SIMM Module

Installing a DIMM Module

Installing a DIMM Module (continued)

Installing a RIMM Module

Types of RAM

SDRAM

Systems use some form of synchronous DRAM (SDRAM)

Still DRAM, but it is synchronous

SDRAM DIMMs came in a wide variety of pin sizes

Desktops were the 168-pin variety. Laptop DIMMs came in 68-pin, 144-pin

RDRAM

Replace SDRAM with a very fast, new type of RAM developed byRambus, Inc. called Rambus DRAM, or simply RDRAM Came in two sizes:

A 184-pin for desktops A 160-pin SO-RIMM for laptops

DDR SDRAM

Double Data Rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM) DDR SDRAM for desktops comes in 184-pin DIMMs DDR SDRAM for laptopscomes in either 200-pin SO-DIMMs or 172-pin micro-DIMMs

DDR2

Run at a blistering PC4800. 4.8 gigabytes per second (GBps) of data throughput DDR2 uses a 240-pin DIMM thats not compatible with DDR

Latency

A delay in RAMs response time is called its Latency RAM with a lower latency such as CL2 is faster than RAM with a higher latency such as CL3 because it responds more quickly