What is RAM?
Type of RAM Year Invented
FPM-(Fast page mode RAM)- 1990
EDO RAM (Extended data out random access memory) 1994
SDRAM (Single dynamic RAM) 1996
RDRAM (Rambus RAM) 1998
DDR (Double Data Rate) 2000
DDR2 2003
DDR3 2007
DDR4 2012
The full form of RAM is Random Access Memory. The information stored in this type of memory is
lost when the power supply to the PC or laptop is switched off. The information stored in RAM can be
checked with the help of BIOS. It is generally known as the main memory or temporary memory or
cache memory or volatile memory of the computer system.
Two main types of RAM are:
Static RAM
Dynamic RAM
Static RAM
Static RAM is the full form of SRAM. In this type of RAM, data is stored using the state of a six
transistor memory cell. Static RAM is mostly used as a cache memory for the processor (CPU).
Dynamic RAM
DRAM stands for Dynamic Random Access Memory. It is a type of RAM which allows you to stores
each bit of data in a separate capacitor within a specific integrated circuit. Dynamic RAM is a
standard computer memory of the many modern desktop computers.
This type of RAM is a volatile memory that needs to be refreshed with voltage regularly. Else it loses
the information stored on it.
SRAM VS DRAM
SRAM DRAM
SRAM has lower access time, so it is faster DRAM has higher access time, so it is slower than
compared to DRAM. SRAM.
SRAM is costlier than DRAM. DRAM costs less compared to SRAM.
SRAM requires a constant power supply, which
DRAM offers reduced power consumption
means this type of memory which consumes more
because the information is stored in the capacitor.
power.
It is a complex internal circuitry, and it offers less It is the small internal circuitry in the one-bit
storage capacity is available compared to the memory cell of DRAM. The large storage capacity
same physical size of a DRAM memory chip. is available.
SRAM has a low packaging density. DRAM has a high packaging density.
Other Important Types of RAM
FPM DRAM
FPM DRAM
Fast Page Mode Dynamic Random Access
Memory is a type of RAM that waits through the
entire process of locating a bit of data by column
and row and then reading the bit before it begins
on the next bit. Max transfer rate is around 176
Mbps.
SRAM DRAM
SDR RAM
SDR RAM is a full form of synchronous dynamic
access memory. It has access times between 25
and 10 ns(nanosecond), and they are in DIMM
(dual in-line memory module) modules of 168
contacts.
They store data using capacitors using IC’s
(Integrated Circuits). On one of its sides, they have
terminations, which can be inserted inside of the
individual slots for the Motherboard’s memory.
RD RAM
RD RAM
Rambus Dynamic Random Access Memory is a
full form of RDRAM. This type of RAM chips works
in parallel, which allows you to achieve a data rate
of 800 MHz or 1,600 Mbps. It generates much
more heat as they operate at such high speeds.
VRAM (Video):
VRAM
SRAM DRAM
RAM optimized for video adapters is called VRAM.
These chips have two ports so that video data can
be written to chips at the same time the video
adapter regularly reads the memory to refresh the
monitor’s current display.
EDO RAM
EDO RAM
EDO DRAM is an abbreviation of Extended Data
Output Random Access Memory. It doesn’t wait for
the completion of the processing of the first bit
before continuing to the next one. As soon as the
address of the first bit is located, EDO DRAM
begins looking for the next bit.
Flash Memory
Flash Memory
Flash memory is an electrically erasable and
programmable permanent type of memory. It uses
a one-transistor memory to store a bit. It offers low
power consumption and helps to reduce the cost.
It is mainly used in digital cameras, MP3 players,
etc.
DDR SDRAM
SRAM DRAM
DDR RAM
The full form of DDR SDRAM is Double Data Rate
Synchronous Dynamic Random-Access Memory.
It is just like SDRAM. The only difference between
the two is that it has a higher bandwidth, which
offers greater speed. It’s maximum transfer rate to
L2 cache which is approximately 1,064 Mbps.
Uses of RAM
Here, are important uses of RAM:
RAM is utilized in the computer as a scratchpad, buffer, and main memory.
It offers a fast operating speed.
It is also popular for its compatibility
It offers low power dissipation
Performance Comparison of RAM Types
Time
Internal Bus Perfectc Data Tranfer
Standard in Voltage
Rate Clock(MHZ) h rate(MT/s) rate(GB/s)
Market
SDRAM 1993 100-166 100-166 1n 100-166 0.8-1.3 3.3
DDR 2000 133-200 133-200 2n 266-400 2.1-3.2 2.5/2.6
DDR2
2003 133-200 266-400 4n 533-800 4.2-6.4 1.8
SDRAM
DDR3 2007 133-200 533-800 8n 1066-1600 8.5-14.9 1.35/1.5
DDR 4 2014 133-200 1066-1600 8n 2133-3200 17-21.3 1.2
