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Definition - What Does Cache Memory Mean?

Cache memory is a small, fast type of volatile memory that stores frequently used programs, applications and data to provide quick access to the processor. It is typically integrated directly into the motherboard and processor. There are several types of RAM including SRAM, DRAM, FPM DRAM, EDO DRAM, SDRAM, DDR SDRAM, RDRAM, credit card memory, PCMCIA memory cards, CMOS RAM, and VRAM. Memory slots on the motherboard determine what type of RAM can be installed, with common types being SDRAM, DDR, and SODIMM. DDR3 and DDR4 are successors to DDR2 and DDR3 respectively, with higher speeds and capacities

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74 views5 pages

Definition - What Does Cache Memory Mean?

Cache memory is a small, fast type of volatile memory that stores frequently used programs, applications and data to provide quick access to the processor. It is typically integrated directly into the motherboard and processor. There are several types of RAM including SRAM, DRAM, FPM DRAM, EDO DRAM, SDRAM, DDR SDRAM, RDRAM, credit card memory, PCMCIA memory cards, CMOS RAM, and VRAM. Memory slots on the motherboard determine what type of RAM can be installed, with common types being SDRAM, DDR, and SODIMM. DDR3 and DDR4 are successors to DDR2 and DDR3 respectively, with higher speeds and capacities

Uploaded by

John Yohans
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© © All Rights Reserved
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Cache Memory

Definition - What does Cache Memory mean?


Cache memory is a small-sized type of volatile computer memory that provides high-speed data
access to a processor and stores frequently used computer programs, applications and data. It is
the fastest memory in a computer, and is typically integrated onto the motherboard and directly
embedded in the processor or main random access memory (RAM).

Types of RAM

 The following are some common types of RAM:


 SRAM: Static random access memory uses multiple transistors, typically four to six,
for each memory cell but doesn't have a capacitor in each cell. It is used primarily for
cache.
 DRAM: Dynamic random access memory has memory cells with a paired
transistor and capacitor requiring constant refreshing.
 FPM DRAM: Fast page mode dynamic random access memory was the original
form of DRAM. It waits through the entire process of locating a bit of data by column and
row and then reading the bit before it starts on the next bit. Maximum transfer rate to L2
cache is approximately 176 MBps.
 EDO DRAM: Extended data-out dynamic random access memory does not wait
for all 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. It is about
five percent faster than FPM. Maximum transfer rate to L2 cache is approximately 264
MBps.
 SDRAM: Synchronous dynamic random access memory takes advantage of the
burst mode concept to greatly improve performance. It does this by staying on the row
containing the requested bit and moving rapidly through the columns, reading each bit
as it goes. The idea is that most of the time the data needed by the CPU will be in
sequence. SDRAM is about five percent faster than EDO RAM and is the most common
form in desktops today. Maximum transfer rate to L2 cache is approximately 528 MBps.
 DDR SDRAM: Double data rate synchronous dynamic RAM is just like SDRAM
except that is has higher bandwidth, meaning greater speed. Maximum transfer rate to
L2 cache is approximately 1,064 MBps (for DDR SDRAM 133 MHZ).
 RDRAM: Rambus dynamic random access memory is a radical departure from
the previous DRAM architecture. Designed by Rambus, RDRAM uses a Rambus in-line
memory module (RIMM), which is similar in size and pin configuration to a standard
DIMM. What makes RDRAM so different is its use of a special high-speed data bus
called the Rambus channel. RDRAM memory chips work in parallel to achieve a data
rate of 800 MHz, or 1,600 MBps. Since they operate at such high speeds, they generate
much more heat than other types of chips. To help dissipate the excess heat Rambus
chips are fitted with a heat spreader, which looks like a long thin wafer. Just like there
are smaller versions of DIMMs, there are also SO-RIMMs, designed for notebook
computers.
 Credit Card Memory: Credit card memory is a proprietary self-contained DRAM
memory module that plugs into a special slot for use in notebook computers.
 PCMCIA Memory Card: Another self-contained DRAM module for notebooks, cards
of this type are not proprietary and should work with any notebook computer whose
system bus matches the memory card's configuration.
 CMOS RAM: CMOS RAM is a term for the small amount of memory used by your
computer and some other devices to remember things like hard disk settings -- see Why
does my computer need a battery? for details. This memory uses a small battery to
provide it with the power it needs to maintain the memory contents.
 VRAM: VideoRAM, also known as multiport dynamic random access memory
(MPDRAM), is a type of RAM used specifically for video adapters or 3-D accelerators.
The "multiport" part comes from the fact that VRAM normally has two independent
access ports instead of one, allowing the CPU and graphics processor to access the
RAM simultaneously. VRAM is located on the graphics card and comes in a variety of
formats, many of which are proprietary. The amount of VRAM is a determining factor in
the resolution and color depth of the display. VRAM is also used to hold graphics-
specific information such as 3-D geometry data and texture maps. True multiport VRAM
tends to be expensive, so today, many graphics cards use SGRAM (synchronous
graphics RAM) instead. Performance is nearly the same, but SGRAM is cheaper.
Memory slot
A memory slot, memory socket, or RAM slot is what allows RAM (computer memory) to be
inserted into the computer. Depending on the motherboard, there may be two to four memory
slots (sometimes more on high-end motherboards) and are what determine the type of RAM used
with the computer. The most common types of RAM are SDRAM and DDR for desktop
computers and SODIMM for laptop computers, each having various types and speeds. The
picture below is an example of what memory slots may look like inside a desktop computer. In
this picture, there are three open and available slots for three memory sticks.

When buying a new computer or motherboard, pay close attention to the types of RAM the
memory slots can accept, so you are familiar with what type of RAM to buy for your computer.
It is also important to note how many available memory slots are available in your computer. It is
not uncommon for computers to have all memory slots occupied, which means if you wanted to
upgrade your computer memory, some or all of the memory would need to be removed first.

DDR3
Updated: 11/13/2018 by Computer Hop

Short for double data rate three, DDR3 is a type of


DRAM (dynamic random-access memory) released in June
2007 as the successor to DDR2. DDR3 chips have bus clock
speed of 400 MHz up to 1066 MHz, range in size from 1 to
24 GB, and consume nearly 30% less power than their
predecessors. DDR3 RAM sticks for a desktop computer
have 240 pins. For a laptop computer, DDR3 RAM sticks
have 204 pins.

These memory chips can only be installed on a


motherboard that supports DDR3 memory and are not
backward compatible with DDR2 memory slots.
DDR (Updated: 10/04/2017 by Computer Hope)

DDR may refer to any of the following:

1. Short for double data rate, DDR is memory that was first introduced in
1996 and has since been replaced by DDR2. DDR utilizes both the rising and
falling edge of the system clock, potentially doubling the speed of the
memory. Today, DDR technology is found on high-end video cards and
computer memory such as DDR-SDRAM.

DDR4
Updated: 04/26/2017 by Computer Hope

Short for double data rate four, DDR4 is a type of


system memory known as SDRAM and was released
in September 2014 as the successor to DDR3. DDR4
has bus clock speeds that range from 800 to 1600
MHz and range in storage capacity from 4 to 128 GB
per DIMM. DDR4 is also more efficient at 1.2 V when
compared to DDR3's 1.5 to 1.65 V range.

Note: These memory chips can only be installed on a


motherboard that supports DDR4 memory and are not backward compatible
with DDR3 memory slots.

Bus, Capacity, Computer abbreviations, DDR, DDR2, DDR3, Memory terms,


MHz

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