Types Of RAM

What are the different types of RAM? RAM, or random access memory, is one of the main computer storage devices. As the name implies, the RAM allows random access to the data that are stored in it, quickly. There are different types of ram. The main types of ram are divided into two major types, the Static and the Dynamic. However, these types of ram are have enhanced versions now.

The Static Ram stores information while the computer system is on. These are the types of ram that are costlier and more power consuming. They are, however, of higher speed than the dynamic rams. The static types of ram work by holding each memory bit through a ‘flip-flop’. Each flip-flop can take around 6 transistors and they never need refreshing. This process makes the static types of ram work faster. The problem is that the static rams are more space consuming as they have more working parts. Because of this, you end up getting lesser memory each chip. These types of ram are used to create the processor’s speed sensitive cache.

The Dynamic Ram, on the other hand, only stores data in short periods of time. These are types of ram that don’t care whether the computer system is turned on or off. It just stores the data in as quickly as a few milliseconds. Compared to the static ram, the dynamic ram works slower but is cheaper. If the static ram works for the CPUs cache, the Dynamic Ram makes the RAM space larger.

FPM DRAM stands for fast page mode dynamic random access memory. This is actually the first generation of DRAM (Dynamic RAM). The transfer rate of these types of ram is 176MBPS. The EDO RAM stands for extended data out dynamic random access memory. These, on the other hand, works around 55 faster than FPM DRAM, as it has a transfer rate of 264MBPS. SDRAM stands for synchronous dynamic access memory. These are the types of ram that is most common to desktops nowadays. This has a transfer speed of 528MBPS. The DDSDRAM, or the double data rate synchronous dynamic ram, is an enhanced version of the SDRAM. This has a transfer rate of 1064MBPS.

RDRAM, otherwise called Rambus dynamic random access memory, is a RAM type that is developed by the company Rambus – hence the name. This RAM type works by using the Rambus channel. This is a high speed data tunnel that allows the RAM to achieve a transfer rate of 1600MBPS. However, this speed is also its weakness. Due to fast processing, the RDRAM generates heat. Since the heat will damage the chips, Rambus created the RDRAM with a built in heat spreader.

Credit card memory is another DRAM variety. This is most commonly used in notebook computers. As the name implies, this is a memory type that is as small and thin as a credit card. PCMCIA Memory Cards are also used in notebook computers. As long as the system bus of the device matches its configuration, this can be used.