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Memory Basics (BACK)
Memory is one of the fastest growing computer components the industry has ever seen. In the early 1980's, it was difficult to imagine a need for more than 128 kilobytes of memory. Today, entry level computers include 64 megabytes of memory, more than 500 times the anticipated need in the 1980's. The increasing demand for more memory has been driven by faster computers , more powerful software applications and decreasing costs of ownership.
What is Memory? (BACK)
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Random Access Memory (RAM) is the term generally used to describe memory products. A computer uses RAM to temporarily hold information needed by the brain of a computer known as the Central Processing Unit (CPU). When an application such as Microsoft Word is executed, its instructions are transferred to the computers RAM from its permanent storage location (i.e.: hard drive, ZIP disk, CD-ROM, . . . ). The CPU can quickly respond to a users request (i.e.: spell check document) because memory is significantly faster than the speediest storage device. Thus, RAM is an essential computer component that speeds the delivery of instructions to the CPU.
How much Memory do I Need? (BACK)
It is always better to have more than you need rather than not enough. The more memory you have, the better you can perform simultaneous tasks. For example, if you are a researcher and you use the Internet to gather data, you will need the ability to operate a web browser and a word processor simultaneously. Although there is no precise formula to predict your memory needs, here are some good determiners that your memory needs must increase:
- Does you system performance degrade significantly when you execute multiple applications? If so, you need to increase your memory.
- Can you launch all of your required applications simultaneously? If you cannot, add up the requirements for each application you intent to run in unison and compare that to your available memory, then increase accordingly.
- Do you intend to increase the use of high memory consuming applications in the near future, such as photo-manipulation and database applications? If so, you should consider increasing your memory.
Basic Terminology (BACK)
The computer chips that make up the memory in your computer are referred to as Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM). A single in-line memory module (SIMM) or dual in-line memory module (DIMM) consists of multiple DRAM chips. SIMMs or DIMMs are what is installed in your computer.
The Birth of a Memory Product (BACK)
The manufacturing of memory starts in highly specialized DRAM fabrication plants. A very small number of suppliers can afford to build and operate the massive multi-billion dollar plants. Memory module manufacturers, such as Ventura Technology Group, acquire large volumes of DRAM chips for use in the manufacturing of SIMMs and DIMMs. Memory modules are purchased by end-users through many distributors and resellers.
Memory and Your Computer (BACK)
Most modern day computers enable users to install memory modules into slots located on the computers motherboard. These slots are usually arranged in rows known as a bank schema. The number of slots in your bank schema is dependent on the CPU power of your computer system. Each bank can include from one to four slots and multiple banks may be included in your bank schema. |
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