What is computer memory?
- Computer, Gaming, Information, Question, Software
- March 28, 2022
Computer memory is an electronic component that stores digital data. Memory modules are inserted into the motherboard to increase the computer’s storage capacity. There are three types of computer memory: volatile, non-volatile and static.
Volatile memory loses its data when the power is turned off. Non-volatile memory retains its data even when the power is turned off. Static RAM (SRAM) does not require power to retain its data, which makes it faster than dynamic RAM (DRAM).
How does computer memory work?
Computer memory is a critical component of any computer. It stores the instructions and data needed to run software applications and the operating system. In this article, we will take a look at how computer memory works.
RAM (Random Access Memory) is where most of the data that is being used by your computer resides. When you turn on your computer, the BIOS (Basic Input Output System) starts up and loads into RAM all of the information it needs to start running your operating system. This includes such items as your desktop wallpaper, icons, and programs that are currently open.
When you launch an application or work on a document, it gets stored in RAM as well so that it can be accessed quickly when you need it. The more RAM you have installed in your computer, the more applications or documents you can have open at one time without experiencing any lag time.
However, when you turn off your computer or put it into sleep mode, all of the data in RAM gets cleared out automatically. This helps to conserves power and extend battery life since there’s no need for unused information to be constantly clogging up precious resources like CPU cycles and disk space unnecessarily.
So how does this work exactly? The answer has to do with something called transistors which are tiny switches inside of each individualmemory chip element on a stick o’ ram etc.. When turned “on”, these transistors create small electric fields that allow electricity through; conversely when they’re switched “off” these little transistor gates essentially form an impenetrable shield against electron passage.(source: makeuseof)
Where is computer memory located?
Computer memory, or Random Access Memory (RAM), is a type of electronic data storage used in computers and other electronic devices. RAM is generally located on the motherboard of the device. There are several types of computer memory: Dynamic random-access memory (DRAM)
Synchronous dynamic random-access memory (SDRAM)
Double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM)
Graphics double data rate 3 synchronous dynamic random access memory (GDDR3 SDRAM)
Registered DIMM (RDIMM)
In general, there are three ways to add more RAM to your computer:
1. Buy a new desktop or laptop that comes with more preinstalled RAM than your old one did;
2. Use an external drive like the Seagate DockStar which gives you an extra 2TBs of storage and up to 8GBs of additional DDR3L 1333MHz 204-pin SO-DIMM notebook style PC/Macmemory;
3. Remove old modules from their sockets and replace them with higher capacity ones – but only if your motherboard supports this configuration
What are the different types of computer memory?
Computer memory is an electronic storage device that allows a computer to store data, programs and retrieve information. There are many different types of computer memory, but the three most common are random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM) and hard disk drive (HDD).
Random Access Memory (RAM): RAM is a type of computer memory that can be accessed randomly; that is, any byte of data can be accessed without having to move through other bytes first. This makes RAM ideal for storing data that is being used by a program, as it doesn’t have to wait for the slowest part of the hard disk drive to respond. The downside to RAM is that it loses its contents when the power goes off.
Read-Only Memory (ROM): ROM stores permanent data such as the operating system and applications software on a computer. Unlike RAM, ROM cannot be modified or changed by users. When you turn on your computer, the BIOS loads instructions from ROM into RAM so that your computer can start up properly. Once startup is complete, the OS takes over and handles all operations from thereon out.
Hard Disk Drive: A HDD usually has two or more platters coated with magnetic material onto which digital information can be written and read. The benefit of using HDDs rather than some other form of storage like CD-ROMs or DVDs is their high capacity—a typical 2½in laptop HDD typically stores around 100GB–200GB worth of data uncompressed!