RAM

By Tyler Downer
2/9/08

What is RAM?

Most of us know that the more RAM you have, the better. But why is that? What is in RAM that makes it such a large factor in computer performance? RAM stands for Random Access Memory and is about 4 inches long. Below is a picture of a typical RAM module.

A Common Misconception

While RAM does have an important factor on computer speed, it is not the general cure all that some think it is. Computer speed relies on many other factors, such as CPU speed, Hard Drive RPM, video cards, and the operating system, among others. In some cases, no matter how much RAM you add, you will not see a significant speed increase. In fact, it could slow your computer down.

What does RAM do?

RAM is used by the computer to store things that it is using or working on at that time. Things like the operating system, open and unsaved documents, running services, open applications. These are all processes that the CPU is currently working on and RAM stores so it can use them.

Where is RAM located?

RAM is located in slots near the CPU on the motherboard. A typical motherboard has 2-4 slots, that can each hold a module. Below is a motherboard with the slots, 4 in this example, outlined in yellow.

How does it work?

RAM is made of volatile memory. This memory is very fast and ideal for using with the CPU and making fast decisions. But, it is volatile, which means it ceases to store any information after electricity is turned off, making it impossible to use for long-term storage. RAM does not actually do any decision making, but stores decisions that the CPU needs to make at a later time, or has made and is about to send to the application that requested that process. Now that you see what RAM does, it is easy to see how having more is good. It provides the computer with more room to store things it is working on. But, some computers can only have so much RAM . For example, a Windows 98 or ME computer can only take about 512MB of RAM. Any more than that and they can crash. Newer systems, like XP and VISTA, don't have this problem.

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