Different RAM Types and Its Uses
Different RAM Types and Its Uses
Different RAM Types and Its Uses
Intro
The type of RAM doesn't matter nearly as much as how much of it you've got, but using plain
old SDRAM memory today will slow you down. There are three main types of RAM: SDRAM,
DDR and Rambus DRAM.
DIMMs are 64-bit components, but if used in a motherboard with a dual-channel configuration
(like with an Nvidia nForce chipset) you must pair them to get maximum performance. So far
there aren't many DDR chipset that use dual-channels. Typically, if you want to add 512 MB of
DIMM memory to your machine, you just pop in a 512 MB DIMM if you've got an available slot.
DIMMs for SDRAM and DDR are different, and not physically compatible. SDRAM DIMMs have
168-pins and run at 3.3 volts, while DDR DIMMs have 184-pins and run at 2.5 volts.
RIMMs use only a 16-bit interface but run at higher speeds than DDR. To get maximum
performance, Intel RDRAM chipsets require the use of RIMMs in pairs over a dual-channel 32-
bit interface. You have to plan more when upgrading and purchasing RDRAM.
From the top: SIMM, DIMM and SODIMM memory
modules
Memory Speed
SDRAM initially shipped at a speed of 66MHz. As memory buses got faster, it was pumped up
to 100MHz, and then 133MHz. The speed grades are referred to as PC66 (unofficially), PC100
and PC133 SDRAM respectively. Some manufacturers are shipping a PC150 speed grade.
However, this is an unofficial speed rating, and of little use unless you plan to overclock your
system.
DDR comes in PC1600, PC2100, PC2700 and PC3200 DIMMs. A PC1600 DIMM is made up of
PC200 DDR chips, while a PC2100 DIMM is made up of PC266 chips. PC2700 uses PC333
DDR chips and PC3200 uses PC400 chips that haven't gained widespread support. Go for
PC2700 DDR. It is about the cost of PC2100 memory and will give you better performance.
RDRAM comes in PC600, PC700, PC800 and PC1066 speeds. Go for PC1066 RDRAM if you
can find it. If you can't, PC800 RDRAM is widely available.
CAS Latency
SDRAM comes with latency ratings or "CAS (Column Address Strobe) latency" ratings.
Standard PC100 / PC133 SDRAM comes in CAS 2 or CAS 3 speed ratings. The lower latency
of CAS 2 memory will give you more performance. It also costs a bit more, but it's worth it.
DDR memory comes in CAS 2 and CAS 2.5 ratings, with CAS 2 costing more and performing
better.
RDRAM has no CAS latency ratings, but may eventually come in 32 and 4 bank forms with 32-
bank RDRAM costing more and performing better. For now, it's all 32-bank RDRAM.
Understanding Cache
Cache Memory is fast memory that serves as a buffer between the processor and main
memory. The cache holds data that was recently used by the processor and saves a trip all the
way back to slower main memory. The memory structure of PCs is often thought of as just main
memory, but it's really a five or six level structure:
The first two levels of memory are contained in the processor itself, consisting of the processor's
small internal memory, or registers, and L1 cache, which is the first level of cache, usually
contained in the processor.
The third level of memory is the L2 cache, usually contained on the motherboard. However, the
Celeron chip from Intel actually contains 128K of L2 cache within the form factor of the chip.
More and more chip makers are planning to put this cache on board the processor itself. The
benefit is that it will then run at the same speed as the processor, and cost less to put on the
chip than to set up a bus and logic externally from the processor.
The fourth level, is being referred to as L3 cache. This cache used to be the L2 cache on the
motherboard, but now that some processors include L1 and L2 cache on the chip, it becomes
L3 cache. Usually, it runs slower than the processor, but faster than main memory.
The fifth level (or fourth if you have no "L3 cache") of memory is the main memory itself.
The sixth level is a piece of the hard disk used by the Operating System, usually called virtual
memory. Most operating systems use this when they run out of main memory, but some use it
in other ways as well.
This six-tiered structure is designed to efficiently speed data to the processor when it needs it,
and also to allow the operating system to function when levels of main memory are low. You
might ask, "Why is all this necessary?" The answer is cost. If there were one type of super-fast,
super-cheap memory, it could theoretically satisfy the needs of this entire memory architecture.
This will probably never happen since you don't need very much cache memory to drastically
improve performance, and there will always be a faster, more expensive alternative to the
current form of main memory.
Memory Redundancy
One important aspect to consider in memory is what level of redundancy you want. There are a
few different levels of redundancy available in memory. Depending on your motherboard, it may
support all or some of these types of memory:
The cheapest and most prevalent level of redundancy is non-parity memory. When you have
non-parity memory in your machine and it encounters a memory error, the operating system will
have no way of knowing and will most likely crash, but could corrupt data as well with no way of
telling the OS. This is the most common type of memory, and unless specified, that's what
you're getting. It works fine for most applications, but I wouldn't run life support systems on it.
The second level of redundancy is parity memory (also called true parity). Parity memory has
extra chips that act as parity chips. Thus, the chip will be able to detect when a memory error
has occurred and signal the operating system. You'll probably still crash, but at least you'll know
why.
The third level of redundancy is ECC (Error Checking and Correcting). This requires even more
logic and is usually more expensive. Not only does it detect memory errors, but it also corrects
1-bit ECC errors. If you have a 2-bit error, you will still have some problems. Some
motherboards enable you to have ECC memory.
EDO DRAM
EDO DRAM gave people up to 5% system performance increase over DRAM. EDO DRAM is
like FPM DRAM with some cache built into the chip. Like FPM DRAM, EDO DRAM maxes out
at about 50 MHz. Early on, some system makers claimed that if you used EDO DRAM you
didn't need L2 cache in your computer to get decent performance. They were wrong. It turns out
that EDO DRAM works along with L2 cache to make things even faster, but if you lose the L2
cache, you lose a lot of speed.
Memory Types
In order to enable computers to work faster, there are several types of memory available
today. Within a single computer there is no longer just one type of memory. Because the
types of memory relate to speed, it is important to understand the differences when
comparing the components of a computer.
The first SIMMs transferred 8 bits of data at a time and contained 30 pins. When CPU's
began to read 32-bit chunks, a wider SIMM was developed and contained 72 pins.
72 pin SIMMS are 3/4" longer than 30 pin SIMMs and have a notch in the lower middle of
the PCB. 72 pin SIMMs install at a slight angle.
DIMMs install straight up and down and have two notches on the bottom of the PCB.
RDRAM - RIMM
Rambus, Inc, in conjunction with Intel has created new technology, Direct RDRAM, to
increase the access speed for memory. RIMMs appeared on motherboards sometime
during 1999. The in-line memory modules are called RIMMs. They have 184 pins and
provide 1.6 GB per second of peak bandwidth in 16 bit chunks. As chip speed gets faster,
so does the access to memory and the amount of heat produced. An aluminum sheath,
called a heat spreader, covers the module to protect the chips from overheating.
SO RIMM
Similar in appearance to a SODIMM and uses Rambus technology.
Technology
Access time is rated in nanoseconds (60ns, 70ns, 80ns, etc) and represents the amount
of time to save or return information. With a 60ns DRAM, it would require 60 billionths of
a second to save or return information. The lower the nanospeed, the faster the memory
operates.
DRAM chips require two CPU wait states for each execution.
Direct Rambus
Extraordinarily fast. By using doubled clocked provides a transfer rate up to 1.6GBs
yielding a 800MHz speed over a narrow 16 bit bus.
Cache RAM
This is where SRAM is used for storing information required by the CPU. It is in kilobyte
sizes of 128KB, 256KB, etc.
Flash Memory
This is a solid-state, nonvolatile, rewritable memory that functions like RAM and a hard
disk combined. If power is lost, all data remains in memory. Because of its high speed,
durability, and low voltage requirements, it is ideal for digital cameras, cell phones,
printers, handheld computers, pagers and audio recorders.
Shadow RAM
When your computer starts up (boots), minimal instructions for performing the startup
procedures and video controls are stored in ROM (Read Only Memory) in what is
commonly called BIOS. ROM executes slowly. Shadow RAM allows for the capability of
moving selected parts of the BIOS code from ROM to the faster RAM memory.
Storage Devices
Used to store computer programs and data that the CPU has to process
Thus, before programs can be executed they must first be loaded into memory
Used to “permanently” store computer programs and data for long term purposes
1. Volatile
This refers to storage devices that can store its data as long as electrical power
is supplied to the storage unit.
2. Non-volatile
This refers to storage devices that can store its data “permanently” regardless of
the state of the computer whether it’s turned on or off.
1. Random Access
2. Sequential Access
3. Direct Access
4. Associative Address
random access; contents-based not address-based; example: some cache
memory devices
1. Read Only
1. Read/Write
data may both be retrieved and modified – but not at the same time
1. Big Endian
a type memory organization that positions the most significant byte (i.e. left most
byte) in a multi-byte data in lower byte order (i.e. first byte) location.
2. Little Endian
a type memory organization that positions the most significant byte (i.e. left most
byte) in a multi-byte data in higher byte order (i.e. last byte) location.