A lot of computer users often ask themselves what is RAM. To help our readers understand RAM in detail, we have prepared a material in which we will consider in detail where it is can be used and what his types are now used. We will also look at a little theory, after which you will understand what modern memory is.

A bit of theory

The abbreviation for RAM stands for - random access memory... Essentially, it is rAMwhich is mainly used in your computers. The principle of operation of any type of RAM is built on storing information in special electronic cells... Each of the cells has a size of 1 byte, that is, it can store eight bits of information. Each electronic cell has a special address... This address is needed in order to be able to access a specific electronic cell, read and write its contents.

Also, reading and writing to an electronic cell must be carried out at any time. In the English version, RAM is RAM... If we decipher the acronym RAM (Random Access Memory) - random access memory, then it becomes clear why reading and writing to a cell is carried out at any time.

Information is stored and rewritten in electronic cells only when your PC works, after turning it off, all the information that is in RAM is erased. The set of electronic cells in a modern RAM can reach a volume of 1 GB to 32 GB. The types of RAM that are currently in use are called DRAM and SRAM.

First, DRAM is dynamic random access memory, which consists of capacitors and transistors... Information storage in DRAM is caused by the presence or absence of charge on the capacitor (1 bit of information), which is formed on the semiconductor crystal. To store information, this type of memory requires regeneration... Therefore this slow and cheap memory.
Second, SRAM is Static RAM... The principle of accessing cells in SRAM is based on a static flip-flop that includes several transistors. SRAM is an expensive memory, so it is mainly used in microcontrollers and integrated circuitsin which the amount of memory is small. it fast memory, not requiring regeneration.

Classification and types of SDRAM in modern computers

The most common type of DRAM memory is synchronous memory SDRAM... The first subtype sDRAM memory is DDR SDRAM. Operational modules dDR memory SDRAM appeared in the late 1990s. At that time, computers based on Pentium processes were popular. The image below shows a 512 MB DDR PC-3200 SODIMM bar from GOODRAM.

Prefix SODIMM means memory is for laptop... In 2003, DDR SDRAM was replaced by DDR2 SDRAM... This memory was used in modern computers from that time until 2010, until it was supplanted by the memory of the next generation. The image below shows a 2 GB DDR2 PC2-6400 bracket from GOODRAM. Each generation of memory demonstrates an increasing rate of data exchange.

DDR2 SDRAM was replaced in 2007 by an even faster DDR3 SDRAM... This format remains the most popular to this day, although a new format breathes in its back. The DDR3 SDRAM format is now used not only in modern computers, but also in smartphones, tablet pc and budget graphics cards... Also DDR3 SDRAM is used in game console Xbox one eighth generation from Microsoft. This set-top box uses 8 gigabytes of DDR3 SDRAM format RAM. The image below shows 4GB DDR3 PC3-10600 memory from GOODRAM.

DDR3 SDRAM memory type will be replaced by a new type soon DDR4 SDRAM... After that, DDR3 SDRAM is waiting for the fate of past generations. Mass memory release DDR4 SDRAM started in Q2 2014 and is already being used on motherboards with a cpu socket Socket 1151... The image below shows the format bar DDR4 PC4-17000 4 gigabytes from GOODRAM.

DDR4 SDRAM bandwidth can be up to 25 600 Mb / s.

How to determine the type of RAM in a computer

Determine the type of RAM that is in the laptop or in desktop computer can be done very easily using the utility CPU-Z... This utility is completely free. Download CPU-Z from its official website www.cpuid.com. After downloading and installing, open the utility and go to the " SPD". The image below shows the utility window with open tab « SPD».

In this window, you can see that the computer on which the utility is open has RAM of the type DDR3 PC3-12800 4 gigabytes from Kingston. In the same way, you can determine the type of memory and its properties on any computer. For example, below is a window CPU-Z with RAM DDR2 PC2-5300 512 GB from Samsung.

And this window shows a window CPU-Z with RAM DDR4 PC4-21300 4 GB from ADATA Technology.

This method of checking is simply irreplaceable in a situation when you need to check for compatibility the memory you are about to purchase for rAM expansion your PC.

We select the RAM for the new system manager

In order to select RAM for a specific computer configuration, we will describe an example below, which shows how easy it is to match RAM to any PC configuration. For example, we will take this latest Intel processor-based configuration:

CPU - Intel Core i7-6700K;
Motherboard - ASRock H110M-HDS on Intel H110 chipset;
Video card - GIGABYTE GeForce GTX 980 Ti 6GB GDDR5;
SSD - Kingston SSDNow KC400 1000 GB;
Power Supply - Chieftec A-135 APS-1000C 1000W.

To select the RAM for such a configuration, you need to go to the official page of the ASRock H110M-HDS motherboard - www.asrock.com/mb/Intel/H110M-HDS.

The page contains the line “ Supports DDR4 2133", Which says that a 2133 MHz RAM is suitable for the motherboard. Now let's go to the menu item " Specifications" on this page.

In the page that opens, you can find the line “ Max. capacity of system memory: 32GB”, Which states that our motherboard supports up to 32 gigabytes of RAM. From the data that we received on the motherboard page, we can conclude that this type of RAM would be an acceptable option for our system - two DDR4-2133 16 GB PC4-17000 memory modules.

We specifically indicated two 16 GB memory modules, and not one 32, since two modules can work in dual channel mode.

You can install the above modules from any manufacturer, but these RAM modules will work best. They are presented at official page to the motherboard in the " Memory Support List", As their compatibility has been verified by the manufacturer.

The example shows how easy it is to find out information about the system unit in question. In the same way, RAM is selected for all other computer configurations. I would also like to note that on the configuration discussed above, you can run all newest games with the highest graphics settings.

For example, on this configuration, new games such as Tom clancy's The division , Far cry primal, Fallout 4 and many others, since such a system meets all the realities of the gaming market. The only limitation for such a configuration would be its price... The approximate price of such a system unit without a monitor, including two memory modules, a case and components described above, will be about 2000 dollars.

Classification and types of SDRAM in video cards

Newer graphics cards and older models use the same type of synchronous SDRAM. In new and outdated models of video cards, this type of video memory is most often used:

GDDR2 SDRAM - up to 9.6 GB / s bandwidth;
GDDR3 SDRAM - up to 156.6 GB / s bandwidth;
GDDR5 SDRAM - up to 370 GB / s bandwidth.

To find out the type of your video card, the amount of its RAM and the type of memory, you need to use free utility GPU-Z... For example, the image below shows the program window GPU-Z, which describes the characteristics of the video card GeForce GTX 980 Ti.

The popular today GDDR5 SDRAM will be replaced in the near future by GDDR5X SDRAM... it new classification video memory promises to raise the bandwidth to 512 GB / s... The answer to the question of what manufacturers want to achieve from such a large throughput is quite simple. With the advent of formats such as 4K and 8K, as well as VR devices, the performance of current video cards is no longer enough.

Difference between RAM and ROM

ROM stands for read-only storage... Unlike random access memory, ROM is used to record information that will be stored there permanently. For example, ROM is used in such devices:

Mobile phones;
Smartphones;
Microcontrollers;
BIOS ROM;
Various household electronic devices.

In all the devices described above, the code for their operation is stored in ROM. ROM is an non-volatile memory, therefore, after turning off these devices, all information will be saved in it - which means this is the main difference between ROM and RAM.

Summing up

In this article, we briefly learned all the details, both in theory and in practice, concerning random access memory and their classification, and also considered what is the difference between RAM and ROM.

Also, our material will be especially useful for those PC users who want to know their type of RAM installed in the computer, or find out which rAM needs to be applied for different configurations.

We hope our material will be interesting for our readers and will allow them to solve many problems related to random access memory.

1. What is the memory on the phone

Modern phones include three types of memory:
1. RAM, it is RAM, in English RAM. This type of memory stores information about those processes on the device that are currently running. It is highly volatile and processes only the information that is currently working. If the phone loses "power", turns off, then the RAM data disappear.
2. ROM, ROM - read-only memory, or non-volatile memory, which is used specifically for storing data on the phone. This memory is not deleted and does not require a power supply. This memory stores information about those processes that have ever been launched on the phone. To simplify, such memory can also be called a cache, because it stores all the required files for applications and their work. They will not be deleted until the user wants to.
3. Internal storage or Inner memory ... This is the kind of memory that stores all user data: photos, music, videos. And it can also be expanded via microSD cards.

Judging from everything, only the number of simultaneous launching of applications depends on RAM. It turns out that the more RAM, the more processes the smartphone is able to execute.

RAM is constantly changing information when the information in ROM does not change.

About internal memory - its changes directly depend on the smartphone user. The internal memory is used for movies, music and other files.

RAM can only be changed by the system. But the ROM can be changed by the user if Root rights are available to him, that is, administrator rights.

To obtain such rights, you will need to do some additional steps to "hack" the phone.

2. How to find out the amount of memory on the device

The answer to this question will be provided gradually. To view the amount of RAM on your smartphone, you need to do the following:
- for Androiddevices - download CPU-Ztester, or Antutu Bencchmark to check the RAM.

- for iOSdevices - download Antutu Benchmark, or another well-known tester.
- for Windows Phone devices - enter the phone settings and view the data in the "Advanced" item.

On an OS like BlackBerrywhere there is no possibility to download the tester, you just need to enter the official manufacturer website and view the characteristics of your phone.

In order to find out how much ROM is currently being used, you need to do the following:
- for Android - download task manager, type Clean master and see the amount of memory used.

- for iOS- task manager, "System from within";
- Symbian - task manager "Acces APPS" or others.
On other platforms, you also need to look for task managers.
Especially for Windows Phone, as far as I know, there is only one such manager, and this is "Device Diagnostics HUB".

What about the total volume shared memory, you can view it through Antutu.

3. How to free up RAM

This is very easy to do, you just need to disable those applications that take up "RAM".

Of course, you won't be able to turn everything off, because many are needed for the system to work. But you can disable unnecessary ones using the application “ Advanced Task Manager»- the application is available on both iOS and Android and Windows Phone.

The application is able to "kill" processes and free up RAM. At first, the program will show running processes and the amount of memory they occupy. To close any of them, put your wand and click on " Boost».

The same process can be done and standard means OS, but not all.

For example, Android has its own " application manager”, But it is limited and does not provide information on how much a particular application is using.
Depending on the running applications, it can be removed, stopped, or turned off. All of these options will free up memory from this app.

To view the Application Manager, go to “ Settings", After" Applications", And then select one of the applications and there you will see those buttons that were discussed.

4. How to increase RAM on your phone

It's very simple - remove all unclaimed programs. Of course, there are no software methods to increase RAM, and it is no longer possible to make its volume. This volume can only be released.

Especially for cleaning RAM, there are "cleaners" applications that clean the "cache", temporary files, ad garbage and other files. This garbage significantly slows down the system. The downloaded application will automatically analyze the phone system and remove unnecessary files with the consent of the user.

- Cleaners on Android: Power Clean; Avira Android Optimizer; CCleaner.
- Cleaners on iOS: Clean Doctor; PhoneClean; PhoneExpander.
- Cleaners for Windows Phone: Storage Cleaner; RAM Master Pro; RAM Optimizer by Kovlag.
- Symbian has only one cleaner: Mobile Cleaner.

This phrase is quite popular - random access memory. Many people have heard about it and sometimes saw errors in the system associated with it, as well as write about it on many sites if you want to download a program or game. In this article you will learn almost everything you need and everything connected with it. I hope after reading there will be no more questions and you will become more literate.

I'll start, perhaps, from afar ...

What is RAM?

RAM is a bar in or, etc.
It turns out if you disassemble system unit (I will focus on the PC in the article, because it is easier there), then you can visually see this bar (and it happens that there are several of them) and this is correct. It looks something like this:

in a laptop like this:

Thus, RAM is one of the "parts" of the computer. Moreover, one of the main ones, without which the computer will not even boot.
By the way, random access memory is also often called RAM, memory, RAM (Random Access Memory), RAM, etc.

What is RAM for?

To understand this, you need to pay attention to the first word.
The fact is that when the "brain" of a computer (central processor) accesses data on (and it accesses them almost constantly, because everything is stored there), then it does it through an intermediary - our RAM.
The operating system acts as a kind of intermediary or buffer. When the processor needs something, it sends a command to RAM, and it already copies information from hard disk... Then the processor works only with the RAM, and when it finishes, the data is copied again to hDD.

Perhaps you will have a question "So why is everything so complicated? Why use RAM if you can directly or can handle it yourself?" The thing is that the hard disk only stores information, and if the processor also loaded it with the fact that it would be necessary to work with it, then it would become terribly slow. Do we need it? Nope.

By the way, there is such a thing as Virtual memory and Swap file. You can read in more detail in the article.
In short, I will only write that when there is little space left in the RAM (it constantly stores something in itself and new processes are still being executed), then it still turns to the hard disk (well, where to go ...) and takes away from there a place. The truth from this can slow down the computer.

Thus, some data is always stored in RAM. It can be the results of your actions in, and, and in, and in general, everything is always "done" through RAM, as through an intermediary.

Here you should also know that the information is copied from the hard disk to the RAM, then changes in it, and then again sent to the hard disk. The simplest and most common example of this is how you work with text documents.
You open it first, then modify it, and then save and close (or close with save). Do you understand what I'm driving at? Yes Yes. You have worked with the document in RAM, and then you need to rewrite it, because there is only an unmodified copy on disk.
By the way, that is why, in case of failure and emergency shutdown computer, you risk losing in most cases just not saved data. Just those that are currently in the RAM.

Types of RAM

As I wrote above, RAM is a special module that is built into a special connector on the motherboard. You can see how it looks in the first picture above.

Of course, progress does not stand still. Today you can also find a hard disk that contains its own high-speed buffer to increase the speed of reading / writing information. There are also such video cards with the same principle. Likewise, the "strips" of RAM themselves can be equipped with special heatsinks to ensure the best heat transfer, which therefore affects performance.

But back to types ... Now there are only two types - these are statistical and dynamic.

Statistical type of random access memory (SRAM (Static random access memory)) is created on the basis of semiconductor triggers and has a very high speed of operation. It has two disadvantages: high cost and takes up a lot of space. Therefore, it is not found in desktop computers, and indeed in everyday life.

Dynamic type of RAM (DRAM (Dynamic random access memory)) is based on capacitors, therefore it has a high recording density and a relatively low cost. The disadvantages arise from the peculiarities of its design, namely, the use of small capacitors leads to a rapid self-discharge of the latter, so their charge has to be periodically replenished. This process is called memory regeneration, hence the name dynamic memory. Regeneration noticeably slows down the speed of its operation, therefore, various intelligent circuits are used to reduce time delays.

Dynamic memory is also split across generations. I will not go into history too much, I will only write that the third generation is now widespread DDR3 SDRAM, which replaced DDR2 (they are even still found on old computers to this day) and they are preparing to replace them DDR4 (that's just not soon yet will be thinking).

RAM size

It is the main unit of measurement for RAM and is often used. Measured in megabytes (MB) and gigabytes (GB).

Most frequent question - How much RAM to use? It all depends on two things:

1) from what you will be doing. For example, to access the Internet and the simplest work on a computer, 1GB may well be enough. But it's better to take with a margin and put at least 2 GB.
If you want to play games and engage in graphics, then bet 4 GB or more.
I have enough 4 GB for everything. So my advice is 4GB of RAM and everything will be fine.

2) from your bit depth operating system... We read the article.
In short, I'll just write that if 32x, then no more than 4x. If 64x, then as much as necessary.

Much also depends on yours, in particular on the number and type of connectors for the RAM. Of course, you need to have enough connectors and fit the type.

How to find out the RAM of your computer

To see what kind of RAM you have, you can use two ways.

1) Turn off the computer, open the system unit and remove the RAM bar. Next, we look at the sticker (sticker) on it and everything will be written there - both the type and frequency and other information.
If it is not there, then at least from the picture determine the type:

2) Through a well-known utility CPU-Zwhich can be downloaded from. In the tab Memory you can check basic information such as Type, Size, operating mode and used timings:

On the SPD tab, you can see all the characteristics of a specific memory module installed in the selected slot:

I would also like to write about the SPD tab that it contains information from the chip of the same name in the RAM. In it, the manufacturer writes down all information about it (volume, labeling, manufacturer, serial number, recommended delays, etc.) and when the system boots, the computer reads all this information and sets the memory operation mode, in connection with the settings contained in the chip.

How to clear RAM

As I wrote above, the RAM is loaded more and more during the operation of the computer. If its volume is small, it may be such that the computer will start to slow down. Therefore, you should clear the RAM and then the computer will stop slowing down.

For cleaning, you can use the following methods:

1) Close unnecessary programs.

2) Wait a little. Windows has a utility for cleaning the RAM. True, it doesn't always work.

3) Take advantage of special programs... I will not describe them, I will write only links to official sites:

4) Reboot

How to increase RAM

I think everything is very simple here. You cannot increase it programmatically, only physically.
You just need to purchase the desired bar. And which one is needed? Read about it where it was written about the volume.
I just want to add here that if, let's say, you already have one 2 GB stick, and you want 4, then it's better to take another one for 2 and so that they work in parallel. Then they will have a multi-thread and they will be faster if you pull one by 2 and put 4 instead.
Better to use in pairs.

That's all I think. If you haven't written anything about RAM or what is not clear - write in the comments.

In order to consciously choose a computer, you need to be aware of all the parameters that affect the choice. One of these parameters is the computer's RAM. This resource has several names: RAM, or RAM in the English version. And yet, what is computer RAM? This is a special high-speed memory for temporary storage of information. Its feature is high performance and limited storage time: all data is erased when you restart or turn off the computer.

A computer is often called a random access device. This means that the processor receives information from RAM regardless of its location in this device (from an arbitrary point).

Each running program uses part of the RAM to store information. And if all (or almost all) of the memory is occupied, then the PC or laptop "slows down" and "freezes", that is, its work slows down. Therefore, the computer's RAM affects the speed and the number of programs that can be simultaneously launched. If you

plan to use only text editors, a browser for and a few simple games, then you shouldn't worry about the amount of RAM. If games and programs are resource-intensive, you will have to delve into the bit depth of the system.

The amount on the computer depends on the bitness of the system. If the system is 32-bit, then you should not install more than 3 GB of RAM. You can put more, but only 3 GB will be used, the rest of the memory will not be used. With a 64-bit system, the amount of RAM can reach 9 GB, respectively, a computer with such a system is a more powerful device that can "pull" several

"heavy" programs.

The RAM also differs in frequency. Today there are three types of RAM: DDR has a frequency of 200 to 400 MHz, DDR2 - from 533 to 1200 MHz and DDR3 - from 800 to 2400 MHz. The higher the frequency, the higher the operating speed. But you can't just buy the fastest RAM. The choice of device depends on the motherboard (which memory is compatible with motherboard, indicated on the packaging).

Random access memory for a computer is volatile. This means that when you turn off or short-term power outages, all data from the RAM disappear. Sometimes this property is used to restore system performance. Due to the large number of running or exhausted programs, the computer's RAM is overloaded, which significantly slows down the work and increases the response time to commands. Therefore, having previously saved the necessary data, the system is overloaded. This resets the contents of the RAM to zero (clears), and the computer's performance is restored to a certain point, until the RAM is again full. If this situation is repeated frequently, it is time to either increase resources or change the computer. Every day the programs use more and more resources, and recently very "lively" systems cannot cope with the load.

Studying specifications computers, users often come across incomprehensible abbreviations or terms. A striking example is the abbreviation of RAM or RAM. Usually, computer manufacturers and sellers indicate something like "RAM - 8 GB" or "RAM - 8 GB". At the same time, these abbreviations are not deciphered or explained in any way, it is assumed that buyers should know what they mean. But, this is not always the case. In this article we will talk about what RAM or RAM in a computer is and what they are used for.

Let's start with the main thing, the abbreviations RAM and RAM stand for the same thing, namely RAM. RAM stands for Random Access Memory, and RAM stands for Random Access Memory, which translates as random access memory and means the same thing. Therefore, if the computer specifications say "RAM - 8 GB" or "RAM - 8 GB", then this means that the amount of RAM this computer is 8 GB.

Now a little more detail about what is RAM in a computer and what it is for. RAM, or more simply, is volatile memory that stores data and instructions that are processed by the processor. Volatile means that it works only when there is power supply. As soon as power is lost, all data from the RAM is deleted. That is why RAM cannot be used for long-term data storage.

During the development of computers, quite a few different types RAM that work on the basis of different physical principles... In modern computers, either Double Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory has been used for a long time, which can be translated as synchronous dynamic memory with random access and double data transfer rate. Now the current standard is DDR4 - this is the fourth generation of DDR SD RAM and most new computers come with DDR4.

DDR memory is a small board with chips that plugs into special slots on the computer's motherboard. Usually such slots are located to the right of the processor in the amount of two or four pieces. On the most advanced motherboards, there may be six or eight such slots, in which case they are placed on either side of the processor. DDR modules of different generations are not compatible with each other. Therefore, set DDR4 to motherboard with DDR3 support won't work.

The picture below shows RAM modules from DDR to DDR4. As you can see, they have a special slot (key) that prevents the memory from being inserted into an unsuitable motherboard.

It should also be noted that RAM for laptops is structurally different from RAM for desktop computers. Therefore, installing laptop memory into a desktop computer or vice versa will also fail.