250 likes | 538 Views
RAM (Memory). Written by Tim Keyser Georgia CTAE Resource Network 2010. RAM (Memory). RAM (random access memory) is the place in a computer where the operating system, application programs, and data in current use are kept so that they can be quickly reached by the computer's processor.
E N D
RAM (Memory) Written by Tim Keyser Georgia CTAE Resource Network 2010
RAM (Memory) • RAM (random access memory) is the place in a computer where the operating system, application programs, and data in current use are kept so that they can be quickly reached by the computer's processor.
Types • The two most common types of RAM used in desktop computers today are DDR2 and DDR3. • RAM can be listed using two different names. For example, DDR800 is also called PC6400. The DDR number (800) is multiplied by 8 to calculate the PC (6400) number. 8 x 800 = 6400. • Notebook computers use SODIMMS (Small Outline DIMMS) which take up less space than desktop memory.
Compatibility • The choice of RAM is determined by the types of RAM which are compatible with the motherboard. • A motherboard designed specifically to use DDR RAM will not accept DDR2 RAM. • It is important to closely examine motherboard specifications for CPU and RAM before making a purchase.
Capacity • Different operating systems can address various amounts of RAM. • The majority of 32 bit versions of modern Microsoft Windows operating systems can address up to 4GB of RAM. • 64 bit versions of Microsoft Windows operating systems can address 8GB or more of RAM depending on the specific edition.