No computing device can work without installed memory. Even an ordinary pocket calculator stores the entered numbers and calculation results in its memory cells, especially when it comes to a full-fledged computer. Unfortunately, modern users do not always want to know the device of their electronic assistant. Such is the development trend: a person always seeks to effectively solve assigned tasks, and not delve into the specifics of equipment operation. Therefore, this article is designed primarily for curious computer owners who want to broaden their horizons and find out what computer memory is and what it is.
Many beginners will be surprised, but only RAM is installed on the computer and laptop. Remember: only one type! Having visited the electronics store and asked the consultant to show the computer's memory, one should not wait for leading questions, such as “which one” (this is in the future), but for showcases of showcases with RAM modules.
Physically, RAM is a series of microcircuits placed on a rectangular PCB plate, called the “memory module". On one side of the plate are sliding copper contacts, allowing you to insert the module into the connector on the computer motherboard. In some cases, the microcircuits themselves are not visible, since they are hidden under a metal “clothing” that protects them from accidental contact and damage by static discharge, the mechanical strength also increases and, of course, the “clothing” acts as a radiator, removing heat from hot microcircuits. Computer memory differs in type (SDRAM, DDR, DDR2 and 3), the presence of an ECC correction block, the form factor (for laptops the plate size is reduced) and the volume in gigabytes. Of course, the developer company can also be attributed here.
The computer’s RAM is used to temporarily store the results of the central processor, all programs are executed precisely in its volume. After turning off the power, all data contained in it is lost. The exception is S3 sleep mode . For this reason, RAM is volatile. With certain reservations, RAM can be equated with a person’s memory.
In addition to it, various sources often indicate non-volatile computer memory. Although the word “memory” is only partially and not entirely correct for such devices, it is necessary to talk about it. Obviously, the data stored in it is not lost when the power is cut off. A vivid example is a hard drive (hard drive). He is a distant relative of the familiar magnetic tape. Of course, there is no film in it, but the surface magnetized by the recording heads remains. Installing programs and the operating system is performed on disk partitions. Another medium, to which the term “memory” is sometimes applied, is a familiar CD.
Nevertheless, it is better not to call these devices memory. By analogy, they can be compared with a notebook in the hands of a person, and of course, no one will call a book “memory”.
All of the above applies to real-world devices. But besides them there is system memory. It represents the entire volume of cells formed from the memory modules installed in the computer. For example, we connected two modules of 2 gigabytes each - in the amount of system memory we got 4 GB. Sometimes this term is used in a narrower sense, which implies an indication of the bitness of the operating system used: even with 4 GB installed, a 32-bit operating system allows you to work with only 3.25 GB. 64-bit versions are available much more, but this is a completely different topic ...
By the way, speaking of increasing the computer's memory, they mean increasing the amount of RAM, not the hard drive. So simple.