Type of Computer Memory – Memory is a general term that refers to any physical computing device capable of storing data either permanently or temporarily. Memory is a vital component because the performance of a computer unit is determined by this component. Therefore the greater the storage space and speed of the memory, the better the performance of a computer unit.
Computer memory can be volatile or non-volatile. Those that have volatile properties will lose content (data or information) when the computer turns off (loss of power). Whereas non-volatile computer memory will continue to store content even if the computer has no power. Computer memory can be classified into two, namely main memory and secondary memory.
Types
1. DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory)
This type of RAM is a semi-conductor memory that requires a capacitor as a foundation to refresh the data in it. When compared with EDO RAM, this RAM has a higher speed. However, lower than SRAM.
DRAM has an operating frequency between 4.7 Mhz to 40 Mhz. In its structure DRAM uses one transistor and capacitor per bit. This makes this RAM has a fairly high density.
2. SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory)
SDRAM is RAM that has a fairly high speed compared to other types of RAM. Which is up to 100 – 133 Mhz. This RAM was widely used from 1996 to 2003 and is a type of RAM that has 168-pin data transfer channels.
The characteristics of this RAM are two slits in the legs. This RAM will be placed in a DIMM/SDRAM slot on the motherboard that can support memory from 16MB to 1GB.
3. RDRAM (Rambus Dynamic Random Access Memory)
This component was introduced in 1995 with a speed of 600 Mbytes/sec. In 1997, RDRAM speed increased to 700 MBps, and in 1998 to 1.6 GBps.
This RAM was originally developed in order to serve computers with Pentium 4 processors or for gaming devices. The memory slot for RDRAM is 184 pins.
4. SRAM (Static Random Access Memory)
This type of computer RAM is a kind of semi-conductor that does not require capacitors and does not require periodic refreshing making it performs better and faster. This is because this component does not use capacitors, but only uses transistors.
SRAM is designed using a six-transistor cluster design to store each bit of information. Unfortunately, SRAM has a drawback, namely its expensive production costs.
Thus this RAM is only available in a small capacity and for really important parts. Cache memory is this chip’s main usage. SRAM speed is able to keep up with processor speeds of 500 MHz or more.
5. EDO RAM (Extended Data Out Random Access Memory)
First developed in 1995 and at the time had the ability to read and transfer data faster than other types of RAM. The shape of this component is longer than RAM SIMM
This type of RAM is primarily found in all Pentium computers at the time. The memory slot for EDO RAM is 72 pins. In addition, this component is also suitable on a computer with a bus up to 66 Mhz.
6. FPM DRAM (First Page Mode DRAM)
This type of RAM is the original form or early form of DRAM. With the maximum transfer of the L2 cache close to 176 MB per second. FPM works in the frequency range of 16 MHz to 66 MHz with an access time of up to 50ns.
7. Type of Computer Memory Flash RAM
Flash RAM is a type of low-capacity memory that electronic devices such as TVs, VCRs, and old cell phones use. Devices with low-profile power refresh usually have this type of RAM inside them.
8. Type of Computer Memory VRAM (Video Random Access Memory)
VRAM is the type of RAM that a Graphical Processor Unit or GPU uses. Its main function is to store pixel and graphical data which is later processed by the processing unit of a graphics card.
9. Type of Computer Memory DDR SDRAM (Double Date Rate SDRAM)
This type of RAM is one that has a very high speed among the types of RAM. Various devices today use this type of RAM because of its performance. This
RAM is capable of executing two instructions at the same time in the same processing cycle. This memory has 184 pins. This type of RAM also consumes less power.
The next types of RAM, such as DDR2 RAM to DDR4 RAM, are developments from DDR SDRAM. It also saves more power and is optimal at high speed. This type of memory capacity is quite large, up to 4 GB per chip.
10. SO – DIMM (Small Outline Dual in-line Memory Module)
This memory is the type of memory you would find in notebook devices. The physical form is quite compact, roughly half the amount of DDR RAM, so it saves more space. This type of memory usually follows the same development path as RAM for desktop computers.
