Why Your Computer Has Different Types Of Computer Memory?
By: Rudy Silva
Submitted: 2011-02-08 02:14:20 | Word Count: 608
There are many types of computer memory. If you want to upgrade your computer memory, you have to know the different types of memory. Computer memory is an internal storage area that stores data permanently or temporarily. It also affects the speed by which the computer processes the data. Today’s computer has a combination of memory, and not just one type.
Computer memory has four basic types. These are Cache, RAM, Virtual and Hard Drive.
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The Hard Drive memory is where you permanently store your data. It contains program files, permanent files, Internet files and files that are saved by the user. The capacity of the Hard Drive memory is measured by gigabytes. The Hard Drive memory capacity of old computers or laptops starts from 20 gigabytes. Today, most computers come with 360 gigabytes or higher.
The Virtual memory plays its role when running applications that are too large to handle by Random Access Memory or RAM. To temporarily store data, the computer’s Operating System uses the Hard Drive and gives it back when needed. Virtual memory’s usage of Hard Drive slows down the performance of the computer.
Cache memory stores the most frequently used processes of the computer. It has 3 grades to indicate its level. Level 1 and 2 are the most common Cache used in most computers and laptop. Level 3 Cache indicates advanced level of systems.
Level 1 Cache memory is used for most frequently used information and processes. It is the primary memory used by the processor. L2 is next in line. It is more commonly used on the motherboard. Depending on the motherboard used in the computer, the L2 can be upgraded or not. L3 is the most advanced Cache memory as it can speed up the memory.
The RAM or Random Access Memory is the most commonly used memory as every file or application that is processed in your memory needs it. Each time a data or application is requested on your computer, the processor sends the request to your RAM, which then processes and writes it back to RAM. But the data that come and go in RAM are temporarily stored. As soon as the application or program is closed, the files are deleted from RAM.
RAM has many types. These are the SDRAM, DDR, SIMM, DIMM, SODIMM, and DRAM.
The SDRAM or Synchronous DRAM retains memory and synchronizes with the timing of the computer. It does not need to refresh. It is faster and more expensive than DRAM. SDRAM’s speeds are 66, 100, 133 and 266 MHZ.
DRAM or Dynamic Random Access Memory holds information for a short time and needs to be refreshed every now and then. It is measured by access time and storage capability.
SIMM is Single In-line Memory modules used to store one row of EDO or BEDO or DRAM chips. SODIMM is Small Outline Dual In-line memory module found in notebooks. It is smaller than standard DIMMs. DIMM or Dual In-line memory module contains 2 rows of DRAM, EDO or BEDO chips. DDR or Double Data Rate doubles the speed rate of data transfer.
Before you purchase the computer memory, you have to know the types of computer memory fit for your computer. Memory used in laptops and notebooks are different from memory used in desktop computer.
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