An Overview of Memory

What is the temporary high-speed storage that we use when we are executing applications and performing calculations in our computer?

RAM

What does RAM stand for?

Random Access Memory

What does the memory you are installing have to be compatible with?

The motherboard

Why does the phrase “Dual In-line Memory Module” start with “Dual”?

There are 2 sets of electrical contacts on either side of the memory module

What is the term that refers to the amount of data that can be transferred to or from memory in a single operation?

Data width

What is a common data width for memory?

64-bits

What memory module does a laptop use?

SO-DIMM

What do we mean when we say the memory on the DIMM is dynamic?

It needs constant refreshing

Why is RAM considered “Random Access”?

Any storage location can be accessed directly

What does the S stand for in SDRAM?

Synchronous

What is SDRAM synchronous with?

The common system clock

What does SDR stand for?

Single data rate

How often does SDR transfer data?

Once per clock cycle

What does DDR stand for?

Double data rate

How often does DDR transfer data?

Twice per clock cycle (on both the rising and the falling edge of the clock signal)

Is DDR3 backwards compatible?

No

Is DDR4 backwards compatible?

No

Is DDR5 backwards compatible?

No

How do we prevent memory modules from being installed into the wrong motherboard?

The notches are in different spots