Understanding computer memory

Question

Answer

What does RAM stand for?

Random Access Memory

Is RAM temporary or long-term storage?

Temporary

What is RAM used for?

Executing applications and performing calculations

What must data be loaded into for the computer to process it?

RAM

What is frequently transferred between storage drives and RAM?

Data

What generally leads to better system performance?

Faster memory

Are memory modules universally compatible across motherboards?

No

What should you check before upgrading or transferring memory?

Motherboard documentation

What does DIMM stand for?

Dual Inline Memory Module

Why is DIMM called "dual inline"?

Because it has separate electrical contacts on each side of the module

What data width do DIMMs read/write in?

64-bit blocks

What does SO-DIMM stand for?

Small Outline DIMM

Where is SO-DIMM used?

Laptops and mobile devices

How does SO-DIMM size compare to standard DIMM?

About half the size

How is memory generally installed?

Slide into the slot and secure with side locks

What does DRAM stand for?

Dynamic Random Access Memory

What does "random access" mean?

Any data can be accessed instantly

What type of DRAM do modern computers use?

Synchronous DRAM (SDRAM)

What does SDRAM synchronize with?

The system clock

What does SDR stand for in older memory?

Single Data Rate

How many bits per clock cycle does SDR transfer?

One

What does DDR stand for?

Double Data Rate

How does DDR memory double its speed?

By transferring data on both the rising and falling edges of the clock cycle

Are different DDR versions (e.g. DDR3

DDR4

What generally improves with each new DDR version?

Speed

What prevents memory modules from being installed in incompatible slots?

Key notches