Section 3.2 RAM Installation

What is virtual RAM?

Hard drive space used as RAM when physical memory is full

What is SODIMM primarily used in?

Laptops and small form factor PCs

What does DDR stand for?

Double Data Rate

What is a key feature of DDR3 RAM?

Lower power consumption and higher speed than DDR2

What is one advantage of DDR4 over DDR3?

Increased speed and efficiency

What improvement does DDR5 offer over DDR4?

Higher bandwidth and better power efficiency

What is ECC RAM used for?

Detecting and correcting single-bit memory errors

Where is ECC RAM commonly used?

Servers and mission-critical systems

Can ECC RAM be used in consumer desktops?

Only if the motherboard and CPU support it

What is the main difference between DDR3 and DDR4 physical layout?

DDR4 has a different notch position

How can you identify SODIMM vs DIMM?

SODIMM is smaller and typically used in laptops

What is single-channel memory?

A single memory module connected to a memory controller

What is dual-channel memory?

Two memory modules used simultaneously to double data throughput

What is required for dual-channel configuration?

Matching RAM modules in the correct slots

What is triple-channel memory?

Three memory modules working together to increase bandwidth

What is quad-channel memory?

Four modules working together to increase memory throughput

What must be matched when installing RAM in a multi-channel setup?

Capacity, speed, and rank

What is the function of RAM?

Temporarily stores data for quick CPU access

What happens if you install unsupported RAM?

System may fail to boot or become unstable

What is the benefit of dual-channel over single-channel?

Increased memory bandwidth

What does the RAM speed refer to?

The rate at which data is read from or written to RAM

Can DDR4 and DDR5 be used in the same motherboard?

No, they are not compatible

What is the voltage difference between DDR3 and DDR4?

DDR3 typically uses 1.5V; DDR4 uses 1.2V

What is required to enable quad-channel mode?

Motherboard and CPU support, and four matching RAM sticks

What is the purpose of the notch on a RAM stick?

To prevent incorrect installation

What should you check before upgrading RAM?

Motherboard compatibility and available slots

How can you determine how much RAM a system supports?

Check motherboard specifications

What is an XMP profile?

Preconfigured memory settings for overclocking

What is a symptom of insufficient RAM?

Slow performance and excessive use of virtual memory

What does ECC stand for?

Error Correction Code

How do you install RAM properly?

Align the notch, insert into slot, and press firmly until it clicks

What is the most common form factor for desktop RAM?

DIMM

What is the most common form factor for laptop RAM?

SODIMM

Which RAM type is backward compatible with DDR3?

None – DDR4 and DDR5 are not backward compatible

How is RAM speed measured?

In MHz (megahertz) or MT/s (mega-transfers per second)

What indicates a RAM module is registered or buffered?

It includes an extra register between DRAM and the memory controller

What is the purpose of memory channels?

To increase data throughput between RAM and CPU

Can ECC RAM be mixed with non-ECC RAM?

No, it typically causes instability or will not work

What is CAS latency?

The delay time between the read command and the moment data is available

What is the benefit of using matched RAM sticks?

Optimal performance and stability

What is a key advantage of DDR5?

Greater capacity per module and improved power efficiency

What is a RAM heat spreader?

A passive cooling component attached to high-performance RAM

How do you confirm if ECC is enabled?

Check system BIOS or motherboard documentation

What is the maximum number of modules in a dual-channel setup?

Two or four, depending on motherboard design

What causes a system to revert to single-channel mode?

Mismatched RAM sizes or slots

What determines RAM compatibility?

Motherboard chipset, CPU support, and RAM type

What is the impact of using slower RAM than supported?

System will run at the speed of the slowest module

What tool is used to verify RAM is recognized?

System BIOS or operating system system info