Random Access Memory – The forgotten component of computing

RAM or random access memory, as we know it, has been around for a long time. Some even go on to say that computing wouldn’t have had advanced if there were no RAM available. Well, RAM plays a very important role in our computing lives. I still remember the day when I got my first computer. It was a 386 SX with 2MBs of RAM. And if my memory works well enough, I proudly went to a computer vendor for adding 2 more MBs of RAM to it for gaming purposes.

Random access memory is an electronic memory which temporarily saves data. Let us see how RAM helps a computer operate. We have all heard about the latest PCs with random access memories in GBs (gigabytes). RAM’s main function is to provide data to the CPU or central processing unit of the computer. A CPU has the ability to only process limited amount of data. When we are talking about large chunks of data to be processed, it must be first temporarily stored on the RAM. The CPU takes all the data (according to its processing ability) and processes it. Earlier processing units were only able to process very small amounts of data. Modern CPUs, being fast, can process a lot of data simultaneously. There are different types of RAMs used in various types of computers. However, the most common RAMs used by PC (personal computer) users have been SIMM, DIMM, DDR1, DDR2, and DDR3. All these various types of random access memories differ in storage capacities. Another striking difference between all these RAMs has been Bus Speed. If you have not heard about it, don’t worry. We will shed some light on what Bus Speed really is. Bus speed is the speed at which data travels between RAM and the CPU. The bus speed strictly depends on the motherboard of the PC. There are several bus speeds prevalent like 400 MHz, 633 MHz, 800 MHz, and 1000 MHz. Faster bus speeds result in quicker and more responsive computers.

Although, I am pretty sure, this would have served as a complete introduction of RAM or random access memory. There arises a question that why computers use RAM when they have hard disks installed. The answer to this question is pretty simple. Random access memory is a device which exchanges all data electronically. On the other hand, there is a lot of mechanical movement involved in hard disks. This is why RAMs are used to quickly serve the data to CPU’s ensuring that no bottle neck is created. If hard disks were the only means of serving data to central processing unit, our PCs would have been a lot slower.

Advantages of more RAM in your computer

· Your PC will run faster without any glitches or stoppages.

· More RAM will also mean giving you the ability to multitask.

· You will be able to open more tabs on your computer without getting slower. This will give you a quick internet browsing experience.

· People who have to print bigger documents also need to have more RAM. However, many of the modern printers have built-in RAM.

· Similarly, people who have to use memory extensive video and graphics editing tools can add RAM to increase their computer’s speed.

Tips on buying RAM

· Always buy RAM of a reputable company. One of the most trusted brands used worldwide is Kingston.

· Never buy used RAM because it may be damaged or have some problem. In most of the cases, RAM cannot be repaired.

· Whenever you are buying RAM, make sure the vendor offers guarantee. Many of the leading RAM brands offer lifetime warranty.