All devices with calculation capabilities have RAM (Random Access Memory). The more powerful the devices are, the RAM unit inside is shaped according to that need. Therefore, the most accurate answer to the question “What is RAM?” should be detailed, because there are actually many different types of RAM.
Today, we will take a closer look at what RAM is as a whole, what different types of RAM are responsible for, and in which areas they are preferred. Although our main focus is on computers and mobile devices, we will also give information about the types of RAM used in devices such as cameras.
Briefly explained: What is RAM?
RAM is a very fast component that acts as the computer’s short-term memory. Data is stored instantly in RAM. Temporarily stored data is deleted as soon as it is sent to the required component after processing. The deleted data is replaced with the new data needed. This cycle is repeated with each operation performed on the device.
Now let’s look at it in more detail: What is RAM in broad definition?
As we mentioned above, RAM is actually the short-term memory of electronic devices. All processes you can think of, such as the Windows operating system, internet browsers, video games, TV series and movies, run through RAM. The operations we have mentioned could also be performed by the processor communicating directly with the hard disk, but when RAM comes into play, the operations become much faster.
Over time, with the introduction of technologies such as SSD (Solid-State Drive) into our lives, significant increases in hard disk speeds have been observed. However, speeds as high as RAM, which constantly refreshes itself and acts as a bridge between the hard disk and other components, cannot be achieved because RAM can be accessed by all components every second with insignificant delays.
Like short-term memory in humans, RAM cannot keep anything in memory forever. As soon as the power to its circuits is cut off, all the data it holds is deleted. Due to its working principle, electronic devices can easily perform actions that require high processing power. Hard disks are also used for data that requires less processing power and permanence.
What are the types of RAM?
- SRAM (Static RAM)
- DRAM (Dynamic RAM)
- SDRAM (Synchronous dynamic RAM)
- DDR SDRAM (Double data rate synchronous dynamic RAM)
- GDDR SDRAM (dramatic double data rate synchronous dynamic RAM)
What is SRAM (Static RAM)?
The use of SRAM, one of the two main types of RAM, began in the 1990s. The word ‘static’ in its name comes from the fact that there is an uninterrupted power flow inside. However, static RAMs are also used for temporary storage, like DRAM type RAMs. Its advantage over DRAM is that it is very fast while consuming less power. Its disadvantage is that it has a smaller capacity and is more expensive.
- Devices where SRAM is frequently used: Digital cameras, printers and routers
What is DRAM (Dynamic RAM)?
DRAM, another of the main RAM types, was widely used between the 1970s and 1990s. Despite SRAM, the power current in it needs to be refreshed regularly. The advantage of DRAM is that it is cheaper to produce while having more capacity. Its disadvantage is high power consumption despite its low capacity.
- Devices where DRAM is frequently used: Video game consoles, networking equipment
What is SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic RAM)?
SDRAM or SDR SDRAM is a DRAM subcategory RAM type that came into our lives in 1993 and is still used today. The ‘simultaneous’ phrase in its name comes from the fact that it can work simultaneously with the processor clock. Since it can map its own clock cycle to the processor clock cycle, it offers much better performance by balancing the data transfer rate.
- Devices where SDRAM is frequently used: Computer memory, video game consoles
What is DDR SDRAM (Double data rate synchronous dynamic RAM)?
There is a signal called ‘clock signal’ that replaces the pulse in electronic circuits. The clock signal is used as a metronome to coordinate circuit behavior. Each hour mark creates two edges. These are called rising and falling edges. The name ‘double data rate’ (DDR) is given in consideration of the number of operations performed per clock tick.
Before DDR technology was developed, ‘single data rate’ (SDR) technology was used in RAMs. SDR was a technology that could only operate on the rising edge of a clock signal. DDR, on the other hand, has the ability to operate on both rising and falling edges. In other words, while SDR can perform one operation per unit time, DDR can perform two operations.
- Devices where DDR SDRAM is frequently used: Computer memory
What is GDDR SDRAM (Graphic double data rate synchronous dynamic RAM)?
GDDR, which entered our lives in 2003, is actually a subcategory of DDR SDRAM technology. This type of RAM, produced specifically for graphics cards, is a necessity to run today’s games that require serious power. Just like DDR RAMs, GDDR SDRAMs are divided into generations such as GDDR2 and GDDR5.
The main difference between GDDR SDRAM and DDR SDRAM is this: DDR SDRAMs must process very fast with little delay. In GDDR SDRAMs, the important thing is not the delay, but the number of operations performed. So, DDR is similar to a two-lane highway with a speed limit of 50 kilometers, while GDDR is similar to a highway with four lanes and a speed limit of 80 kilometers.
- Devices where GDDR SDRAM is frequently used: Graphics card, some tablets
What is the difference between single channel and dual channel RAM?
RAMs used in computers can be connected as single channel or dual channel. What the word channel here indicates is how many different slots you get the amount of memory you have. Consider two computers using 8 GB of RAM. Let’s say that one of them has a single 8 GB RAM installed in a single slot. In the other one, two pieces of RAM with a capacity of 4 GB are installed.
The RAM usage in the first example is called single channel. The usage in the second example is called dual channel. Using dual channel RAM is a more advantageous option than using single channel RAM. You ask why? Let’s explain it again with a highway example:
In our example, let highways replace channels, and bytes replace cars. 8,192 different cars traveling at the same speed will travel much slower on a single-lane highway than they would on a two-lane highway. This is exactly why using dual-channel RAM has an advantage over using single-channel RAM.
So can computers run without RAM?
There are two possible answers to this question. If what we mean by RAM is any component that acts as ‘random access memory’, our answer is no. Devices such as computers, phones or tablets always need a part that can temporarily store data, but if when we say RAM we mean the parts we install in the RAM slots, then our answer is yes.
Theoretically, a computer without a RAM component installed can be run. Although it is a process that requires a lot of effort and patience, it is possible to use a hard disk as random access memory. Of course, not only is it not easy to do such a process, but it will also result in a much slower computer than today’s computers.
Can RAM be used instead of hard disk?
Although it is possible to use hard disks as RAM in theory, the same is not true for the reverse because it is possible to store the data on hard disks or delete them after a while. RAM is a component designed only for temporary data storage. This is why programs that are open when you shut down your computer are closed when you turn it on again.
If at this point you are thinking of the ‘hibernation’ feature that came to your mind in the latest versions of Windows, which allows you to find the computer exactly as you turned it off when you turn it on again, let’s talk about that issue immediately. Hibernation saves a copy of the data in RAM to the hard disk when the computer is shutting down. When the computer restarts, it transfers the data on the hard disk back to RAM.
In the past, we have prepared an article about the hibernation feature that works in conjunction with Windows’ fast startup option. You can also access our article here, where we talk about the disadvantages that may occur if you use the fast startup feature and how you can turn it off if you want to turn it off.
Is there a difference between RAM on a computer and RAM on a phone?
As with every component used by computers and mobile devices, there are differences in the types of RAM used. While today’s computers generally use DDR type RAM, as we mentioned above, the common type of RAM in mobile devices is ‘LPDDR’, which consumes less power.
We have previously mentioned why the components used in computers and mobile devices have to differ in an article we wrote about processors. Let’s briefly summarize it here. Since space is limited in mobile devices, cooling the internal parts is more difficult than in computers. Therefore, the size of the components is being reduced both because the device sizes are decreasing and because the cooling opportunity is limited.
Thus, we come to the end of our article where we answer the question of what is RAM. We hope this has been an explanatory text for you. If you want to see similar articles where we explain what the different parts are and their functions, you can share them with us in the comments section.
You can also take a look at the following content to get different information about computer hardware:
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