RAM: types for laptop and specifications

A computer, a laptop, a smartphone or a tablet have two types of memory. Internal is usually responsible for saving multimedia files and programs, but the operational one is working, in other words, temporary. Usually in modern devices there is a sufficient supply of both of these and other memory, but it happens that the user needs to expand it. And if in the case of the internal one you can simply buy an external drive, then with an operational one this will not work.

What is it?

RAM is a temporary archive that saves the data of all programs for a certain period during their operation. After the device is turned off, the storage is cleared. Therefore, the PC always recommends that the user save all editable data, since after the shutdown, unsaved changes will disappear.

Usually, when it comes to "operative", an archive is presented that preserves all active processes and software. But sometimes this term is also called external drives such as disks or magnetic tape storage devices.

In general, all types of RAM are volatile components of the system. They store the machine code of the software, as well as input / output and intermediate materials, over which the processor runs.

Historical Background

Before we study the types and types of RAM, it is important to understand how it all began. The history begins already in the beginning of 30th years of 19 centuries. Then Charles Babbage worked on an analytical machine. Those blocks that were supposed to save the interval results of the calculation, he called "warehouses". All the information about these cells was stored mechanically, in the form of the arrangement of shafts and gears among themselves.

When the first-generation arithmometer was created, its functionality was considered experimental. There is nothing to say about the "operative". There were several alternatives, and they were based on physical principles. They were associated with an electromagnetic relay, acoustic delay lines, cathode-ray tubes, and so on.

Then the RAM appearance could have absolutely unpredictable. More often it was magnetic drums or shafts.

With the release of the second generation of computers, one had to think about effective RAM. Just then, magnetic cores with memory appeared. The third generation made a leap forward and began to apply the chips on which the electronic components of the computer were. Then, types of RAM began to appear. Dynamic was retained due to the capacitor charge, and static - with the help of triggers.

Current state of things

Over time, the technological process led to the RAM of the newest type. "Operativka" is still dependent on the supply of energy. In case of loss of power supply, it immediately loses all unsaved data. Now there are basic types of RAM. They, as before, are two: static and dynamic. The first works thanks to the trigger, the second - to the condenser.

Both became more effective. Outwardly they look like a module with semiconductors, which is organized as a device with free access. Dynamic memory is much cheaper. Next, we will take a closer look at each of them.

Dynamics in work

The RAM types are different. Among the main ones, dynamic, or DRAM, can be noted. This is the most common kind in computers. It is connected with what is more economical. To store the discharge, a special circuit was developed, which consists of two parts: a capacitor and a transistor.

This structure is much cheaper, and also economical. All because one crystal can fit more capacitors and transistors, rather than in another version of the module.

The main drawback of this "operative" is its speed. It works slowly, because additional time is needed to change the status of the capacitor: discharge and charging. This process takes ten times more than in the static version. Also, this kind has another drawback, in which capacitors discharge during a certain period. And this may be due to the electrical capacitance and greater leakage current.

It is because of the last defect that this species received such a name: the charge decreases in time, which means that dynamics is observed. However, to prevent all information from being lost, the capacitor can be regenerated with time, thus prolonging one's life. To start recovery, you need to enable the read cycle. It concerns all the lines of the memory matrix. This event is controlled by the processor or memory controller.

Statics

This is the kind of RAM from transistors. SRAM does not require recovery, and therefore received the name. The main advantage of this memory is its high speed. This is due to the fact that the mechanism of fastening the flip-flops and logic gates is simple, so to switch the first do not need a lot of time.

But we have to put up with high prices and wastefulness. The fact is that the transistors that are in the triggers are much more expensive than in the first form of memory. Do not affect their high cost and group manufacturing methods. Also transistors take up too much space on a single chip.

Static RAM is almost never used in modern PCs. Usually it is placed for the sake of organizing ultra-fast RAM, which can damage system performance, and is critical.

Appearances are deceptive

To outwardly determine the types of computer RAM, you need to understand them very well. It is not possible for a normal user to do this. Is that if it's not about the modules for the PC and laptop.

Nevertheless, it is now possible to classify several types of RAM. Some of them are used now, some have long ceased to appear on the market, but they can still be found in older computers. And many of the previous models were much more tenacious of the newfangled options.

FPM

This is dynamic random access memory. The principle of its operation is simple: it gets data faster from the page that was used in the previous cycle. This technology corresponds to its name Fast Page Mode. Nowadays such an "operativka" is very rare, as it served in the mid-1990s. Then her companions were processors 486 and a new Pentium.

EDO

This is another memory, the types of which are not widely known. Previously worked as much in 1995 and was specially prepared for the first Pentium processor. It became an improved version of the previous one. Worked immediately over two actions at once: I chose the next block at the time I sent the previous one to the processor.

SDRAM

A very smart option for RAM. It is so fast that it can easily interact with the frequency of the processor. The principle is more complicated: the chip has two parts. In the process of active work, in the first of them there is a call to the bit, and in the other, preparation of this action. This module became popular in 1996. Then it was actively used in cooperation with Intel. It was quite fruitful, so SDRAM was popular until 2001.

This memory types of the previous overtook with interest. It became three times faster than FPM, and twice as EDO. Worked with a frequency of 133 MHz.

DDR

This is an improved version of the previous one. Appeared just in 2001. The main change affected not the clock frequency, but directly the work itself. Now, in one step, the data was transmitted twice.

DDR2

It is clear that this version was a continuation of the previous one. Appeared in 2003, but the chipsets for it were manufactured only the next year. Just like the previous "congenital" DDR2, it can transmit data twice per clock cycle. The main difference between the two modules is the modified clock frequency, which was obtained due to structural improvements. This version did not last long, as it had some flaws. Because of the increased frequency, it noticeably slows down when working with memory.

DDR3

Another no less famous RAM is DDR3. The types of these "operatively" refer to the SDRAM series. It replaced the previous generation. Used for computing devices, as well as for video memory.

This version of the module has become more careful: it saves up to 40% of energy. The power was reduced due to the use of a 90-nm technical processor. In this case, a microcircuit and transistors with a double gate were made, which are responsible for the leakage of currents.

The trouble was that the module turned out to be a modified one this time. Its key is now in a different location, so it is impossible to install this RAM into the DDR2 space. Nevertheless, this was done for a reason. The electricity parameters do not coincide with these modules, therefore, so that no erroneous settings occur, the location of the key is changed.

DDR4

New evolutionary memory. Types of SDRAM came to a logical conclusion. The new module was released to the masses in 2014. It improved the frequency response and reduced the supply voltage. The main difference from the previous generation: twice the number of banks (16 pieces).

Bandwidth is now also much better and theoretically can reach as much as 25 Gb / s. A new technology has also been developed that increases the reliability of all processes. This RAM has its own processor - Intel Haswell-E / Haswell-EP.

RAMBUS

This is a separate memory, types, the characteristics of which are quite high. It was developed in 1996. She decided to deal with Intel. "Operative" turned out to be an order of magnitude better than its "colleagues." The license for it was received by well-known concerns. Later, several motherboards were created under it. On them she showed excellent results.

It so happened that before its release, Intel found an error, because of which it lost about $ 100 million. Now this module is rarely used. But it's still in the PlayStation 2 and PlayStation 3.

Laptops

The difference between RAM for laptops and PCs is noticeable only in sizes and names. Therefore, to repeat all of the above, there is no sense. To select a module for this device, you must also study all existing types of RAM for the laptop, determine its compatibility with the motherboard and deal with the price category.

The first "operative" for the laptop was released in 2002. It was a model of SO DIMM SDRAM. Now it is already impossible to find it anywhere. Worked at a frequency of 100 MHz and 133 MHz. SO DIMM DDR appeared a little later - in 2005. Became an order of magnitude more powerful. Received 266, 333 and 400 MHz frequencies. The location of the key has changed significantly compared to the previous model. SO DIMM DDR2, relative to its "colleague" from the previous generation, also became more powerful: the maximum frequencies reached 800 MHz. The key again shifted, but by 1 mm, compared to DDR, which led to confusion with compatibility.

SO DIMM DDR3 on the market was released in 2009. The location of the key was completely different from the previous model, so inexperienced users could not make a mistake now. The maximum frequencies of this module have reached 1600 MHz.

Models of laptops changed, modified, and RAM for them also transformed. The next module was Micro DIMM DDR2. Its volume was 1 GB, which was quite a lot for the user.

Now the situation with RAM for the laptop is twofold. The fact is that many models have an integrated system, and it is not possible to replace the "operative". Therefore, the demand for modules for laptops is very small now. Those who still need to increase the volumes of the temporary storage, spend a lot of time to find the best option.

Now, in order for the computer to cope with surfing the Internet and office programs, it will be enough 1 GB of RAM. But gamers should take a closer look at more powerful options. For example, Kingston SO-DIMM DDR3 4Gb PC10660. It is worth this RAM for a laptop almost 2 thousand rubles. The volume of it, as the name implies, is 4 gigabytes. The type is DDR3, and the clock frequency is 1333 MHz.

Among other companies that produce quality modules, there are Samsung, Corsair, Hynix, Transcend. For owners of desktop PCs there are very powerful options that will especially appeal to fans of computer games - Kingston HyperX FURY Red Series. The kit "RAM" includes two modules of 4 GB. The type is DDR3, and the clock frequency is 1866 MHz. The price of such RAM is 3500 rubles.