Scribd
Upload
219 views5 pages

1.3 Compare and Contrast RAM Types and Features.

This document summarizes and compares different types of RAM, including DDR, DDR2, DDR3, SDRAM, SODIMM, Rambus, DIMM, parity, ECC, single/dual channel configurations, and single/double sided RAM. It outlines the key features and specifications of each type, such as voltage, pin count, data transfer rates, and more. The goal is to help the reader understand the differences between RAM types and features.

Uploaded by

Rethabile Brendon
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as RTF, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
219 views5 pages

1.3 Compare and Contrast RAM Types and Features.

This document summarizes and compares different types of RAM, including DDR, DDR2, DDR3, SDRAM, SODIMM, Rambus, DIMM, parity, ECC, single/dual channel configurations, and single/double sided RAM. It outlines the key features and specifications of each type, such as voltage, pin count, data transfer rates, and more. The goal is to help the reader understand the differences between RAM types and features.

Uploaded by

Rethabile Brendon
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as RTF, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 5

1.3 Compare and contrast RAM types and features.

Memory types have changed through the years, driven by standardization


and technology. It is one of the most important components of your
computer, but differs somewhat with each motherboard.

Types

DDR
Double data rate is a type of SDRAM in which data is sent on both the rise
and fall of the clock cycle.

Twice as fast as SDRAM


Also refered to as "Double Pumping"
2.5 volts
184 pins

DDR2
Twice as fast as DDR
240 pin DIMM

DDR3
Four times as fast as DDR
240 pin DIMM

SDRAM

Synchronized Dynamic Random Access Memory


Runs on clock speeds
3.3 volts
168 pins

SODIMM
SODIMMs (Small Outline Memory Modules) are a smaller alternative to a
DIMM, being roughly half the size (68mm x 32mm) of regular DIMMs. SODIMMS are commonly used in systems which have space restrictions such as
notebooks, small footprint PCs, high-end upgradable office printers, and
networking hardware like routers.

72-pin slots - 32-bit data path, now obsolete


100-pin slots - 32-bit data path, two notches
144-pin slots - 64-bit data path, single notch near the center
200-pin slots - 64-bit data path, single notch nearer to one side
204-pin slots - 64-bit data path, single notch nearer to one side

RAMBUS
Rambus In-line Memory Module (RIMM) slots were first introduced as a
proprietary standard on the Intel Pentium 3 motherboard by Rambus, Inc. in
the mid 1990s, but the technology quickly fell from favor as a result of the
higher expense.

Rambus Dynamic Random Access Memory (RDRAM) modules are double data
rate memory, transfering data on both the rising and falling of the clock cycle
and measured 133mm x 35mm in size with a 16-bit, 184 pin and a 32-bit,
232 pin form factor.

Computers that support RIMM require all of the memory slots to be filled.
Empty slots must be filled with either another RIMM module or a Continuity

RIMM (C-RIMM) pass through module for 16-bit systems or a Continuity and
Termination RIMM (CT-RIMM) for a 32-bit system to allow a continuous signal.

DIMM
Dual In-line Memory Modules began to replace SIMMs (single in-line memory
modules) as the predominant type of memory module as Intel's Pentium
processors began to gain in popularity. The primary difference between
SIMMs and DIMMs is that DIMMs have separate electrical contacts on each
side of the module, while opposing contacts on SIMMs are connected.
Standard DIMMs have a 64-bit data path and come in three common pin
configurations.

168-pin slots - for SDRAM memory commonly found in Pentium and Athlon
systems
184-pin slots - for DDR SDRAM memory for desktop computers
240-pin slots - for DDR2 and DDR3 SDRAM memory for desktop computers

SDRAM modules have two notches on the bottom edge, DDR SDRAM modules
have one.

Parity
Uses an additional chip for parity
Higher cost due to additional chips
Cannot correct, but can detect errors

Non-parity
Has fewer chips

Does not need to calculate parity


Non-parity systems have no fault tolerance

ECC
Error Correcting Code
Capable of detecting and correcting errors
Used in high-end systems
Motherboard must support ECC

Non-ECC
Is not capable of correcting errors

RAM configurations

Single channel
Memory controller can only access one module at a time

Dual channel
Requires a motherboard capable of dual-channel technology
Requires two or more memory modules
Best to use identical pairs of memory modules
Memory banks are typically color-coded

Triple channel

Single sided

Refers to a single rank of chips in which the computer can access all at once.

Double sided
A type of memory in which its chips are divided into two ranks
Only one rank can be accessed at a time
Access must switch from one rank to the other and back again

RAM compatibility and speed

You might also like