Information system

(3rd year)
Computer Maintenance and Technical Support

Memory
 Definition of memory

• Memory refers to the physical devices used to

store programs (sequences of instructions) or
data on a temporary or permanent basis for use
 in a computer or other digital electronic
device.
 Types of memory

• Primary memory is the main memory on the

motherboard of the computer.

• Any storage area that is directly used by Processor.

• The processor can easily access, store and retrieve

information from the primary memory. 

 Types of memory

• Secondary memory is the storage media used

to store the program or data permanently.

• They are physical devices for program and

data storage which are slow to access but offer

higher memory capacity.

 Types of primary memory
1. Read-Only Memory (ROM).
2.Random Access Memory (RAM).
 Types of primary memory
(ROM)

• ROM is a type of memory that normally can only be read, as

opposed to RAM which can be both read and written.

• It is called non-volatile storage because The values stored in

ROM are always there, whether the power is on or not. A

ROM can be removed from the PC, stored for an indefinite

period of time, and then replaced, and the data it contains will

still be there.
 Types of primary memory
(ROM) cont..

• Read-only memory is most commonly used

to store system-level programs that we want to
have available to the PC at all times.
• The most common example is the system
BIOS program, which is stored in a ROM
called the system BIOS ROM.
 Types of primary memory
(ROM) cont..

1. ROM: is designed to perform a specific function and

cannot be changed.
• This is inflexible and so regular ROMs are only
used generally for programs that are static (not changing
often) .
• This product is analogous to a commercial software CD-
ROM that you purchase in a store.
 Types of primary memory
(ROM) cont..

2. Programmable ROM (PROM): it can be programmed

using special equipment; it can be written to, but only once.

• This is useful for companies that make their own ROMs

from software they write.

• This is similar to the way a CD-ROM recorder works by

letting you "burn" programs onto blanks once.

 Types of primary memory
(ROM) cont..

• In fact, programming a PROM is also called

burning, just like burning a CD-R, and it is
comparable in terms of its flexibility.
3. Erasable Programmable ROM (EPROM):is a
ROM that can be erased and reprogrammed.
.
 Types of primary memory
(ROM) cont..

• A little glass window is installed in the top of the ROM

package, Ultraviolet light of a specific frequency can
be shined through this window for a specified period
of time, which will erase the EPROM and allow it to
be reprogrammed again.
• Continuing the "CD" analogy, this technology is
analogous to a reusable CD-RW.
 Types of primary memory
(ROM) cont..

4. Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM

(EEPROM):is the most flexible type of ROM.
• It is now commonly used for holding BIOS programs.
• When you hear reference to a "flash BIOS" or doing a
BIOS upgrade by "flashing", this refers to reprogramming
the BIOS EEPROM with a special software program.
 Types of primary memory
(ROM) cont..
• Finally, one other characteristic of ROM,
compared to RAM, is that it is much slower.
 Types of primary memory
(RAM)

• The kind of memory used for holding programs and data

being executed is called random access memory or
RAM.
• RAM differs from read-only memory (ROM) in that it
can be both read and written.
• It is considered volatile storage because unlike ROM, the
contents of RAM are lost when the power is turned off.
 Types of primary memory
(RAM)

• It needs to be writeable in order for it to do its

job of holding programs and data that you are
working on.
• The volatility of RAM also means that you
risk losing what you are working on unless
you save it frequently.
 Types of RAM

• Static RAM (SRAM):is a type of RAM that holds

its data without external refresh, for as long as power
is supplied to the circuit.
• SRAM is faster than DRAM.
• SRAMs are used instead for level 1 cache and level 2
cache memory, for which it is perfectly suited; cache
memory needs to be very fast, and not very large.
 Types of RAM
• Dynamic RAM :is a type of RAM that only holds its data if it is
continuously accessed by special logic called a refresh circuit.
• Many hundreds of times each circuited reads the contents of
each memory cell.
• Due to the way in which the cells are constructed, the reading
action itself refreshes the contents of the memory.
• This refreshing action is why the memory is called dynamic.
 Memory Packaging

• Memory is available in various physical packaging.

Roughly in order of their appearance, the major types
of DRAM packaging include:
1. DIPP (Dual Inline Pin Package)
• DIP was the most common DRAM package used in
PCs through early 386 models.
• . DIP DRAM is useless nowadays.
 Memory Packaging cont..

2. SIPP(single in-line pin package):

• It consisted of a small printed circuit board upon
which were mounted a number of memory chips.
 Memory Packaging cont..
• It had 30 pins along one edge which mated with
matching holes in the motherboard of the computer.
• This type of memory was used in 80286 and some
80386 systems.
• It was later replaced by SIMMs which proved to be
easier to install.
 Memory Packaging cont..

2. SIMM (Single Inline Memory Module)

• Single Inline Memory Modules (SIMMs) were originally created
to free up room on the motherboard.
• These RAM modules are available in either 30-pin or 72-pin
layouts.
• 30-pin SIMMs put out 8 bits of data on the data bus at one time,
which makes them 8-bits wide.
• They come in 1-16MB sticks.
 Memory Packaging cont..

• 72-pin SIMMs are 32-bits wide and are

available in 1MB to 64MB sticks.
• Installing SIMMs is straightforward. You need
to insert the SIMM into the memory slot on
the motherboard at about a 45-degree angle.
 Memory Packaging cont..

• RDRAM (Rumbas dynamic ) comes on Rambus

Inline Memory Modules (RIMM). RIMM sticks look
like DIMMs, but have 184 pins and are 16-18-bits
wide.
• Rambus memory modules can be purchased in 32, 48,
64, 96, 128, and 256MB sizes, and have 600, 700, and
800 MHz data transfer rates.
 Memory Packaging cont..

• Installing RIMMs is a straightforward affair,

similar to installing a DIMM.
• Some motherboards require you to place the
RIMMs in every other slot, for example, if you
install only two RIMMs.eg.
(RDRAM,XDRDRAM ,XDR2 DRAM)
 Memory Packaging cont..
• Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMMs) for regular desktop
PCs look similar to SIMMs, but are wider and longer. DIMMs
have 168-pins, are 64-bits wide, and range in capacity from 8M B
to 256MB sticks.
• The 144-pin SO DIMMs(Small out link) are also 64-bits wide and
come in roughly the same capacities as regular DIMMs. The 72-
pin SO DIMMs for laptop PCs, in con­trast, are only 32-bits wide.
 Memory Packaging cont..

• To install a DIMM into the motherboard, you

need to drop it into a blank memory slot and
press down firmly. When you've pressed the
RAM down into the slot firmly enough, the
white locking pins snap into place.
 Memory Packaging cont..

• DIMMs always have a notch on the pin-edge, so you

cannot install them backwards.
• If a DIMM seems overly resistant to installation, check
the orientation of the board!
• To remove a DIMM, simply pull back the white locking
pins and lift the DIMM right out of the memory slot.
• DIPP
• SIPP
• SIMM(30 PIN)
• SIMM(72 PIN)
• DIMM(168 PIN)
• DIMM(184 PIN)
 Memory Banks
• Manufacturers arrange memory slots on
motherboards in electronic groups of one, two,
or four RAM slots, according to the type of
RAM and type of processor.
 Memory Banks cont..
• To determine the number of RAM modules
needed to complete a bank, you need to divide
the width of the external data bus by the bit
width of the RAM.
• Remember that you should either fill a bank
completely or leave the bank completely
empty.
 Memory Banks cont..

• But this doesn't mean if you don't have enough RAM

to fill even one bank that you can leave it empty.
• You need to have at least one bank of RAM in your
PC for it to boot properly.
• Trying to boot your PC with absolutely no RAM
results in beep codes and error codes.
 Cache memory
• Cache memory is a memory that is used by CPU so
that the average time to access the memory is
reduced.
• Cache memory is (RAM) that a computer
microprocessor can access more quickly than it can
access regular RAM.
 Cache memory cont...

• Cache memory is extremely fast memory that is built into

a computer's central processing unit (CPU) or located next
to it on a separate chip.
• As the microprocessor processes data, it looks first in
the cache memory and if it finds the data from a previous
reading of data, it does not have to do the more time-
consuming reading of data from larger memory.
 Cache memory cont..
• The CPU uses cache memory to store instructions
that are repeatedly required to run programs,
improving overall system speed.
 Cache memory cont..

• One major advantage of cache is that it holds or

stores data that are frequently used by the processor.

• The disadvantage is that it is mere a waste of

recourses as it may not be useful when the rate of

executing a program is sequential. 

 Cache memory cont..

• Most CPU caches use SRAM (Static Random Access

Memory). SRAM is volatile memory because

although it does not need periodic refresh like

DRAM, it eventually loses its data after power is

turned off.
• It is not removable memory.
 Cache memory cont..
• Cache memory is a memory that is used by
CPU so that the average time to access the
memory is reduced. It is a smaller and faster
memory that stores copies of data which is
used in frequently accessed main memory
locations, On the other hand, Primary memory
is the main memory of the computer. The
processor can easily access, store and retrieve
information from the primary memory.
 Upgrading Memory

• Upgrading your memory is the easiest way to

modify your computer's speed. Ask a
salesperson at a computer store what kind of
memory you need for your computer.
 Upgrading Memory cont..

1. Get a new memory stick, then turn off the computer

and the power supply and unplug your computer.
2. Open up your computer by removing the screws in
the back.
3. Locate the memory cards that are already in your
computer.
 Upgrading Memory cont..

4. Touch the metal computer case with your hand in

more than one place to discharge static electricity from
your body.
5. Push the two white tabs down to release the current
memory and pull out the chip.
6. Line up the a new chip and push it into place
7. Turn your computer on.
 Identify memory problems
(symptoms)

• You turn on your computer and it runs fine.

You go about your normal tasks and notice
that your computer performance decreases.
• Your computer may just have booted and
begins to load your desktop and then
immediately reboots.
 Identify memory problems
(symptoms)cont..

• Your screen flashes a blue screen with white

text before restarting.
• Your attempts to install a new program
repeatedly fail for an unknown reason.
• Pay attention to the beep codes when you
power up the machine.
Diagrams
 Caused damage to your RAM

• Power surges can cause all kinds of problems to

computer components including RAM.
• Electrostatic discharge can cause damage to many
computer components.
• Your memory module may have some fault that did not
become apparent immediately or worsened over time.
This is the most likely cause of damaged RAM.
 Troubleshooting Memory

• Use standard antistatic precautions. Ground

yourself by touching the case frame or power
supply before you touch a memory module.
• Remove and reinstall all memory modules to
ensure they are seated properly.
 Troubleshooting Memory cont..

• Clean the contacts on the memory module.

• The next steps you should take depend on
whether you have made any changes to
memory recently.
Thank you