Computer Terms You Should Know: Understanding the Basics of RAM

Understanding RAM does not have to be complicated. This article will address some common terminology and types of RAM. The next time you're shopping for RAM, or just trying to understand what you have, you won't have any problems.

Important Terms to Understand

RAM modules have legs, or pins. Even though they are not technically pins in the sense we normally think about, RAM pins are the copper colored contacts that allow the module to connect to the motherboard.

Parity is part of the error checking process to verify the integrity of the RAM's data stores.

RAM cannot have a fan attached to each module. Instead, RAM modules have built in heat spreaders. These are thin metal covers that make thermal contact and assist with cooling.

Latency is the delay interval between the computer asking for information and actually receiving the information. Obviously there is more to it, but this is latency in the most basic sense.

Virtual memory comes up often when talking about RAM. This is actually space on the hard drive that is used for temporary memory when the actual RAM is running low or out. Virtual memory is slower, but nice when you absolutely need the memory.

A bus is a group of electronic conductors that link different parts of the computer. A bus works similar to a real bus by transporting data from one circuit to another.

Cache memory is used to describe frequently used data. Cached data can be accessed quicker and easier, but also takes up overall memory.

Common Types of Memory and Modules

There are many types of memory. Desktops and laptops take different types. Each motherboard manufacturer may take different types with various numbers of pins. It is important to understand the differences in each type.

DRAM,or Dynamic Random Access Memory, is memory that needs to be refreshed continually.

SRAM, or Static Random Access Memory, is larger and faster than its DRAM counterpart, and does not need to be refreshed to retain data.

SIMM, Single Inline Memory Modules, is now obsolete, but you may still find these in older computers. They have 30 pins and contacts on one side of the module.