What is Ram?

RAM or memory is a stick within the motherboard that gives applications a place to store and access data on a short-term basis. It stores the information your computer is actively using so that it can be accessed quickly.

RAM uses logic gates to store volatile information. Logic gates are an electronic circuit having one or more than one input and only one output. RAM consists of billions of Data/Memory Cells, each data cell being able to store one bit of information. A transistor and a capacitor are paired to create a memory cell These bits of information are either a 0 or 1. The transistor acts as a switch that lets the control circuitry on the memory chip read the capacitor or change its state.

Step 1: The History of RAM

SRAM: In SRAM, a bit of data is stored using the state of a six transistor memory cell. SRAM is often used as cache memory for the CPU. Introduced in 1963.

DRAM: DRAM stores a bit of data using a transistor and capacitor pair, which together comprise a DRAM cell. The capacitor holds a high or low charge (1 or 0, respectively), and the transistor acts as a switch that lets the control circuitry on the chip read the capacitor's state of charge or change it. Introduced in 1970

DDR4: DDR4 is designed to replace DDR3, the previous DDR standard. Advantages include faster data transfer rates and larger capacities, thanks to greater memory density and more memory banks (16 rather than 8). DDR4 also operates at a lower voltage (1.2V compared to 1.5V), so it is more power-efficient. It was introduced in 2014, though it did not gain widespread adoption until 2016.

Step 2: How to Remove/install/upgrade

1. Open the ram slots that are on the edges of where the RAM is housed.

2. When installing the RAM, keep on a horizontal plane and apply even pressure until you hear a clip, this is when the RAM is installed.

Step 3: Architecture of the RAM

Step 4: Form Factors

Form factors within the image:

Micro DIMM: a memory module with a smaller outline and thickness than standard SODIMM modules and are designed for mobile type, slim type, and super lightweight notebook computers.

240 pin DIMM: used for DDR2 SDRAM, DDR3 SDRAM and FB-DIMM DRAM

184 pin DIMM: used for DDR SDRAM

Step 5: Fault Tolerance or Enhancement Technologies

ECC memory: a type of computer data storage that can detect and correct n-bit data corruption that occurs in memory.

FaultLink: avoids hard faults found during testing by generating a custom-tailored application binary image for each individual chip

Step 6: Common Symptoms of Failure

Bluescreens: A faulty RAM can cause bluescreens

Crashing during heavy memory use tasks, such as gaming, Photoshop, etc: Faulty RAM

Step 7: Diagnostic/technician Tools

Windows Memory Diagnostic tool: Your computer will restart and the Windows Memory Diagnostics Tool screen will appear. Just leave it be and let it perform the test. This may take several minutes. During this process, you’ll see a progress bar and a “Status” message will inform you if any problems have been detected during the process.

Tool Kit: to access the memory sticks