Different types of RAMs
SIMM, DRAM, SDRAM, DIMM, RIMM, DDR SDRAM, DDR2 SDRAM and DDR3 SDRAM are basically all the different types of RAMs. We'll discuss them here.
A SIMM, or single in-line memory module, there are two types to it. They were used from the early 1980s to the late 1990s. One, 32-pin SIMM and two, the 72-pin SIMM. The SIMM overpowered the SIPP's ram which mostly got bent or broke during installation.
SIPP
30-pin SIMM, 256kB capacity
72-pin EDO DRAM SIMM
DRAM and SDRAM:
DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory is used temporarily store information on computers. DRAM is made up of many cells and each cell is referred to as a bit. A cell contains a capacitor and a transistor. Since computer machine language is made up of 1s and 0s, it has the value of 1 when active and 0 when inactive.
SDRAM (Synchronous Random Access Memory) is the result of DRAM evolution. This type of memory synchronizes the input and output signals with the system board. Its speed ratings are in MHz. SDRAM was introduced in the late 90s and is still used.
DRAM come in two major forms: DIMMs and RIMMs
A DIMM or dual in-line memory module are used in personal computers, workstations and servers.DIMMs began to replace SIMMs as the predominant type of memory module as Intel P5 based Pentium processors began to gain market share.
Two types of DIMMs: a 168-pin SDRAM module (top) and a 184-pin DDR SDRAM module (bottom). Note that the SDRAM has two notches on the bottom edge, while the DDR1 SDRAM module has only one. Also note that both modules have 8 RAM chips, but the lower one has an unoccupied space for a 9th.
RIMMs use only a 16-bit interface but run at higher speeds than DDR, To get maximum performance. Intel RDRAM chipsers require the use of RIMMs in pairs over a dual-channel 32-bit interface. Some server applications and home electronics devices (such as the PlayStation II) also utilize RIMM memory.
RIMMs
DDR SDRAM stands for double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory. DDR RAM transfers data twice per clock cycle, hence the name double data rate. DDR clock speeds range between 200 MHz (DDR-200) and 400 MHz (DDR-400). DDR-200 transfers 1600 MB/s, while DDR-400 transfers 3200 MB/s.
DDR2 SDRAM stands for double data rate 2 synchronous dynamic random access memory.DDR2 is twice as fast as DDR which means twice as much data is carried to the module for each clock cycle. Also due to the design improvements DDR2 consumes less power as compared to the DDR memory. DDR2 speeds range between 400 MHz (DDR2-400) and 800 MHz (DDR2-800). DDR2-400 transfers 3200 MB/s. DDR2-800 transfers 6400 MB/s.
DDR3 SDRAM, isn't it quite obvious, DDR3 SDRAM stands for double data rate 3 synchronous dynamic random access memory. In theory DDR3 is supposed to act twice as fast as DDR2 memories. Thus DDR3 speeds range between 800 MHz (DDR3-800) and 1600 MHz (DDR3-1600). DDR3-800 transfers 6400 MB/s; DDR3-1600 transfers 12800 MB/s.
You wouldn't really see the difference between DDR2 and DDR3 in speed if you are not a gamer. In fact, DDR is more than enough if you are not a gamer at all.
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