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Ram

Computer

RAM is simply an abbreviation for Random Access Memory. Above is a 128Mb SDRAM chip. Haven't I explained SDRAM yet? :-) Ok sorry... SDRAM is simply another abbreviation which stands for Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory. In other words... It's a newer, better type of memory, so we need a newer, better abbreviation to make things harder on us! :-) The newer memory is capable of performing effectively with the newer, higher data transfer, bus speeds, of 100Mhz and faster.

A bus is simply a connection between two items on the motherboard. The data transfer speed is how fast the data travels between the two items. SDRAM modules usually are available in 16Mb, 32Mb, 64Mb, 128Mb, and 256Mb sizes, each able to hold different amounts of data. The 16Mb module can hold 16M, (or 16,000,000) bytes of data. The 256Mb module can hold 256M, (or 256,000,000) bytes of data, (16 times more than the 16Mb module!).

The memory module shown above is composed of several DIMM chips. DIMM stands for Duel In-line Memory Module. DIMM's have separate contact points on both sides of their boards; although, the older SIMM's (Single Inline Memory Modules), were connected to each other on both sides, making both sides have the same connection. The more DIMM chips on a module, the more memory it has, as long as the DIMM chips have the same memory capacity. Common DIMM chip capacities are: 1M, 2M, 4M, 8M, and 16 megabytes of memory each. Below is a picture of a single DIMM chip.

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