Random Access Memory
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Random access memory is the brain of the computer. Here all data
is stored that the CPU calculated or that the CPU is / will be
using as input for its calculations. This memory is volatile, though:
after switching the computer off, all information in RAM is lost.
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RAM comes along in form of bars of equal size. These bars, however,
differ with respect to the amount of information that they can hold.
Modern RAM bars accomodate 32, 64, 128 or 264 MByte of data.
Motherboards usually have two to six slots where RAM fits in.
They don't have to be filled up all, but at least one RAM bar
must be in for the computer to work.
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SDRAM bar.
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RAM not only differs in the amount of information that can
be stored but also in the way it works and in speed. What
kind of RAM you take does not so much depend on you - most
mainboards will accomodate only one type of RAM (see main
board manual)! The most common RAM sorts nowadays are:
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DRAM
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Dynamic RAM
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EDO RAM
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Extended DataOut RAM
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Burst EDO
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Burst Extended DataOut RAM
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SDRAM
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Synchronous Dynamic RAM
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As RAM is crucial to the system's speed, there are many
new technologies in discussion:
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DDR SDRAM
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Double Data Rate SDRAM
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DRDRAM
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Direct Rambus DRAM
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SLDRAM
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SyncLink DRAM
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