Random Access Memory, or RAM, is a type of memory in which the information it stores is lost as soon as the power supply to the PC, laptop, or other type of device is switched off. RAM is widely known and is considered the main type of memory, temporary memory, cache memory, or volatile memory of a computer system or similar device. This blog will explain the types of RAM, their differences, and their uses.
 
RAM is considered part of a computer's internal/main/primary memory. There are many types of RAM, the two most common being Static RAM (SRAM) and Dynamic RAM (DRAM). SRAM is a type of ram in which data is stored using the state of a six transistor memory cell. It is primarily used as cache memory for the processor. Dynamic RAM, on the other hand, allows users to store each bit of data in a separate capacitor within a given integrated circuit. Dynamic RAM is the standard computer memory used in most modern desktop computers. It is an example of volatile memory, meaning it needs to be refreshed with voltage regularly or it will lose whatever information is stored on it. Apart from these, here are the main differences between SRAM and DRAM:

1. SRAM has a low access time, while DRAM has a high access time. Therefore, SRAM is faster than DRAM.

2. SRAM is the more expensive of the two.

3. SRAM requires a constant power supply, meaning this type of memory uses more power. DRAM offers reduced power consumption because the information is stored in the capacitor.

4. SRAM features a complex internal circuitry and offers less storage capacity when compared to a DRAM chip of the same physical size. DRAM comprises a small internal circuitry in its one-bit memory. This allows for a larger storage capacity.

5. SRAM has a low packaging density, while DRAM’s is high.

Beyond SRAM and DRAM, there are many other important, albeit less common, types of RAM. These are: FPM DRAM, SDR RAM, RD RAM, VRAM, and Flash Memory. FPM DRAM, or Fast Page Mode DRAM, is a type of DRAM that waits for the entire process of locating a bit of data by column and row and reading the bit before moving to the next one. SDR RAM, synchronous dynamic access memory, stores data using integrated circuits. One of its sides features a termination which can be inserted directly into the motherboard.
 
VRAM is a type of RAM optimized for video adapters. VRAM chips have two ports allowing video data to be written to chips while the video adapter simultaneously reads the memory to refresh the monitor's display. RD RAM, or Rambus Dynamic RAM, is a type of RAM that works in parallel to each other, allowing users to secure a data rate of 1,600 Mbps. Because they operate at high speeds, they generate a great deal of heat. Finally, flash memory is an electrically erasable and programmable type of permanent memory. Flash drives utilize the memory of one transistor to store a bit. These offer low power consumptions and are very affordable.

RAM has many important uses in computers, where it can serve as a scratchpad, buffer, or main memory. It offers a fast operating speed, low power dissipation, and is highly compatible with a wide range of systems. For RAM and many other cache memory components, look no further than ASAP IT Technology, a trusted supplier of microelectronics, IT hardware, and more. Owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, we have access to an inventory of more than two billion new and obsolete parts and components. We’re always available and ready to help you find all the parts and equipment you need, 24/7-365. For a quick and competitive quote, call us at 1-714-705-4780 or email us at sales@asap-ittechnology.com.

Generally speaking, computer memory is classified as either internal or external memory. Internal memory, sometimes called main or primary memory, is memory that stores small amounts of data while the computer is running. External memory, or secondary memory, refers to an external device that stores and retains data. Some examples of external memory are hard disks, compact discs, or USB flash drives.
 
The two types of internal memory are ROM and RAM. ROM, a non-volatile memory (meaning it can retain data without power) stands for read-only memory. The main function of this type of memory is to start/boot a computer. Upon boot-up, the computer then primarily uses RAM, or random-access memory. This type of memory stores data while the central processing unit is enacting other commands. The more RAM a computer has, the less the CPU has to read data from secondary storage devices. This allows the computer to run much faster.
 
RAM is very prevalent in any operating system. The two common types of RAM are called DRAM and SRAM. DRAM is used as the computer’s main source of memory. The individual memory cells are made up of a transistor and capacitor with an integrated circuit. Transistors leak and capacitors slowly discharge, meaning DRAM has to receive a refreshed electronic charge every few seconds in order to retain data. The other type of RAM, SRAM, retains data as long as power is supplied to the system. The main difference between SRAM and DRAM is that SRAM does not need to be refreshed. This means SRAM is much faster, but far more costly as well.

ASAP IT Technology is owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor and has access to an unrivaled supply chain network. This allows us to promise parts with short lead times at competitive prices. We can help you find all the computer memory parts for the aerospace, civil aviation, and defense industries. We’re always available and ready to help you find all the parts and equipment you need, 24/7-365. For a quick and competitive quote, email us at sales@asap-ittechnology.com or call us at 1-714-705-4780.

In the age of the internet, people are used to being able to surf the web instantaneously. But as some of you may know, that cannot always be the case. As the speed of the central processing unit (CPU) starts to increase, the gap between the CPU speed and main memory begins to widen and performance comes to a slow. In order to combat this issue, cache memory, also known as CPU memory or CPU cache, was created. Cache memory stores frequently used data and allows the CPU to access that data from the main memory quicker. It is the fastest memory, but cache memory has a lower capacity than other types of memory.
 
Most modern server Central Processing Units have three independent caches. The instruction cache that speeds up executable instruction fetch; a data cache that speeds up data fetch and store; and a translation lookaside buffer (TLB) that is used to speed up virtual-to-physical address translation for executable instructions and data. The TLB is not directly related to the CPU caches, it is part of the memory management unit (MMU).    
 
Computer cache memory is divided into three levels.  Level 1 (L1) cache, or primary cache, is the smallest and is the first one to be searched by the CPU. If the instructions are not found in L1, Level 2 (L2) is searched. L2 cache, or secondary cache, has more space than L1 cache. Level 3 (L3) cache, or main memory, is larger and slower than L1 and L2 but is still double the speed of RAM.
 
If the cache has the information that the CPU needs already loaded onto it, it is called a cache hit. If there is a failure in reading or writing the data in the cache, it is called a cache miss; the CPU will then access the main memory, and this takes longer. There are three types of cache misses: instruction read misses, data read misses, and data write misses.
 
In addition to cache memory, there are other ways to increase the memory of a computer or system. For example, increasing RAM and/or ROM, utilizing OTP memory, or even adding external memory to the system will help.

Other than the price or what brand you like more, one of the biggest factors in choosing your next smartphone or computer should be the RAM, the Random-Access Memory. This is the device’s main memory. There are two types of RAM, DRAM and SRAM. Normally, the RAM value you see for your device’s specs are the DRAM.

DRAM or Dynamic Random-Access Memory is a type of memory that is used to store data or program code that a computer processor needs to function. Each bit of data is stored in a storage cell made of a capacitor and transistor and organized into a rectangular configuration. In general, RAM allows the PC processor to access any part of the memory directly, rather than having to go sequentially, enabling faster data access than hard disk drives or solid-state drives. DRAM is dynamic in that it needs to be refreshed or given a new electronic charge every few milliseconds to compensate for charge leaks from the capacitor.

DRAM is advantageous in that it’s simple, fast, and low-cost in comparison to many other types of memory. However, it has high power consumption and is volatile, meaning that it requires power to maintain the stored information and loses the data when the power is interrupted.

In comparison, there’s DRAM’s predecessor, SRAM or Static Random-Access Memory. Slightly more expensive to make, SRAM has the advantage over DRAM in that it does not need to be refreshed because SRAM works by switching the current flow in one of two directions instead of holding a charge in place within a storage cell. SRAM is typically used for cache memory with the CPU and is faster than DRAM. SRAM is faster because it’s capable of byte-level reads and writes as opposed to DRAM’s multiple-byte page-level.

Other forms of RAM include Fast Page Mode DRAM (FPM DRAM), Extended Data Out DRAM (EDO DRAM), Synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), Single Data Rate SDRAM (SDR DRAM), and Double Data Rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), to name a few.

ASAP IT Technology, owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, is a premier supplier of IT, computer, board-level parts and components. DRAMs, SRAMs, and SDRAMs, from the new to the obsolete and hard-to-find, we can help you with all your IT requirements. Just visit us at www.asap-ittechnology.com to get started on a quote.