What is RAM? Compare details of phone RAM and laptop RAM

RAM is an important and indispensable component in any phone or laptop. When choosing to buy a phone or laptop, people will often be interested in the device's RAM capacity. However, not everyone really understands this parameter. So, what is Ram? Check out the answer with TipsMake right here!

What is RAM?

RAM – Random Access Memory is a type of volatile memory , known as the device's temporary memory . RAM allows random reading and writing of data to a certain location in memory based on the memory address.

In other words, RAM is where current information is stored, from which the CPU can retrieve and process data. Specifically, if you open a certain software, the software's data will be transmitted from the hard drive to RAM, then processed by the CPU and then saved back to the hard drive. Because, the speed of RAM is many times higher than that of a conventional hard drive.

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Thus, RAM will store data on each memory cell, in which each memory cell will have a different address. The time to read and write data is equivalent on the same memory cell. However, the information and data stored in RAM are temporary. If your device loses power and turns off suddenly, the data on RAM will also be erased.

In addition to laptops and phones, RAM is also present in other electronic devices such as PCs, servers, tablets, printers.

Structure of RAM

RAM is made up of many components, including the board, microprocessor, memory bank, SPD chip, and counter. Each component will play a certain role in RAM, details will be presented below.

Circuit board

The board has the function of connecting memory components to the device thanks to a silicon semiconductor circuit. In general, the mainboard is a circuit board that contains all the components found in RAM.

Processor

If conventional DRAM does not have synchronization in operation, SDRAM is synchronized with the microprocessor , thereby providing the most minimalist control interface, while completely limiting unnecessary signals. set is created.

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Memory bank

The memory bank consists of multiple data storage modules. For SDRAMs, there will typically be two to more than two memory banks. At the same time, one of those memory banks will be allowed to access other memory banks.

SPD chip

SPD is the acronym for Serial Presence Detect . In SDRAM, the SPD chips on the board will contain information including: size, memory type, time and access speed. From there, the computer can access information through the SPD chip when booting.

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Counter

The counter is a component found on the chip. The counter functions to monitor the column address for access at the highest possible speed. This component uses two types of clusters: sequential and alternating.

How does RAM work?

As mentioned above, RAM will coordinate with the device's memory to access and use data. Specifically, when you open an application or software on your computer or phone, the software's data will be transmitted from the hard drive to RAM and stored there. 

At this time, the CPU begins to retrieve data from RAM memory and process, display and respond to user tasks. When the user turns off the computer or uses the application, the data that has occupied RAM memory will be lost and the memory will be returned to RAM.

Popular types of RAM today

On the market today there are two most popular types of RAM: SRAM and DRAM , they are divided based on function. Specifically, each type of RAM will have some of the following outstanding characteristics:

SRAM (static RAM)

SRAM is also known as Static RAM , in English Static RAM (static random access memory). This type of RAM stands out in that it will not lose stored content or data unless the user starts it. Because of that characteristic function, SRAM is often used to store boot data.

Compared to DRAM, SRAM offers faster speed, which comes with a higher price. Therefore, this type of RAM is often used in CPU, cache and main memory in servers.

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DRAM (Dynamic RAM)

DRAM is the acronym for Dynamic random-access memory , also known as Dynamic RAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) . This type of RAM is widely used as main memory in computer devices. 

Unlike SRAM, DRAM will temporarily store data when users open and run applications and software on computers and phones. As soon as the user closes the application, software or turns off the computer or phone, the stored data will be lost, meaning the memory that was occupied will also be returned.

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Currently, there are popular types of dynamic RAM as follows:

1. Synchronous Dynamic RAM or SDRAM - Synchronous RAM : this is a type of DRAM that is synchronized with the system bus.
2. Double Data Rate SDRAM or DDR : Improved version with high perfection of SDR (SDR has 168 pins). However, this type of 184-pin RAM is outdated and there are currently quite a few devices that still use DDR.
3. DDR2 : Improved version of its predecessor DDR with 240 pins. This version offers higher speed, but is still not very popular and is only found on older computers.
4. DDR3 : Upgraded version of DDR2 and this is a RAM line that is widely used because of its high speed and performance. 
5. Rambus Dynamic RAM - RDRAM : The RAM line possesses advanced and completely new technology compared to previous generations. Currently, RDRAM is called RAM bus by professionals. 
6. DDR4 : Announced and released in 2014. This is a replacement for DDR3 with countless upgrades. Specifically, the transmission speed of DDR4 has reached 2133-4266 MHz, accompanied by a lower voltage requirement of 1.2 V. Of course, with those special advantages, the price of DDR4 is also higher than with DDR3.

Meaning of parameters on RAM

1. DDR3 SDRAM or DDR3 for short: DDR3 is designed based on synchronous dynamic random access memory - SDRAM and uses clock signals to synchronize data. In particular, DDR is the acronym for Double Data Rate, which means double data speed. This means that 1 DDR clock is capable of transmitting up to two blocks of data. DDR3 has a bus speed of 800/1066/1333/1600 Mhz, number of data bits is 64, voltage is 1.5v with The total number of batteries reaches 240. 
2. Capacity: This is a parameter that shows how much information a RAM can store. Depending on the type of RAM, capacity can be 2GB, 4GB, 8GB, 16GB.
3. Error Checking and Correction (abbreviated as ECC): ECC is an important, indispensable component in any server system. Currently, there are two types of ECC on the market: registered ECC and unbuffered ECC.
4. Bus: A bus is a system made up of many small electrical wires combined. The bus functions similarly to a corridor that carries data from the device (in memory, CPU or UO devices).
5. Column Address Strobe (abbreviated CAS) or Latency: CAS is the total time the command line is issued and transferred to the RAM bar, then responded to the CPU.
6. Refresh Rate:  In the server RAM there will be hundreds of electronic cells. Each electronic cell needs to be recharged thousands of times per second. If this process is interrupted, the data they are storing will also be lost. Therefore, dynamic memory needs a reloading process, also known as refreshing, so that it can store data regularly and promptly.

Compare phone RAM and laptop RAM

In general, phone RAM and laptop RAM have similar functions. But because each device will have different properties and compatibility requirements, each type of RAM will also have a few small differences.

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First, phones are much smaller in size than laptops, so the phone's RAM will have a minimal size and at the same time have the lowest power consumption to be suitable for its mobile, compact nature. like the battery capacity on the phone. On the contrary, computer RAM is larger in size and the power consumption will also be higher to meet the device's data storage and transmission needs.

Next, the phone's RAM is mounted directly on the processor chip. So, if computer RAM allows us to upgrade and replace easily, phone RAM is difficult to meet this.

Finally, the phone's RAM is used simultaneously for the processor and the graphics processor. Thus, on the phone there will be no dedicated RAM memory for graphics processing like a computer.

What does RAM mean?

RAM (Random Access Memory) plays an extremely important role and meaning. RAM functions as a temporary data store (or stores operating system commands along with applications) before writing them to the hard drive at the end of the user's session.

If RAM does not have enough capacity to store data, the operating system will automatically switch to using virtual memory or virtual memory to exchange data. In particular, virtual memory is a component in the device's hard drive.

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Some factors to know when choosing RAM

To choose the right type of RAM, you need to pay attention to the following factors:

Type of laptop RAM used

To choose the right type of RAM, the basic but extremely important thing you need to do is know what type of RAM your laptop is using , how much bus it has, and whether your computer is supported by the mainboard. owner or not. From there, you can search and choose the appropriate type of RAM.

About RAM type

After knowing what type of RAM your computer is using, choose the type of RAM to add and make sure they are the same brand, same bus and capacity. This will help ensure stable operation and increase RAM performance.

If your laptop uses DDR RAM , you need to install them in identical pairs. For example, if the device is using 4GB of 3200 MHz bus, you should install a similar RAM of 4GB of 3200 MHz bus.

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Amount of RAM

If you need to install 4GB RAM , you should not install a 4Gb stick. Install 2 RAM sticks, each 2GB to keep the machine running stably and providing high productivity. As for how much capacity you should choose, it will depend on the operating system along with the nature of the programs you are using. 

The next section will explain more clearly the capacity suitable for the device.

How much RAM is enough?

Currently, a typical laptop will be equipped with RAM with a minimum capacity of 2GB, many lines have 8GB RAM, and even some laptop models in the high price segment can use 12GB or 16GB RAM.

With a RAM capacity of 2GB, it will be suitable for common tasks such as surfing the web, using email, viewing photos, videos and some light offline games. Upgrade to 4GB, this is quite popular and useful to meet the basic needs of most users today.

With a capacity of 8GB, this is considered the ideal number for new generation devices. This RAM capacity is enough to meet most users' basic to advanced needs. 

However, for those with higher requirements, especially designers, professional gamers or accountants who need to work with 'huge' data tables, you can refer to higher capacity RAM, and of course the price. The machine will also be more expensive.

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Frequently asked questions about RAM memory?

Does RAM store data?

The answer is yes. RAM is the machine's temporary memory, helping to store current information and through which the CPU can retrieve and process user commands and operations. However, data on RAM will be lost when the power is turned off or the computer is turned off.

What happens when RAM is full?

When RAM is full, your device will automatically save information in 'virtual memory' - a memory space on the device's hard drive. Thus, the device can continue to operate, but performance will be reduced, and most obviously, the device will experience slowness and annoying lag.

The more RAM, the smoother the phone, right?

Although RAM has a lot less memory than hard drive memory, this is where data is stored so the CPU can access and process it, so the data writing and reading speed of RAM is very fast. faster than hard drive. Thus, it can be said that RAM plays a prerequisite role in multitasking on computers and phones.

Therefore, the larger the RAM capacity, the more applications the device will be able to run at the same time. On the contrary, if RAM does not have enough capacity to satisfy the device, lag will occur.

However, RAM capacity does not completely determine the ability of a phone to operate smoothly. Because if the device has an optimized operating system, even small RAM can still provide high processing efficiency. For example, the iPhone 6 has only 1GB of RAM, but it is still capable of 'beating' Android models with higher capacity thanks to its good operating system platform.

Epilogue

Thus, the article above has explained to you the definition of RAM, the meaning of RAM as well as some information related to RAM. Because RAM affects the speed and data processing performance of the device, when choosing a computer or phone, do not ignore this parameter to be able to choose the most suitable amount of RAM for yourself.

Jessica Tanner

Update 03 October 2023