The type of memory for the operating system. Types of RAM. Memory capacity or size matters

One of the easiest ways to improve the performance of your computer is to increase the amount of RAM installed in it. Every year programs require more and more resources, and even browsers become more voracious. The RAM of a standard office computer can be used up if you open a dozen tabs in Google Chrome, and there are also other applications, for example, that operate in the background. Due to its low cost, anyone can purchase an additional memory module. Having correctly selected a new component for your computer, you need to install it into the system unit, which may cause problems. If you don’t know how to install RAM correctly, we will tell you about it in this article.

Installing RAM is a matter of a couple of minutes, but before you start, you need to select ports on the motherboard into which new components can be inserted. Here, many computer users have a question: why are the RAM slots of different colors, and is there a difference in where to install it? The answer to this question is very simple - motherboard developers have provided in their model the ability to operate RAM in multiple channel mode.

Example: You bought two 8 GB sticks of RAM and plan to install them in your computer. Both of them operate at the same frequency and, preferably, are produced by the same company. In such a situation, in order for the computer to detect the memory modules as a single 16 GB block, they must be installed in slots of the same color. If memory of different frequencies or with different capacities is installed in a computer, there is no difference in which slots it will be placed in.

If we describe the situation from a technical point of view, we must say that the technology used in motherboards to speed up the parallel operation of identical memory sticks is called Dual DDR. In most home computers, the motherboard can only support dual-channel memory mode, while there are also more professional solutions on the market designed for 3 or 4 channels.

Connectors of one channel on the motherboard are designated by the same color.

How to install RAM correctly

As we noted at the very beginning, the process of installing memory is quite simple, and even an inexperienced computer user can handle it. Before you begin directly installing the new module, you need to gain access to the corresponding slots on the motherboard. To do this, just remove the cover of the system unit and find the required connectors.

Detailed instructions for installing RAM in a computer:

It should be noted that after installing a new module with RAM, the computer will automatically detect it and begin working with it. The user is not required to install additional drivers, unless we are talking about very specific memory models that are rarely used in home computers.

It is well known that RAM plays the role of an intermediary between the hard drive and the processor. It stores current data previously loaded from the HDD or SSD drive, which the processor will need in a certain period of time. Why not cut out the middleman? - you ask. After all, this will enable the processor and hard drive to exchange information and work with program files directly - bypassing RAM, and the question of how to choose RAM for a computer will no longer be relevant in this case.

However, if we exclude RAM from the hardware configuration, we will inevitably face a problem related to the speed of the computer. No matter how far IT technologies have advanced, so far all SDD and HDD drives work much slower than RAM and, accordingly, are inferior in speed. It is for this reason that you have to first load various data into faster RAM, so that the processor does not stand idle, but can quickly obtain all the necessary information for normal operation at the right time.

Before we start choosing RAM, let's analyze its operating principle without technical details by simulating two simple situations.

Let's assume that you launched the program, worked in it, and then closed it and launched the game. In this case, data related to the work of the program will be unloaded from the RAM, and information related to the game will be loaded into RAM. This way, the processor will quickly receive all the necessary data to perform game-related calculations.

Let's say that your computer simultaneously runs several programs that require computer resources, such as a 3D graphics editor, a nonlinear video editor, or a multimedia converter. If there is enough RAM, then all the data necessary to process these applications will be loaded into RAM. Depending on which program you switch to for work, the processor will specifically address those memory cells where data associated with this program is stored.

For reference, it should be said that the processor interacts with RAM not directly, but through a special chip located on the motherboard. In IT circles it is usually called the northbridge. In turn, the processor (CPU), northbridge and random access memory are interconnected by very thin conductors, which are routes and are therefore called the system bus.

At a technical level, everything is much more complicated, but the goal was to explain to the uninformed why RAM is needed in a computer and what role it plays in it. Before we proceed to the selection of RAM and focus our attention on its parameters, I suggest you familiarize yourself with the research conducted.

Testing RAM with memory capacity of 4, 8 and 16 GB.

If you are one of those who believe that there is no such thing as too much RAM, then buy more and more expensive ones and don’t read further. If you want to approach the choice of RAM wisely and are not ready to overpay money, but want to get the expected result, then immerse yourself in this process. At first glance, choosing RAM for an existing or future computer configuration is quite simple, but there are still some nuances here.

Let's assume that a certain person has a limited budget, and the previously assembled system unit on board has:

• Processor: Intel Core i7-6700K (4.0GHz - 4.2GHz)
• Video card: GeForce GTX 980
• SSD: Crucial MX200 1 TB
• Power supply: SilverStone Essential Gold 750w
• RAM - DDR4-2666 4, 8 and 16 GB (three options tested)
• Windows 10 Pro 64-bit

And here the common man faces a dilemma: how much RAM to put on such an assembly and at the same time not to overpay for the amount of memory that will ultimately not be in demand. Can be 4, 8, 16 or all 32 GB. How much RAM will ultimately pay off? According to research conducted by Steven Walton (Steven Walton - editor of the TechSpot portal), a RAM capacity of 16 GB justified itself in two situations; in other cases, 8 GB was enough.

In total, more than 10 tests were carried out on this configuration using DDR4-2666 RAM of 4, 8 and 16 GB. The test with a large amount of RAM paid off when rendering a 17-minute video in Adobe Premier. Everyone completed the same video, but in a different period of time. 16 GB - 290 seconds, 8 GB - 300 seconds, 4 GB - 415 seconds.

A test comparing performance during file compression showed that the amount of RAM plays a significant role in it. The execution speed was: 16 GB - 9,290 MIPS (millions of operations per second), 8 GB - 2,902 MIPS, 4 GB - 446 MIPS.

In the remaining tests carried out on this assembly, RAM of 8 and 16 GB, all other things being equal, performed almost identically, but 4 GB of memory was slightly inferior on all fronts.

According to three tests conducted, the games GTA V, Batman: Arkham Knight and F1 2015 showed the same FPS (frames per second). In my opinion, the testing was done well, but the research in the field of games surprised me a little. I in no way question the gaming test, but I believe that the games were tested at minimum requirements despite the potential built into the components and the assembly as a whole. In my opinion, 8 GB is enough for games and most tasks, but if you are involved in video processing or 3D modeling, then I would recommend installing at least 16 GB of RAM.

What do computer RAM parameters tell you?

The abbreviation for RAM (random access memory) in English is RAM (Random Access Memory). RAM is volatile. That is, as soon as you shut down your computer or the power supply to your house is interrupted, all data from it will be lost. At the same time, when the computer goes into sleep mode, hibernation (energy-saving mode) is activated; data is saved in a specially designated area on the HDD or SSD drive, and the power supply also stops.

However, in this case, when you turn on the computer, the data will be restored to RAM from the previously saved area, and you will be able to continue working from where you left off, because all previously running applications will continue to work. However, you need this information for the overall picture and it’s time to move on to considering the types and characteristics of RAM.

Memory type. RAM developers are constantly striving to make it faster and more productive. As a result, one generation of RAM comes to replace another. At the moment, there are memory types (or modules on which they are implemented) DDR, DDR2, DDR3 and DDR4. The first two have already sunk into oblivion and have lost their relevance, while the second two are in full swing used in computer assembly.

Each new generation of RAM is superior to the previous one in all respects and is not interchangeable in physical and electrical parameters. RAM is formed on a so-called module (board) with a special cut (key), which must coincide with the existing partition in the slot on the motherboard.

This is done so that physically no one can install a module of one type into a slot intended for another type of memory. So, for example, you will not be able to install a DDR3 memory module in a slot intended for DDR4 due to the different location of the key in the row of the contact group and vice versa. In terms of energy consumption, memory modules compare favorably. Depending on the generation, they operate at the following supply voltage:

• DDR - 2.5 V;
• DDR2 - 1.8 V;
• DDR3 - 1.5 V (there is DDR3L - 1.35 V. Low - reduced energy consumption);
• DDR4 - 1.2 V;

The lower the power consumption, the lower the heat generation. Since third- and fourth-generation DDRs have low power consumption, these boards do not need radiator cooling, unless you are overclocking, of course.

Bandwidth. Essentially, throughput determines the maximum amount of data that can be transmitted over a channel per unit of time (one second). Since the fastest component is the processor, the task of increasing computer performance as a whole comes down not only to increasing the clock speed of the processor core, but more to increasing the speed of other devices. RAM in this sense is faster than other components, but still slower than the processor. Just as processor performance depends on the system bus width, RAM performance depends on the memory bus width.

This parameter is very important because it affects the performance of the computer as a whole. For optimal interoperability, the memory bus bandwidth must match the processor bus bandwidth. What I'm talking about? For example, we want to build a computer and we already have a motherboard with a socket for an Intel processor (Socket 1151) with soldered slots for DDR4. We have already purchased the appropriate RAM GeIL DDR4-2133 32768MB PC4-17064 (Kit 2×16384) and all that remains is to select a processor.

In our case, the throughput of one RAM module is 17064 MB/s. Since we have two modules, this parameter needs to be multiplied by two (17064 x 2 = 34128 MB/s). Therefore, we would like to select a processor that supports this memory bandwidth. Since online stores do not provide complete information, I recommend opening the official Intel website and referring to the processor specification.

Pay attention to the line “Maximum memory bandwidth” where the parameter we are interested in should correspond to the value we previously obtained for RAM (34128 MB/s). We know that 1 gigabyte (GB) is equal to 1024 megabytes (MB). Therefore, taking into account rounding, an Intel Core i7-6700K processor with a value of 34.1 GB/s is equal to 34100 MB/s. In the processor specification, the RAM bandwidth value is specified taking into account two modules, as evidenced by the support of two memory channels (Max. number of memory channels: 2).

Since we are using two memory modules, we will activate dual-channel mode, which will give us double the bandwidth. Looking ahead, I will say that to activate the dual-channel mode, it is better to use ready-made sets of two or more sticks from the same manufacturer with the same clock frequency, memory capacity and timings. RAM sets are tested by manufacturers for compatibility, but you can choose the sticks yourself, but in this case no one guarantees the absence of critical errors during operation.

To activate dual-channel mode, the RAM sticks on the motherboard must be placed in certain slots. As a rule, they are highlighted in one color and the strips should be inserted into slots 1 and 3 or 2 and 4. In games, dual-channel mode will give a slight increase of 1-3%, but programs will gain performance of up to 30%.

Frequency. This parameter is under the close attention of people who are keen on overclocking (Overclockers). The operating frequency of RAM is measured in Hertz, and characterizes the number of clock cycles (accesses) per unit of time (1 second). This RAM setting must match the supported frequency on the motherboard. What I mean? Let's assume that you decide to buy DDR4 memory with an effective clock speed of 3200 MHz, and your existing motherboard supports DDR4 RAM, but with a clock speed of no more than 2133 MHz.

In this case, the memory module, given its capabilities, will operate at a frequency of 2133 MHz and, accordingly, the throughput will be lower. At the same time, all other things being equal (the same hardware assembly with the same screen resolution), you will not notice a significant difference in the gameplay.

For example, between a DDR3 memory module with a frequency of 1333 MHz and 1600 MHz, or between a memory of 1866 MHz and 2133 MHz, the increase in FPS (frames per second) will average 1%. Memory modules with a high clock frequency will significantly reveal themselves when archiving data and when working in specialized programs for editing video and other multimedia content. Technically, it so happens that sticks with higher frequencies also have higher timings (latencies). For games, the shorter the signal delay, the better.

Latency (timing). Obviously, to increase the maximum throughput in RAM, you need to increase its operating frequency. However, in addition to frequency, memory is also characterized by a timing system. Essentially, this parameter determines the time delay in clock cycles, and the order of memory accesses begins with control registers. After the necessary memory banks are activated (the row address is entered and the RAS synchronizing signal is supplied) and the arrival of a positive clock pulse, access to the required row is opened.

In turn, the line address is placed in a specialized line address buffer and held there for the required amount of time. After a certain period of time (called RAS to CAS delay), there is a delay in the clock cycles of the CAS signal relative to RAS. After the CAS pulse is given and the positive clock pulse arrives, the address of the column currently present on the address bus is fetched. After this, access to the required column in the memory matrix is ​​opened.

After a certain CAS Latency time, the necessary information appears on the data bus, which can already be accepted for processing by the processor. Each subsequent information appearing on the data bus in the next cycle is characterized by the length of the packet cycle. The cycle of accessing the memory bank is completed with a specialized command to deactivate RAS Prechrge. This command is issued one or two clock cycles before the last data is issued.

The mentioned time periods RAS to CAS delay (tRCD), CAS latency (tCL), RAS Pre charge (tRP) are memory timings and are recorded in a certain sequence. For example, 5-5-5-15; 9-9-9-24; 11-13-14-32. From a technical point of view, this is a very complex process, but it is important to understand one thing: the lower the timings, the faster the memory, and an increase in frequency inevitably leads to increased timings.

However, with each generation of DDR memory, manufacturers increase the clock frequency and, as a result, the timings increase. At the same time, RAM performance increases and is compensated by an increase in clock frequency. To put it simply, the time for retrieving data from RAM has increased, but the packet itself with data issued to the processor bus in one clock cycle has also increased proportionally.

Memory modules of the same generation (for example, DDR3), with different frequencies and timings will not dominate each other, for example, in games. Despite the significant difference in frequencies and timings between DDR 3 and DDR4, the latter will have better performance because it uses a different technology.

Volume. Many users admire this parameter and associate it with the idea that more is better. Of course, there is a certain amount of truth in this, but independent testing conducted not only by Stephen Walten suggests that if you do not work in resource-demanding programs such as Adobe Premier, then a total of 8 GB of memory will be enough for you.

In this block, instead of summing up, I decided to briefly present information regarding the selection and installation of RAM.

1. If you are building a computer from scratch, I recommend giving preference to DDR4 (higher performance and lower power consumption), since you will still be buying a new motherboard. If you are trying to upgrade an existing computer of the previous generation and you have several DDR3 or DDR3L sticks, then in order to save money, you should think about buying a motherboard with soldered slots for this type of memory.
2. The undoubted advantage of the DDR4 standard is that technically manufacturers have the opportunity to create high-capacity modules (up to 128 GB). At the same time, when assembling a computer, you should not mindlessly chase the amount of memory; proceed from the assigned tasks. It is better to add the saved money to the budget for the video card.
3. If you are not going to overclock and increase the standard mode (voltage, frequency) of RAM, then modules with large radiators and coolers are of no use to you. Send the money to a piggy bank for your video card or save it on an SSD.
4. Give preference to Kits (2, 4 modules per set), where the memory sticks have the same timings, capacity and operating frequency. Such kits have been tested by one manufacturer and guarantee uninterrupted operation in dual-channel mode.
5. When unpacking, transferring or installing the module, hold the bar by the ends to avoid damage to low-voltage elements from static electricity. When passing the module to another person, you need to put the bar down and let him take it. When passing a memory module from hand to hand, static electricity may occur. Remember the saying: “Once a year the stick shoots.”
6. Choose RAM from a reputable manufacturer. In the world, only a few companies Samsung, Hynix, Micron and Toshiba produce RAM chips and, by and large, all manufacturers of RAM modules purchase from them. At the same time, manufacturers of RAM sticks Kingston, Corsair and GOODRAM have proven themselves well in the market.
7. In conclusion, let me remind you that 32-bit operating systems of the Windows family do not see memory larger than 3 Gigabytes and, accordingly, will not be able to interact with it. Therefore, if your computer has more than 3 GB of memory physically installed, you should use a 64-bit operating system.

I would be grateful for additions and constructive comments regarding the choice of RAM.

RAM modules are made on the basis of rectangular printed circuit boards with single-sided or double-sided arrangement of chips. They differ in form factor and have different designs: SIMM (Single In-line Memory Module - memory module with single-row contacts); DIMM (Dual In-line Memory Module - memory module with double-row contacts); SO DIMM (Small Outline DIMM - small DIMM size). The contacts of the memory module connectors are coated with gold or an alloy of nickel and palladium.

ModulesSIMM is a board with flat contacts along one side; They are installed into the motherboard connector at an angle and then rotated to the working (vertical) position using latches. There are two types of SIMMs: 30-pin, 9-bit (8 data bits and 1 parity bit); 72-pin, 32-bit (no parity) or 36-bit (parity). Therefore, the 32-bit bus required the use of four banks of 30-pin SIMMs or one 72-pin module; for a 64-bit bus - two banks of 72-pin modules.

ModulesDIMM There are two types: 168-pin (for installing SDRAM chips) and 184-pin DIMMs (for DDR SDRAM chips). They are identical in installation dimensions, inserted vertically into the motherboard connector and secured with latches. During the transition period, motherboards were equipped with connectors for both types of DIMM modules, but currently SIMM and 168-pin DIMM modules are outdated and not used in PCs.

ModulesSO DIMM with 72- and 144-pin connectors are used in portable PCs. They are installed into the motherboard in the same way as SIMM modules.

Currently, the most popular DIMM modules are DDR SDRAM, DDR2 SDRAM and DDR3 SDRAM chips.

DIMMs based on DDR SDRAM chips are available with 184 pins (Fig. 1).

Rice. 1. 184-pin DIMM board:

1 - DDR SDRAM chips; 2 - buffer memory and error control chip; 3 - cutouts for mounting the board; 4 - key; 5 - connector

The key on the memory module is a cutout in the board, which, in combination with a corresponding protrusion in the motherboard connector, prevents the module from being installed the wrong way around. In addition, the key for incompatible RAM modules may have different placement (move between contacts in one direction or the other), indicating the supply voltage rating (2.5 or 1.8 V) and protecting against electrical damage.

Memory chips such as DDR2, DDR3, which replace DDR, are produced in the form of 240-pin DIMM modules.

Modern memory modules for PCs are supplied in 512 MB, 1.2 and 4 GB versions.

At the time of this writing, the market is dominated by third-generation DDR memory modules, or DDR3. DDR3 memory has higher clock speeds (up to 2400 megahertz), lower power consumption by approximately 30-40% (compared to DDR2) and correspondingly lower heat dissipation.

However, you can still find DDR2 memory and outdated (and therefore terribly expensive in places) DDR1 memory. All these three types are completely incompatible with each other, both electrically (DDR3 has lower voltage) and physical (see image).

The necessary and sufficient amount of RAM depends on the operating system and application programs that determine the intended use of the PC. If you plan to use the computer for office or “multimedia” purposes (Internet, working with office applications, listening to music, etc.), 1024 MB of memory (1 GB) will be enough for you. For demanding computer games, video processing, sound recording and mixing of musical compositions at home - at least 2 GB (2048 MB) of RAM. Preferably 3 gigabytes. It should also be noted that 32-bit versions (x86) of Windows do not support more than 3 gigabytes of RAM. We also note that the Windows Vista and Windows 7 operating systems require at least 1 GB of RAM to work comfortably with them, and up to 1.5 gigabytes when all graphic effects are enabled.

Characteristics and markings of RAM

Consider the markings

4096Mb (2x2048Mb) DIMM DDR2 PC2-8500 Corsair XMS2 C5 BOX

1024Mb SO-DIMM DDR2 PC6400 OCZ OCZ2M8001G (5-5-5-15) Retail

Volume

The first designation in the line is the size of the memory modules. In particular, in the first case it is 4 GB, and in the second it is 1 GB. True, 4 GB in this case is implemented not by one memory stick, but by two. This is the so-called Kit of 2 - a set of two planks. Typically, such kits are purchased to install strips in dual-channel mode in parallel slots. The fact that they have the same parameters will improve their compatibility, which has a beneficial effect on stability.

Type of shell

DIMM/SO-DIMM is a type of memory stick housing. All modern memory modules are available in one of the two specified designs.

Memory type

Memory type is the architecture by which the memory chips themselves are organized. It affects all technical characteristics of memory - performance, frequency, supply voltage, etc.

Data transfer frequencies for memory types:

DDR: 200-400 MHz

DDR2: 533-1200 MHz

DDR3: 800-2400 MHz

The number indicated after the memory type is the frequency: DDR400, DDR2-800.

Memory modules of all types differ in supply voltage and connectors and cannot be inserted into each other.

The data transfer frequency characterizes the potential of the memory bus to transfer data per unit time: the higher the frequency, the more data can be transferred.

However, there are other factors, such as the number of memory channels and memory bus width. They also affect the performance of memory subsystems.