If the SSD or the hard drive is the memory of your computer, then the RAM (RAM) is thatShort -term memory. The abbreviation RAM stands for Random Access Memory.
It is oneSemiconductor memorythat does not require moving parts. In fact, one does not simply speak of a RAM module, but of a dual inline memory modules (DIMM).
Why actually RAM?
In the RAM, everything that is just needed is stored. For example, do you work on a Word document or edit a picture? Everything you do on your PC or every program executed is saved in the RAM. That's why the RAM is calledRAM.
In contrast to a hard drive, RAM is onevolatile memory, this means that it only stores information as long as electricity is on the memory module. If you switch off the computer or restart, the RAM will no longer be supplied with electricity and everything that was stored there will be gone.
A question of speed
Modern SSDs are already very fast, an M.2 SSD supports PCIe 5.0, currently creates up to 14.5 GB/s when reading. This is many times faster than a mechanical hard drive, but compared to a RAM modulestill slow.
Modern DDR5-5600 memory reaches aboutA range of 69.9 GB/s. Since the development does not stop, we will in the future with GDR6 guaranteed to see memory with an even higher range.
And this high bandwidth is important: yoursCPU has direct access to the RAMAnd this is exactly where the reason for the constant need is after ever faster memory. In the past, there were only processors with one core and the entire range of the RAM was available to this core. With the introduction of dual-core CPUs, it just halved each other per core.
Now you can imagine what happens to a processor with 16 or more seeds. The RAM brakes the CPU because simplynot sufficiently bandwidthis available for all cores.
More bandwidth
Before 2002, the so-called SDR memory was used in computers, with the abbreviation for single date rate. From 2002, SDR was still todaycurrent GDR standardreplaced.
GDR stands for Double Data Rate and actually says what's going on: The transmission rate has been doubled compared to SDR. This was made possible by not only transferring the data per transmission cycle with the rising flank of the signal, but alsoalso with the falling clock flank.
So GDR was the basic key to more bandwidth in the RAM. Even more bandwidth can only be done by oneIncreasing the clock frequencyto reach. Unless you use dual channel.
Dual Channel
While there was only one storage channel beforehand to transfer data between RAM and CPU, it is now two for dual-channel mode. The system can dataRead or write from both channels at the same time, from which a doubling of the memory bandwidth results.
Dual channel is actually supported by every reasonably modern mainboard today. There are also some main boards that have a RAM operation inTriple- oder Quad-Channel-Modesupport.
The prerequisite for dual channel is aCompatible mainboard and two identical RAM modulesWith the same capacity, clock rate and latency that are used in the correct slots. Most RAM manufacturers offer special kits from two or more modules that work together optimally.
What actually happens when the RAM is full?
At some point the largest RAM is also busy, which is the case at the latest if you have opened several large projects in parallel. But what happens then? In this case, the operating system stores data from the fast RAM into the so -called outsourcing file. By default, this is on theDrive Ccreated.
The size of this file is usuallydynamic, that means Windows takes as much space to outsource as necessary. If you don't want this, you can also adjust the size manually or completely deactivate the outsourcing file. If this is the case, there may be a crash of programs or the entire operating system if the RAM runs out.
The RAM shape factor
In the following I limit myself to the consumercommon form factors. With Rimm, FB-Dimm, LR-Dimm or Micro-Dimm etc., the average user usually does not come into contact at all or only very rarely.
As a rule, consumers only have toDimm and So-Dimmknow. As a rule, the normal dimms are installed in desktop PCs, while the significantly smaller So-Dimms are intended for laptops. However, there are exceptions, some particularly densely packed ITX mainboards and many mini-PCs also use SO-Dimms.
| DIMM | SO-DIMM | |
| Length (mm) | 133 | 67 |
| Pins (DDR5) | 288 | 260 |
The so -called are still relatively new on the marketCompression-Attached-Memory-Module (CAMM). This standard was developed by Dell, but now other manufacturers such as Lenovo also use corresponding modules.
The big difference is that Camms are not socketed, but are screwed on the main board. You have the advantage that youSignificantly thinner than So-Dimmsare and have shorter signal paths. So far, only a CAMM module has been installed in a computer.
Do I need ECC-RAM?
ECC-RAM (Error-Correcting Code RAM) is mainly used in professional systems and servers where maximum data accuracy and stability are important. He canRecognize and correct storage errorswhat is not possible with normal RAM modules.
So that ECC works,must support both the mainboard and the CPU this function. Interesting facts on the side: ECC modules can definitely run on a normal mainboard, they then work like normal RAM, the special functions are then simply not used.
At this point it should be emphasized that this can work, but does not necessarily have to work. It always plays a role here how picky your mainboard is. When using ECC modules, you can expect that the troubleshooting of the working memory2 percent of performancewill cost. In addition, ECC modules are more expensive.
Soldered memory
In notebooks, the RAM is often soldered directly on the main board for particularly thin models. Also with the announced on the CESIs that the case. Due to the soldered memory chips, valuable millimeters canHeightare saved that enables manufacturers to build their devices even thinner.
Other advantages are theshorter signal paths and higher energy efficiency. Particularly highly placed memory can also be better integrated into the existing cooling system. And of course the manufacturers also save costs because the dimmm sockets are eliminated.
The Apple M-processors are a special case. Here the RAM is not soldered on the mainboard, it isfirmly integrated into the CPU package.
How much RAM do I need?
Modern programs and games have developed a significantly larger memory in recent years, accordingly the storage manufacturers have also launched larger RAM modules for the end consumer. A few years ago they came along8-GB-RAMstill perfectly over the rounds.
In the meantime, however, it looks a little different: a size of 16 GB has been established as the standard today, which is sufficient for most applications. If you like to play sophisticated games or process pictures and videos on a high level, you should use at least 32 GB-RAM.The more demanding the tasks are, the more RAM makes sense.
But if you really only use your computer to surf and write of emails, you definitely don't need 32 GB or more, even if the brochures of large electronics markets often want to suggest something else.
