Technical characteristics of computer memory

The Concept of “memory” is very blurry. It is possible to carry the information storage device or memory. Therefore, the characteristic of the memory depends on what was going on.

Computer memory is an element of a computing machine, physical device or medium for archiving information. Is used for calculations taking place in a particular period.

Briefly about the system's memory

On the characteristics of the memory began to talk in 1940. Then that item PC has become important as the CPU. Since the memory is represented by a hierarchical structure, can use several device to record data, each of which has its own characteristics and functions.

In a personal computer, there are several types of memory. This files most often remember about dynamic memory device RAM. Although this is to be attributed to hard drive, CDs, flash drives and used floppy disks.

Task repositories

To determine the memory characteristics, it is necessary to understand the task. It's part of the PC stores in its cells system status and information. “Electronic cell” can remember the physical impact. In order to access such information, need to use a special mechanism.

The process of access - phased. The processes are time-dependent and are divided into write and read. Control the memory controllers. There is also an erase operation that populates cells with the same value.

Storage

Of Course, the primary function of memory is long-term data storage. Together with the CPU it is part of a von Neumann architecture, on which he built the whole system of modern computers.

The First model used the memory as an archive for processed information. They developed a special program which required a strict execution of sequential processes. With the emergence of the architecture of the von Neumann changed all that.

All persistent data are converted into bits. Therefore, the dependence on the physical principle of the accounting system and other factors disappeared. Now any kind of data: text, image, video, etc. - can be represented by a sequence of bit strings. Thus it became possible to “compress”, text files, placing them at 1 MB.

Since engineers have not yet developed a universal device that could perform many tasks necessary in a modern PC you can install multiple storage systems.

Types of computer memory

To view the technical characteristics of memory, you need to consider its types.

It is worth noting that there are two kinds of classifications: one describes the functionality of the memory, the second of its technical implementation.

Since we are talking about the characteristics of the recording systems, we shall consider only the classification of storage devices.

Groups:

• Form recorded information;
• Recording;
• Writeable;
• Assignment;
• Energy dependence;
• Access type.

These are the main groups that describe the PC memory from the point of view of technical implementation.

Saved information

All of the recording system can be divided into analog and digital. In the first case the signal is represented by parameters that describe a function of time and have a continuous set of possible values.

Is designed for Digital recording, storing and reading data, which is converted into a digital code. The characteristics of this type of memory are:

• Information capacity;
• Power consumption;
• Time of data storage;
• Speed.

The Opportunity

This group of memory devices, as the name implies, is characterized by the ability to record. So, there are systems that can record:

• Manufacturer;
• A user with a special mechanism;
• The end user with the same device that uses memory.

To the latter type since they are all existing storage devices in a PC.

Writable

A Similar group, which contains three subgroups:

• Device that has a single entry;
• Only mechanisms that can repeatedly enter and edit data, but have either a limited number of write cycles, or each time slower to write information;
• Repeatedly recording device.

Last subgroup is represented hard drives or flash drives.

Purpose

The Following group has its own technical characteristics:

• Internal memory stores data of system processes;
• Inner - presented devices that can store data for a long time;
• External - it is used to store data, but most often serves as a backup archive or data carrier;
• There are devices that identificeret or make payments.

Volatility

One of the key characteristics of computer memory. The device canto depend or not to depend on energy. In the first case all data is lost after power outage. Second, the information remains the custodian.

Volatile devices can be static or dynamic. In the first case, for storing data sufficient to support the power mechanism, the second information is destroyed over time, and besides saving power, it is necessary to carry out the regeneration.

Access

This moment also plays an important role in the characterization of the memory of the PC. There are several ways to access. For example, a magnetic tape working with consistent reading, and memory - free.

Hard disk drives provide direct access to databases - associative.

The Basic elements of the PC

Because it makes no sense to talk about all the variations of memory, consider the one that is used in the modern user's computer.

Collecting system or buying a ready-made, inside the chassis, you can find the motherboard. It usually contains all the main parts of the PC. There is a Central processor, without which it is difficult to imagine the system could be graphics card, although it is an optional element.

On the motherboard there is the RAM memory of the computer, the characteristics of which will be described below. Also to PC you can connect external memory. It can be solid state or hard disk, optical device, or a flash memory. All these elements are supported by the power supply.

Internal memory

Another element of the system, which is definitely worth mentioning. The fact that many think that the internal memory is a hard disk. In fact it is not.

Internal memory cells arranged on the motherboard. It can be fast volatile and permanent. The first group is just part of memory, and with it a cache of two levels. To permanent include ROM and CMOS RAM.

ROM or ROM is a nonvolatile memory that stores immutable data. To make it easier to understand: conventionally, it laid down a set of rules and algorithms that the system cannot work correctly. The mouse moves in that direction, “start” opens on demand, etc.

CMOS RAM did not appear immediately. Previously used only by the ROM BIOS. But it was decided that the additional non-volatile operating system. It collects information about time and date, alarm clock and different PC configurations.

Cache is called a cache memory. This PC memory characteristics a bit. It has a very small volume and works only in conjunction with a microprocessor and RAM. Main objective: to accelerate the total working time and processing speed.

Memory

As it is one of the main elements of the system need to dwell on this issue. RAM is a volatile storage device that stores machine code and intermediate data used by the processor. RAM works when the PC. Exchange the memory directly or via the cache.

Since this is a volatile device, the data on it is available only when voltage is applied. If the power RAM is stopped, even for a split second, then the information may be destroyed or distorted.

With the development of technologies there appeared an opportunity to incorporate energy-saving mode. In this case, the main characteristics of the RAM moving in “Sleep”. If the PC is translated into hibernation, then power RAM shuts down, but before that the memory will transfer the data to be stored on the ROM file hiberfil.sys. When you resume the system, this file produces the data “at will”.

RAM in modern systems

If you've ever seen the design of PC chassis, you know that the RAM represented by the dynamic memory modules, which are semiconductors.

Distinguish between dynamic and static type. The first is cheaper, but slower. Its density is higher, so one crystal is placed more memory cells. Hence the reduced speed.

But static memory is very fast, but expensive. At the moment it is not profitable to use RAM modules, so it is placed in the design of the cache memory and the microprocessor.

Key features of memory

This energy-dependent devices a lot of parameters. That is why when you purchase modules, there are problems with the choice. But if you understand at least the basic parameters, the picture becomes clearer.

A Regular user should know about:

• Type;
• Volume;
• Frequency;
• Manufacturer.

Memory

The characteristics of memory include RAM type is one of the main parameters, to which pay attention. If he miscalculate, the module may not stand up to the motherboard. During the existence of the “RAM”, its types actively changed.

More recently, the most popular was the DDR3. Now this type of selling is the cheapest. But many advanced users prefer DDR4. This is due to its improved performance and less strain and energy consumption.

In 2020, they intend to put DDR5 on the market, which will be twice as fast and more energy efficient than its predecessor. It is assumed that the density will be increased, and thus the volume.

RAM

Of Course, the characteristics memory 2 GB different from the same module, 4-GB volume. Otherwise no differences could not be, if this is a model of the same manufacturer.

The Volume always interests the user most, because it affects the performance and efficiency of the system. This became especially true with the release of time consuming games that can be deactivated due to lack of “RAM”.

If the PC is working, then it will be enough RAM to 4 GB. Features gaming systems more demanding. In this case it is better to get 16 GB of RAM.

RAM Frequency

Another option that you should look for when buying RAM. With each new series the frequency increases, which affects the throughput.

But do not think that if you set high-frequency memory to significantly increase performance. Besides, not every system can unlock the potential of your RAM.

Manufacturer of RAM

It is not the main feature of RAM, but sometimes very important when buying RAM. Some manufacturers provide high quality but expensive products. There are those who stood out in the production of different series for desktop, gaming PC or server stations. The most popular now are: Kingston, HyperX, Corsair, and Samsung.

Characteristic RAM laptop

The Parameters RAM to the laptop do not differ from the full-length versions. Used small contour double sided memory module SO-DIMM. It is a single format for all laptops. It is specifically designed for systems with limited space.

In Addition, you will have to pay attention to the volume. Now the optimal to study module 4 GB. Memory type DDR4 better to choose because it is already improved and so far the best among the rest.

External memory: disk drive

This type of memory are many types, but all considered, it makes no sense, because the part is no longer in use - for example, floppy disks. Even optical discs are going away from use. Therefore, we consider the characteristics of the external memory of the computer to hard (HDD) and solid state (SSD) drives.

To consider Separately the parameters of each device makes no sense, since they are practically identical. The only SSD is a more advanced version of HDD.

Among the main characteristics of the storage devices of this type there are several options. The SATA interface is used in both drives. Capacity - this parameter may reach 10 GB. Although in the case of SSD this doesn't happen because the device is very expensive in itself, and the memory is not in demand. But for train 10 GB, though unusual, but real.

The Physical size characteristic, also called form factor. We train size 3.5 inch, SSD to 2.5. Also the characteristics include power consumption figures. For SSD drives they will always be lower. But the number of input and conclusions to the contrary have the SSD above.

External memory: USB drive

Not to mention flash drives. They also refer to computer memory and have the technical characteristics. Their task and parameters:

• Store information;
• Transfer data from PC to device;
• Work with independent power supply and have low power consumption;
• Non-volatile;
• High-speed;
• Compact.

Flash drives can be in the form of a small card that is placed in cameras, camcorders, navigation devices, smartphones and tablets, recorders, and other devices.

Among their characteristics is to provide a format, the volume and data writing speed. Each device requires its own type of flash drive, so when choosing, you should carefully examine this issue.

There are external drives - USB-stick. They differ from the “cards” that have more volume, size, speed and consumption. There are also different variations of the standards, although the most popular is still USB A.

Since the establishment of such a drive, much time has passed. Changed versions of USB: 1.1, 2.0 and 3.0. The latter only introduced in the panel of motherboard and PC but is the fastest. It has a blue color to avoid confusion with our previously released formats. But if you connect to a USB 2.0 port, it will adapt to it.

Insights

The Main characteristics of computer memory is difficult to generalize, since the devices in the system are very different. Apparently, so had not yet developed a universal mechanism which would unite in itself and RAM, and ROM, and SSD and even the flash memory.

On the other hand, it would not be very convenient for the user. Therefore, every device has got its own characteristics that are affected by manufacturer, price, popularity, and other factors.

So, memory has a volume, frequency, voltage, and type. Similar characteristics and external drives (HDD and SSD). The buyer looks atform factor, interfaces, volume and overall health. Even the flash drive has similar parameters, among which there is again the same volume, format, speed.

Despite this similarity in the technical specifications, these devices are responsible for their specific tasks. RAM stores temporary information about the processes on your PC. But the hard and solid state drive retains the personal information of the user and the system. The flash drive also stores any data, but can be a “carrier” them to other devices.