Computer Memory

Delve into the world of computer maintenance and you’re certainly going to encounter a number of terms that could be quite confusing if you’re not sure what they are referring to. To help you along, we are going to run through a few of terms you might hear when looking for RAM.

DRAM, SDRAM & DDRAM

These terms are the most frequent you’ll probably encounter and they describe the different types of RAM that have been used in PCs and laptops over the last few decades. DRAM was the first type that was invented way back in 1968, before the rise of the home computer. SDRAM became widely used in the early 90s in the mass produced home computer boom, before evolving in Double Data Rate (DDR) SDRAM at the turn of the millennium.

DIMM

A Dual Inline Memory Module is the physical memory module that sits on your motherboard with memory chips sitting either side.

SO-DIMM

Standing for ‘Small Outline’ Dual Inline Memory Module, these are smaller versions of DIMMs, which are typically used in laptops and notebooks. SO-DIMMs are physically smaller than a DIMM and have fewer pins, so they are not interchangeable and cannot be used in desktop PCs. If you’ve bought the wrong type for your computer, it will be pretty obvious when you try and install it and you find that it doesn’t fit!

VRAM

You may come across this term from time to time, but it actually describes an obsolete technology that used to exist on the graphics card on a laptop or PC. Nowadays, it’s a term used when talking about memory in games consoles.

GDDR

Specifically referring to the memory used on a graphics card, Graphics Double Data Rate RAM will not typically be found on a computer with a standalone graphics card. Those computers that use an integrated graphics chipset will usually use the main DDR RAM for its operation. If you have a dedicated gaming machine, you are probably going to have specialised high bandwidth memory hardware, with the current standard being GDDR5 which has a huge transfer rate range of between 5-7 Gigabits of information per second per pin.

If you’re unsure about how to improve the performance of your laptop, we would recommend consulting with one of our technical support team to guide you on your way. 

Ram Memory is an essential component of laptops, desktop PCs, and servers alike. The smooth performance of your computer relies heavily on it having sufficient amounts of RAM to perform the majority of tasks it has to in the course of its operation. Too little memory will cause lagging, freezing and at worst, an inability to boot up. It is central to everything that a computer does.

Mass Production
Traditionally speaking, mass production of electronic components leads to a gradual fall in price of electronic equipment. For example, an LCD TV cost over £1,000 in early 2001 and now they can be picked up for around £300. RAM has bucked this trend, as its price can (and does) fluctuate on a day to day basis.

But why?

Manufacturing Expense
Unlike many other types of electronic component, RAM is consistently expensive to produce. This due in part to the costly equipment required to create the chips, but also because the manufacturing environment needs to be clinically sterile.

Any impurities that get into the silicone can cause manufacturing defects, so the area they are created in needs to be extremely clean. Another aspect of its production that drives the price of manufacturing up, is the fact that programming of the production equipment demands a very high level of engineering skill and expertise. This expertise combined with all of the above, costs money to achieve, the kind that only large companies can afford.

Other elements of the production process, like the manufacturing of the Printed Circuit Board (PCB) also have to be performed in an extremely sterile environment.

High Startup Costs
In addition to the key personnel that needs to be present to ensure high-quality production, there is a need to purchase the equipment needed to do so. This equipment can be eye-wateringly expensive, as the machines involved can cost anywhere from £10k to £5m, which why there aren’t that many RAM producing companies outside of the major players in the market.

All of these associated costs have to be met somehow, which is why the cost of this hardware tends to remain high when other types of electronics decrease in value over time. Throw in changing economic conditions and variations in the currency markets and you soon get a picture of why the cost to the end user fluctuates like it does.

Knowing when to buy your RAM for the best price is a little bit like playing the stock market, as it can behave in a similar way. So, when buying your RAM, remember the old adage “Prices can go up as well as down” and then you won’t be surprised when they do.