Memory: system memory, graphics memory
To enable fast execution of commands, the computer needs
an area where it can store data randomly, which upon the completion
of the work is erased, thereby facilitating the writing of
new data for subsequent commands. This type of random and
volatile storage area in the computer is defined as RAM or
random access memory and is opposite to sequential access
memory as evidenced in tape drives and disks.
System memory
RAM is the core/ main/ principle/ system memory of the computer.
RAM is used to hold the program code and data during computation.
It can access all memory locations at almost the same speed
and hence adding more RAM is an easy way to increase system
performance. RAM is packaged as integrated circuits (ICs)
and is commonly known as a RAM chip, which is also often assembled
into plug-in modules. The standard RAM modules are dual in-line
package (DIP), single in-line pin package (SIPP), single in-line
memory module (SIMM), dual in-line memory module (DIMM), rambus
modules or RIMMS, small outline DIMM (SO-DIMM), and small
outline RIMM (SO-RIMM).
System memory (RAM modules) used in laptops
- 72 pins (32-bit) Small outline DIMM (SO-DIMM)
- 144 pins (64-bit) Small outline DIMM (SO-DIMM)
- 200 pins (72-bit) Small outline DIMM (SO-DIMM)
- all types of Small outline RIMM (SO-RIMM)
Graphics memory
The graphics memory is in the graphics card processor. The
development of the graphics card processor's ability is matched
by an increase in graphics memory bandwidth, speed, and capacity
to facilitate an overall increased graphics performance. The
system memory and graphics memory have the same origins. Along
with the system memory SDRAM, the graphics memory SGRAM also
developed. Similarly, keeping in tune with the progress of
system memory, in the current status quo, DDR memory is the
best in system memory and GDDR3 memory is the best in graphics
memory. Most DDR memory are packaged in 66 pins - 33 pins
TSOP-II and 144-pin FBGA style, where the memory frequencies
reach DDR 350 MHz or 400 MHz with effective speeds of 700
MHz and 800 MHz respectively. These speeds have been applied
in higher-end graphics card such as the GeForce FX 5900 and
the RADEON X800 (R430 core). DDR memory can reach up to 500
MHz (effective speed 1 GHz) of frequency, but such modules
are difficult to manufacture, and hence the costs are very
high. Therefore, high-end graphics cards using DDR memory
set maximum frequencies from 350 to 400 MHz, which is found
in nVidia GeForce FX and MX series and also in ATI RADEON
series. Graphic cards usually fall in two categories - those
who use DDR memory and those who use GDDR3 memory. Notebook
computer reviews state that in an effort to increase speed,
the future technologies in graphics memory, promise XDR and
GDDR4 solutions, offering bandwidths of 100 GB or upwards.
Graphics memory used in laptops
- nVidia GeForce 6600 GT
- nVidia GeForce 6800 GT
- nVidia GeForce 6800 Ultra
- ATI RADEON X700 Pro
- ATI RADEON X850 XT
- ATI RADEON X800 XT PE
- ATI RADEON X850 XT PE
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