FLASH CARDS

1.03 Install the Appropriate RAM

What is the purpose of RAM in a computer system?
RAM loads processes and data from the disk into system memory, where the CPU can access them quickly. It is faster than SSDs and HDDs but is volatile, storing data only when powered on.
What is virtual memory, and how does it work?
Virtual memory extends memory space using disk storage (pagefile or swap space) when RAM is insufficient. It moves inactive data to swap space and retrieves it as needed, though excessive paging can slow down the system.
What does the data bus width determine?
The data bus width determines how much data can be transferred per clock cycle. Typically, it is 64 bits in a single-channel memory controller.
How much memory can a 32-bit CPU access?
A 32-bit CPU can access up to 4 GB of memory.
How much memory can a 64-bit CPU access?
A 64-bit CPU can access up to 256 terabytes of memory.
What is the most common type of modern system RAM?
Double Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (DDR SDRAM).
How does DRAM (Dynamic RAM) store data?
DRAM stores data as electrical charges in bit cells, which consist of a capacitor and a transistor.
What is the advantage of SDRAM (Synchronous DRAM) syncing with the motherboard clock?
It allows the RAM to coordinate with the CPU's operations in a timed manner, reducing wait times and improving overall system performance.
What are the data rates, transfer rates, and maximum sizes for DDR3?
DDR3: 800-2133 MT/s, 6.4-17.066 GB/s, up to 8 GB per module
What are the data rates, transfer rates, and maximum sizes for DDR4?
DDR4: 1600-3200 MT/s, 12.8-25.6 GB/s, up to 32 GB per module
What are the data rates, transfer rates, and maximum sizes for DDR5?
DDR5: 4800-6400 MT/s, 38.4-51.2 GB/s, up to 128 GB per module
What is a memory module?
A memory module is a printed circuit board that holds multiple RAM chips.
What is the main type of memory module for desktops?
A memory module for desktops, is typically a DIMM (Dual Inline Memory Module).
What is the main type of memory module for laptops?
A memory module for laptops, is typically a SODIMM (Small Outline DIMM).
What features do DIMMs have to ensure compatibility and proper installation?
DIMMs have notches (keys) that fit into specific motherboard slots, ensuring proper orientation and compatibility with the motherboard’s DDR type.
What precautions should be taken when installing memory modules?
Handle memory modules with anti-ESD precautions, as they are sensitive to electrostatic discharge.
What is the difference between single-channel and dual-channel memory?
Single-channel uses one 64-bit data bus, while dual-channel uses two 64-bit pathways, effectively doubling data transfer rates.
What must be considered when installing RAM for dual-channel mode?
Install identical RAM modules (in speed, capacity, and timing) in the correct paired slots, usually indicated by color-coding on the motherboard.
What advancements do DDR5 modules offer for multi-channel memory?
DDR5 modules have two 32-bit channels each, improving memory density, reducing latency, and supporting multi-core CPUs more effectively.
What is ECC RAM, and why is it used?
ECC (Error Correcting Code) RAM detects and corrects errors in data, ensuring stability and reliability in workstations and servers.
How does ECC RAM detect errors?
ECC RAM performs a hash calculation on data during each transfer, storing it as an 8-bit checksum. The memory controller then compares checksums to detect and correct errors.
What is the difference between Registered DIMMs (RDIMMs) and Unbuffered DIMMs (UDIMMs)?
RDIMMs have an extra component to reduce electrical load on the memory controller, providing more stability but with a slight performance cost. UDIMMs do not have this component and are common in non-ECC RAM.
How does DDR5 handle error checking?
DDR5 has its own error checking, but unlike traditional ECC, it doesn’t involve the memory controller or send errors to the CPU.
What must match between the memory module and motherboard for proper installation?
The DDR type of the memory module must match the motherboard (e.g., DDR5 modules cannot be installed in DDR4 slots), and the module’s speed should match the motherboard’s bus speed for optimal performance.
What form factor is used for laptop memory, and how is it installed?
Laptops use SODIMM modules, which are typically installed at a 45º angle into dedicated slots for easy insertion and removal.

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FLASH CARDS

1.03 Install the Appropriate RAM

What is the purpose of RAM in a computer system?

RAM loads processes and data from the disk into system memory, where the CPU can access them quickly. It is faster than SSDs and HDDs but is volatile, storing data only when powered on.

What is virtual memory, and how does it work?

Virtual memory extends memory space using disk storage (pagefile or swap space) when RAM is insufficient. It moves inactive data to swap space and retrieves it as needed, though excessive paging can slow down the system.

What does the data bus width determine?

The data bus width determines how much data can be transferred per clock cycle. Typically, it is 64 bits in a single-channel memory controller.

How much memory can a 32-bit CPU access?

A 32-bit CPU can access up to 4 GB of memory.

How much memory can a 64-bit CPU access?

A 64-bit CPU can access up to 256 terabytes of memory.

What is the most common type of modern system RAM?

Double Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (DDR SDRAM).

How does DRAM (Dynamic RAM) store data?

DRAM stores data as electrical charges in bit cells, which consist of a capacitor and a transistor.

What is the advantage of SDRAM (Synchronous DRAM) syncing with the motherboard clock?

It allows the RAM to coordinate with the CPU's operations in a timed manner, reducing wait times and improving overall system performance.

What are the data rates, transfer rates, and maximum sizes for DDR3?

DDR3: 800-2133 MT/s, 6.4-17.066 GB/s, up to 8 GB per module

What are the data rates, transfer rates, and maximum sizes for DDR4?

DDR4: 1600-3200 MT/s, 12.8-25.6 GB/s, up to 32 GB per module

What are the data rates, transfer rates, and maximum sizes for DDR5?

DDR5: 4800-6400 MT/s, 38.4-51.2 GB/s, up to 128 GB per module

What is a memory module?

A memory module is a printed circuit board that holds multiple RAM chips.

What is the main type of memory module for desktops?

A memory module for desktops, is typically a DIMM (Dual Inline Memory Module).

What is the main type of memory module for laptops?

A memory module for laptops, is typically a SODIMM (Small Outline DIMM).

What features do DIMMs have to ensure compatibility and proper installation?

DIMMs have notches (keys) that fit into specific motherboard slots, ensuring proper orientation and compatibility with the motherboard’s DDR type.

What precautions should be taken when installing memory modules?

Handle memory modules with anti-ESD precautions, as they are sensitive to electrostatic discharge.

What is the difference between single-channel and dual-channel memory?

Single-channel uses one 64-bit data bus, while dual-channel uses two 64-bit pathways, effectively doubling data transfer rates.

What must be considered when installing RAM for dual-channel mode?

Install identical RAM modules (in speed, capacity, and timing) in the correct paired slots, usually indicated by color-coding on the motherboard.

What advancements do DDR5 modules offer for multi-channel memory?

DDR5 modules have two 32-bit channels each, improving memory density, reducing latency, and supporting multi-core CPUs more effectively.

What is ECC RAM, and why is it used?

ECC (Error Correcting Code) RAM detects and corrects errors in data, ensuring stability and reliability in workstations and servers.

How does ECC RAM detect errors?

ECC RAM performs a hash calculation on data during each transfer, storing it as an 8-bit checksum. The memory controller then compares checksums to detect and correct errors.

What is the difference between Registered DIMMs (RDIMMs) and Unbuffered DIMMs (UDIMMs)?

RDIMMs have an extra component to reduce electrical load on the memory controller, providing more stability but with a slight performance cost. UDIMMs do not have this component and are common in non-ECC RAM.

How does DDR5 handle error checking?

DDR5 has its own error checking, but unlike traditional ECC, it doesn’t involve the memory controller or send errors to the CPU.

What must match between the memory module and motherboard for proper installation?

The DDR type of the memory module must match the motherboard (e.g., DDR5 modules cannot be installed in DDR4 slots), and the module’s speed should match the motherboard’s bus speed for optimal performance.

What form factor is used for laptop memory, and how is it installed?

Laptops use SODIMM modules, which are typically installed at a 45º angle into dedicated slots for easy insertion and removal.

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