TERMINOLOGY: Memory Definitions, Descriptions & Terminology
So many types of memory. So many terms used to describe it. EDO, DRAM, BEDO, etc, WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN?!?
Use this handy list of memory specific definitions below to help you understand what it all means.
Here are some of the most common terms you will here, be sure to click READ MORE below to view the entire list.
NON-ECC/Non-parity — Most desktop and laptop computers take NON-ECC or Non-parity memory.
ECC/Parity — ECC or parity modules look for errors in data and are most often found in servers and other mission-critical applications used by large networks and businesses.
Unbuffered — Most PCs and workstations use unbuffered memory which is faster than registered memory.
Registered/Buffered — Registered or buffered modules delay all information transferred to the module by one clock cycle. This type of memory is primarily used in servers.
Fully buffered — Designed for next-generation servers, features an advanced memory buffer.
CL — CAS (column address strobe) latency, which is the number of clock cycles it takes before data starts to flow after a command is received. Lower CL is faster. Modules with different CL can be mixed on a system, but the system will only run at the highest (slowest) CL.
Component configuration — (For example: 64Meg x 64) Indicates the size of the memory chip components on the module.
Voltage — For example 2.6V. Indicates the power used by the module. The lower the better.
What does memory do, how does it work and why do I need more?
Memory Swapping: This is why the more RAM you have, the more things you can execute faster in your computer. But what happen when you want to open an application that takes more memory that your RAM can support? Memory swapping happen. Lets say you have a total of 512 megabytes of RAM. And you open an application that needs 1014mb of RAM to fully operate. Theres a problem, now your computer will take 512mb’s of data at a time, sends it to the CPU, wait to get it back again, sends it back to the harddrive, retrieve the OTHER 512mb’s that have remained untouched, sends to the CPU, wait to get it back, and re-send it to the harddrive. He will make that again, and again, and again until your application has closed. Due to the harddrive read/write speed memory swapping will greatly slower your system. The solution? Get more ram. The advantage of having more RAM is that you can execute multiple applications before going into a memory swapping situation.