Chapter 4: RAM Types and Features

Question 1

What is the purpose of installing more RAM?

Answer 1

Installing more RAM improves transfers between the CPU and both RAM and hard drives

Question 2

What are 10 memory upgrade considerations?

Answer 2

1. Memory module form factor (ex 240-pin DIMM etc)
2. Memory chip type used on the module
3. Memory module speed
4. Memory module latency
5. Error checking
6. Allowable module sizes and combinations
7. The number of modules needed per bank of memory
8. Whether the system requires or supports multi channel memory
9. The total number of modules that can be installed

Question 3

5 Types of RAM

Answer 3

1. DRAM
2. SDRAM
3. DDR SDRAM
4. DDR2 SDRAM
5. SRAM

Question 4

What is it important to specify the right memory chip type?

Answer 4

to avoid conflicts with onboard memory and provide stable performance

Question 5

What are 3 ways to specify the speed of a memory module?

Answer 5

1. The actual speed in ns (nanoseconds) of the chips on the module
2. The clock speed of the data bus
3. The throughput (in Mbps) of the memory. (this method is used by current memory types)

Question 6

All of the modules in a bank should have the same ______ as well as ______ and ______

Answer 6

latency; size; speed

Question 7

If a system is performing critical work (such as high level mathematics or financial functions or departmental or enterprise level server tasks) __________ in the motherboard and ______ are worthwhile options to specify

Answer 7

ECC support; ECC memory

Question 8

What will happen if you need more than one module per bank, and only one module is installed?

Answer 8

The system will ignore it

Question 9

Systems that require multiple modules per bank require that modules be ______________.

Answer 9

the same size and speed

Question 10

What is SDRAM usually used for? (3)

Answer 10

as cache memory for CPUs, as buffers within hard drives, and as temporary storage for LCD screens