ADDU 1st Semester 2023-2024
Computer Hardware Components - Memory
Computer Memory Subtopics
Memory Overview
Types of Computer Memory
Types of Memory Modules
Memory Hierarchy
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Computer Memory Memory Access Hierarchy
a device used to store data or programs
most forms are intended to store data temporarily
commonly referred to as primary storage
Aka system memory, temporary storage, RAM
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Prepared by: Engr. John Branzuela 1
ADDU 1st Semester 2023-2024
Computer Hardware Components - Memory
Data Retrieval
most data goes in RAM first
CPU stores pieces of data it will need to access
often in a cache and maintains certain special
instructions in the register.
The role of memory (1)
BOOT PROCESS
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BIOS ROM The role of
memory (1)
Boot process
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Prepared by: Engr. John Branzuela 2
ADDU 1st Semester 2023-2024
Computer Hardware Components - Memory
The role of memory (1) The role of memory (1)
PC loads data from ROM; sends reset when there loads the BIOS (Basic Input Output System) from
is good power ROM
POST(Power-on Self-Test): the BIOS starts the video adapter’s BIOS and starts it
check major components all peripheral devices have their own BIOS
check hardware configuration i.e. storage devices, plug and play
sound beep codes when problems are detected displays information from the video adapter and
BIOS, includes manufacturer and version number
memory controller checks all memory addresses
with a quick read/write operation video card BIOS starts first to turn on the display
the BIOS looks for an operating system
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The role of memory (1) The role of memory (2)
loads the OS from the hard drive into the system’s Applications:
RAM loaded into RAM when opened
critical part of the OS are maintained in RAM essential parts are loaded first
allows the CPU to have immediate access to the load other pieces as necessary
operating system, which enhances the
performance and functionality of the overall any files opened are loaded in RAM
system. saving a file will be written to the specified storage
device
when closed, the file and application are purged
from RAM
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Prepared by: Engr. John Branzuela 3
ADDU 1st Semester 2023-2024
Computer Hardware Components - Memory
The role of the CPU 2 Types of Computer
Memory
everything loaded is placed in RAM RAM
the CPU can access the information in RAM easily best known form of computer memory
CPU random access: refers to the ability to access a
single storage location in RAM without touching the
request data from RAM location that neighbors it.
process the data and writes [saves] new data back can transfer data to and from the CPU much faster
to RAM in a continuous cycle than all secondary storage devices.
very fast; happens millions of times every second ROM
aka firmware
an IC programmed w/specified data
non-volatile: can retain its contents(data) even
without power
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Memory Cells Classifications of RAM
Static RAM (SRAM)
etched onto a silicon does not require constant refreshing
wafer in an array of fast and expensive
columns (bitlines) and may be rewritten unlimited number of times
rows (wordlines).
commonly used for cache memory
Dynamic RAM (DRAM)
the intersection of a bitline
slower and less expensive than SRAM
and wordline constitutes
the address of the must be refreshed constantly
memory cell. forms the larger system RAM space
composed of a pair of transistor and a capacitor
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ADDU 1st Semester 2023-2024
Computer Hardware Components - Memory
Capacitor storage Refresh Operation
Capacitor for dynamic memory to work, either the CPU or
a device for storing electrical energy the memory controller has to recharge all of the
capacitors holding a 1 before they discharge
like a small bucket capable of storing energy
the memory controller reads the memory and
Storing writes it back
1: the bucket is filled with energy
happens automatically (about 2ms)
0: the bucket is empty
Drawback
it has a leak
the bucket becomes empty after a few milliseconds
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Memory Controller Static RAM
functions
row address select, column address select composed of a flip-flop
RAS-CAS; identify each row & column holds each bit of memory
counter takes four or six transistors
keeping track of the refresh sequence
makes SRAM significantly faster than DRAM
sense amplifier
drawback
reading and restoring the signal from a cell
it has more parts, takes more space on a chip
write enable
less memory per chip, more expensive
telling a cell whether it should take a charge or not
other tasks
identifying the type, speed & amount of memory
checking for errors
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ADDU 1st Semester 2023-2024
Computer Hardware Components - Memory
Memory Chips Types of Memory Modules
part of a card called a module SIMM
listed as 8x32 or 4x16 Single In-line Memory Module
represents the number of the chips multiplied by the
capacity of each individual chip
DIMM
measured in megabits(Mb), or 1 million bits
Dual In-line Memory Module
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SIMM SIMM
contacts on a SIMM are redundant on both sides
of the module
RAM technologies used: EDO, FPM
available in 30-pin and 72-pin modules:
30 pins:
8 bits of data (9-parity versions)
have to be installed in sets of 2 or 4
72 pins:
32 bits of data (36-parity versions)
replaced 30 pins SIMMs
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Prepared by: Engr. John Branzuela 6
ADDU 1st Semester 2023-2024
Computer Hardware Components - Memory
SIMM DIMM
separate contacts on each side of the module
comprises a series of RAM ICs
predominant type of memory module
has 64-bit data path
can be installed at one time
RAM technologies used: FPM, EDO, SDRAM, DDR
SDRAM, DDR2 SDRAM, DDR3 SDRAM, DDR4
SDRAM
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DIMM SO-DIMM
Memory Capacity DIMM – for PC
Memory Speed SO-DIMM – typically
Memory Timing for laptop
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ADDU 1st Semester 2023-2024
Computer Hardware Components - Memory
Memory Hierarchy Memory Hierarchy
Memory organization in a computer forms a
hierarchy of levels
arranged from:
very small, fast, and expensive registers
fast cache memory
larger DRAM
solid state drive(SSD)
hard disks drive(HDD)
network access storage(NAS)
slow and inexpensive non-volatile backup
storage(USB type of access)
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Memories in a typical Hard disk
computer
Level 1, 2 & 3 cache cheapest type
System RAM provide large quantities of inexpensive,
permanent storage
Virtual Memory
PRO: cost only cents per megabyte
CON: takes time to read a megabyte
forms the final stage of the CPU’s memory
hierarchy, called the virtual memory
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Prepared by: Engr. John Branzuela 8
ADDU 1st Semester 2023-2024
Computer Hardware Components - Memory
System RAM Memory Speed
next level of memory hierarchy The memory speed, measured in MHz, determines
speed is controlled by bus speed and bus width the speed that data transfer occurs with higher
numbers being faster. RAM, that is rated at 3000
bus width: number of bits that can be sent to the MHz, means that it performs 3000 million cycles
CPU simultaneously. per second, or 3 billion cycles a second.
bus speed: number of times a group of bits can be
The current AMD Ryzen generation of processors
sent each second.
support DDR4 memory at up to 3200 MHz speeds.
bus cycle: period data travels from memory to the
CPU. Intel’s 10th gen i3 and i5 processors support
memory at up to 2666 MHz, while their i7 and i9
much faster than any form of secondary storage. processors support memory at up to 2933 MHz.
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Number of Channels Column Address Strobe
(CAS) Latency
You can think of a channel as a ‘lane’ of CAS latency or CL, which is measured in
communication between the processor and nanoseconds refers to the delay in between the
memory. The more lanes, the faster the data request for data in the RAM and when it is
exchange can be. available.
Essentially, all modern CPUs support a minimum DDR4 memory modules usually have a CAS
dual-channel memory, with higher-end latency of at least 15, with lower ratings being
workstation CPUs like the AMD Threadripper and better.
Intel Xeon supporting more channels. In the case of two RAM modules having the same
To take advantage of dual-channel memory, speed but different CL latencies, the module with
install two RAM modules of the same type into the the lower CL will perform better.
two DIMM slots indicated by your motherboard
manual.
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Prepared by: Engr. John Branzuela 9
ADDU 1st Semester 2023-2024
Computer Hardware Components - Memory
CPU and Caches
RAM
interaction
1. CPU requests data very fast computer
from RAM memory
2. RAM Locates data used to hold
and is ready to frequently requested
transfer data and
3. Data moves to instructions.
CPU Cache Levels L1 cache:
4. Data Moves to L2 cache:
CPU Register for
L3 cache:
processing
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Registers Factors of CPU
Performance
the final step in memory The # of levels and size of cache
As of today L4 cache with 128MB memory is the
built right into the CPU that contain specific data maximum memory of cache (discontinued)
needed by the CPU, particularly the ALU
location of the cache
an integral part of the CPU
internal; aka primary cache
placed inside the CPU chip
external; aka secondary cache
located on the motherboard
Cache timing
synchronous
asynchronous
pipelined burst
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ADDU 1st Semester 2023-2024
Computer Hardware Components - Memory
Cache Timing Cache Timing
Asynchronous Pipelined burst
data is transferred without regard to the system uses pipelining technology
clock
allows to partially transfer data at the same time
slowest of all types
common on older PCs (486)
Synchronous
ties all activities in the system clock
must match the system bus speed
aka synchronous burst cache
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Definition of terms Definition of terms
ALU – Arithmetic and Logic Unit FPM – Fast Page Mode
cache - a supplementary memory system that OS – operating system
temporarily stores frequently used instructions and
data
POST – Power-On Self Test
DDR – double data rate
programs – sequence of instructions
DRAM – Dynamic RAM
RAM – random access memory
EDO – Extended Data Output
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Prepared by: Engr. John Branzuela 11
ADDU 1st Semester 2023-2024
Computer Hardware Components - Memory
Definition of terms Definition of terms
ROM – read only memory Virtual memory – a section of a hard drive that
can be used as if it were an extension of a
computer's random-access memory — called
registers –
also virtual storage
built right into the CPU that contain specific data
needed by the CPU (i.e. Arithmetic and Logic Unit)
small amount of storage that can be accessed
quickly by the CPU
SDRAM – Synchronous DRAM
SRAM – Static RAM
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Sources
Essential Computer Hardware, Kevin Wilson, 2017
[Link]
explained/
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