IUBAT-International University of Business Agriculture and

Technology

Lab Report Name: RAM (Random Access Memory)

Course Code – CSC 348

Course Name – Computer Hardware and Maintenance.

Submitted To:
Md. Hasibul Islam

Senior Lecturer

Department of Computer Science and Engineering

Submitted By:
Shadi Islam Apu

ID:22103206

Program: BCSE

Section: F

Date 0f Submission: 29/4/2024

 Introduction of Hard Disk (HDD)
A Hard Disk Drive (HDD), an electro-mechanical storage device, utilizes magnetic storage to retain and
access digital data, constituting a non-volatile storage solution. Installed internally within computer systems,
it directly interfaces with motherboard disk controllers. Serving as a repository for the Operating System
(OS), installed software, and various computer files, the HDD ensures data persistence even when the
system is powered off. Also known as a fixed disk or hard drive, the HDD debuted in 1956 courtesy of IBM
and finds application in desktop computers, consumer electronics, and enterprise storage arrays housed in
data centers. Employing magnetic disks, HDDs store and retrieve operating systems, software programs, and
assorted files. Originally boasting capacities of less than 1 megabyte in early personal computers,
contemporary systems now accommodate HDDs up to 1 terabyte in size. External hard drives are commonly
employed with desktop computers for backup or supplementary storage purposes.
Different Components of Hard Disk Drive:
If we search into the deep inside of the HDD, we can see the different components which helps to
operate the HDD. Here’s a detailed picture of it:
External components:
Cover Mounting Holes: These are threaded holes on the metal casing of the HDD that allow it
to be secured using screws into a computer case.

Case Mounting Holes: Similar to cover mounting holes, these are on the opposite side of the
casing and are used for mounting within a drive bay of a computer case.

Internal Components:
Base Casting: This is the main body or frame of the HDD, typically made of aluminum, that
houses all the internal components.

Spindle: This is a rotating shaft at the center of the HDD that holds the platters in place. The
spindle motor spins the platters at high speeds (usually thousands of RPMs) to allow data reading
and writing.

Platters: These are the thin, circular disks, usually made of glass or aluminum, coated with a
special magnetic material. Data is stored on the platters as magnetized regions.

Actuator Arm: This is a mechanical arm that moves the read/write heads across the surface of
the platters to access specific locations for data retrieval or storage.

Actuator Axis: This is the central pivot point on which the actuator arm pivots to position the
heads over different areas of the platters.

Actuator: This term encompasses both the actuator arm and its associated mechanics for head
positioning.

Data Transfer and Control:

Slider (and Head): These are tiny read/write heads mounted on the end of the actuator arm.
They use electromagnetism to read data (by detecting existing magnetic patterns) or write data
(by creating new magnetic patterns) on the platters.

Ribbon Cable: This is a flat, flexible cable that connects the read/write heads to the drive
controller board. It carries electrical signals for data transfer and head control.

SCSI Interface Connector: (SCSI stands for Small Computer System Interface) This is a
connector (usually rectangular) on the HDD that allows it to connect to the motherboard using a
SCSI cable. SCSI was an older interface standard, and modern HDDs typically use SATA (Serial
ATA) connectors.
 Power and Configuration:
Jumper Pins: These are small pins on the drive controller board that can be configured with tiny
jumpers (shunts) to adjust settings like drive mode or master/slave selection (used in older
configurations).

Jumper: This is a small piece of plastic that connects two jumper pins, enabling a specific setting.

Power Connector: This is a connector that provides electrical power to the HDD for its operation.

Protection:
Tape Seal: This is a peel-able adhesive tape covering openings on the HDD casing. It helps
prevent dust from entering the sensitive internal components.

Read and Write Operation

The disk's Read-and-Write head, a diminutive component within a disk drive, hovers above the disk platter
and converts the platter's magnetic field into electric current (for reading data) or reversely, converts electric
current into a magnetic field (for writing data). Over time, these heads have undergone several modifications
and improvements.

Read Operation:

- Data Request: The computer sends a request to the HDD to read a specific piece of data.

- Head Positioning (Seek Time): The actuator arm precisely positions the read/write head over the
correct track on the platter containing the requested data. This movement is called seeking and can
cause a slight delay.

- Rotation (Rotational Latency): The platters constantly spin, so there's some wait time until the desired
sector with the data rotates under the read/write head. This is called rotational latency.

- Reading the Data: As the desired sector spins under the head, the magnetic field on the platter induces
a current in the head's coil. This current represents the digital data stored as magnetized patterns on the
platter.

- Data Transfer: The converted digital signal is sent to the computer's memory.
Write Operation:

- Data Transfer: The data to be written is sent from the computer's memory to the HDD controller.

- Head Positioning: Similar to read operation, the head is positioned over the target track on the
platter.

- Data Conversion: The controller converts the digital data into a specific magnetic field pattern.

- Writing the Data: The electromagnet in the read/write head generates a magnetic field based on
the received data. This field magnetizes tiny areas on the platter surface, storing the data.
RAM:
Random Access Memory (RAM) is a vital component of a computer system that serves
as temporary storage for data and instructions that the CPU (Central Processing Unit)
needs to access quickly. Unlike permanent storage devices such as hard drives or SSDs,
RAM is volatile memory, meaning it loses its contents when the power is turned off.

There are several types of RAM, each with its own characteristics and advantages:

Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM): DRAM is the most common type of RAM
used in computers. It requires constant refreshing to maintain data integrity, as it stores
data in capacitors. DRAM is relatively inexpensive but has higher latency compared to
other types.
Static Random Access Memory (SRAM): SRAM is faster and more expensive than DRAM.
It doesn't require refreshing like DRAM, as it stores data using a flip-flop circuit. SRAM is
commonly used in cache memory, where speed is essential.

Process of finding RAM in device:

To find RAM specifications in Windows, you can use several methods:
1. Task Manager:
 Right-click on the taskbar and select "Task Manager" or press Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
 In Task Manager, go to the "Performance" tab.
 Under the "Memory" section, you'll see details such as the total amount of RAM
installed, the type of RAM (DDR3, DDR4, etc.), and the speed (in MHz) of the
RAM.
2. System Information:
 Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog.
 Type msinfo32 and press Enter.
 In the System Information window, expand the "Components" section and select
"Memory". Here, you can find details about the installed RAM, including its total
capacity, type, speed, and more.

3. Command Prompt:
 Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog.
 Type cmd and press Enter to open Command Prompt.
 In the Command Prompt window, type wmic memorychip get Capacity, Speed,
Manufacturer, PartNumber and press Enter. This command will display detailed
information about each RAM module installed in your system.
4. CPUZ
How to install RAM:

Power off the computer and unplug it from the power source.
Installation Steps:
1. Prepare Workspace:
 Lay your computer on a flat surface with easy access to the internal components.
 Remove any cables or peripherals connected to the computer.
2. Open Computer Case:
 Depending on your computer case, you may need to remove screws, slide
panels, or use a latch to open it. Refer to your computer manual for specific
instructions.
3. Locate the RAM Slots:
 Identify the RAM slots on your motherboard. They are typically long, narrow
slots near the CPU socket.
 If you're replacing existing RAM, locate the installed modules and note how they
are positioned. Most motherboards have two or four RAM slots.
4. Prepare the RAM Modules:
 Remove the RAM modules from their packaging.
 Align the notch on the RAM module with the notch in the RAM slot to ensure
proper orientation.
5. Insert the RAM Modules:
 Gently push down on the levers or tabs at the ends of the RAM slots to open
them.
 Carefully insert the RAM module into the slot at a slight angle. Ensure the
module is fully seated in the slot.
 Once the RAM module is in place, press down firmly on both ends until the
levers or tabs click into place, securing the module.
6. Close Your Computer Case:
 After installing the RAM modules, close your computer case by reversing the
steps you took to open it.
  Ensure all screws or latches are securely fastened to prevent any loose
connections.
7. Power On the Computer:
 Plug in your computer and turn on the power.
 Your computer should automatically recognize the new RAM during the boot
process.
 To verify that the RAM is installed correctly, you can check the system properties
or use diagnostic software to view the installed RAM capacity.

Types of DRAM:
1. DDR (Double Data Rate Synchronous DRAM):
 DDR SDRAM was the first generation of DDR memory and offered significant
performance improvements over the previous SDRAM technology.
 DDR memory transfers data on both the rising and falling edges of the clock
signal, effectively doubling the data transfer rate compared to SDRAM.
 There are different DDR standards like DDR, DDR2, DDR3, DDR4, and DDR5, each
with increased data transfer rates and improved power efficiency compared to
its predecessor.
2. DDR2 (Double Data Rate 2 Synchronous DRAM):
 DDR2 SDRAM is an evolution of DDR SDRAM technology, offering higher data
transfer rates and lower power consumption.
 DDR2 memory modules have a different physical design and notch placement
compared to DDR modules, making them incompatible with DDR slots.
3. DDR3 (Double Data Rate 3 Synchronous DRAM):
 DDR3 SDRAM continued the trend of increasing data transfer rates and lowering
power consumption compared to DDR2 memory.
 DDR3 memory modules are not backward compatible with DDR2 or DDR slots
due to differences in physical design and signaling.
4. DDR4 (Double Data Rate 4 Synchronous DRAM):
 DDR4 SDRAM represents a significant leap in performance and power efficiency
over DDR3 memory.
 DDR4 memory modules require a DDR4-compatible motherboard and processor
and are not compatible with DDR3 slots.
5. DDR5 (Double Data Rate 5 Synchronous DRAM):
 DDR5 SDRAM is the latest generation of DDR memory, offering even higher data
transfer rates and improved power efficiency compared to DDR4.
 DDR5 memory modules require DDR5-compatible motherboards and processors
and are not backward compatible with DDR4 slots.