Computer Maintenance and Technical Support

(ITec2032)

Chapter Four
Memory

April 6, 2016
Kaledawit E

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 Chapter Four
Memory
 Types of memory
 Random Access Memory defined
 Physical memory packaging
 Read-only Memory and Cache Memory
 Identify Memory Problems and Solution
 Memory upgrading
 Memory removing/ inserting steps

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 Types of Memory

• Types of Memory:

– RAM (Random Access Memory) is volatile memory found on

the motherboard and stores the operating system, the software
applications, and the data being used by all of the software.
– ROM (Read Only Memory) is a non-volatile type of memory
that keeps data in chips even when the computer is shut off.

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 Random Access Memory defined
 Commonly known as random access memory, or just RAM

 Another name is Main memory

 Holds instructions and data needed for programs that are

currently running
 Contents of RAM are lost when power is turned off

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 Physical memory packaging
• Types of Memory Packaging:
– DIP (Dual In-line Package) – A chip that has a row of legs
running down each side.
– SIMM (Single In-line Memory Module) – Available in 30-pin
and 72-pin configurations.
– DIMM (Dual In-line Memory Module) – 168-pin configuration
and used in Pentium, Pentium Pro, Pentium II or Pentium III
motherboards.
– DDR DIMM – 184-pin configuration and used in AMD Athlon
computers, Pentium 4 computers, and high-end servers.
– RIMM – Type of memory module used on video adapters and
future motherboards.
• The various types are often described by their pin count, memory row width, or memory type.

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Memory Physical Packaging
Memory Chips

Memory – Figure #1
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Memory Physical Packaging

184-Pin DDR DIMM and RIMM

Memory – Figure #2
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 Types of RAM
Types of RAM:
1.DRAM (Dynamic RAM) is less expensive, but slower than
SRAM. It requires periodic refreshing of the electrical charges
holding the 1s and 0s.
2. SRAM (Static RAM) is faster but more expensive than DRAM.
It is also known as cache memory or L2 cache.
Others Types of RAM:
 RDRAM (Rambus DRAM) – Developed by Rambus, Inc. and used in
Pentium 4 computers and some video adapters. RDRAM is
packaged in RIMMs.
• When RIMMs are used, all memory slots must be filled. Put an C-
RIMM (Continuity RIMM), which is a blank RIMM, in any empty
slot.
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 Types of RAM
 DDR RAM (Double Data Rate RAM) – also called DDR
SDRAM – Data can be transmitted on both sides of the clock
signal (rising and falling edges)
 VRAM (Video RAM) – A type of memory found on a video
card.
 WRAM (Windows RAM) – Dual-ported memory found on
video adapters.
 SGRAM (Synchronous Graphic Random Access Memory) –
Used on video adapters and graphics accelerators and have
special memory techniques that speed up graphics-intensive
functions.
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 Read-only Memory and Cache Memory
ROM (Read Only Memory) is a non-volatile type of
memory that keeps data in chips even when the
computer is shut off.
Cache Memory – also known as SRAM – can be found on
the motherboard, but normally is found inside the CPU.
Cache memory holds the most frequently used data so
the CPU does not return to the slower DRAM chips to
obtain the data.

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 Types of ROM

ROM: read-only memory (Pre-programmed)

PROM: programmable ROM
Only written once
EPROM: erasable PROM
Use ultraviolet light to erase data
EEPROM: electronically EPROM
Can be erased using electronic impulses (higher
voltages)

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 Identify Memory Problems

1. Computer will not boot-up even in DOS

2. Blue Screens of Death,
3. computer randomly/frequent crashes, freezes,
reboots when the application runs.
4. Different brands have/not Beeb sound

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 Recommended solution

Following all these basic steps can help avoid a more

serious computer memory problem.
 Check your hardware and system configuration
 Reinstall the computer memory modules
 Swap or replace the computer memory modules
 Update the system BIOS
 Listen to the beep codes and refer the vendors
document.
 Check physically inserted into slots/ sockts 13
 Memory Upgrading
Each motherboard has specific requirements for RAM.
Sometimes you can install slightly different kinds of RAM, but
this could result in decreased performance or even shorter life
for your new memory. If at all possible, install memory best
suited to your mainboard, meeting as many of the following
requirements as possible:
 Timing
 Speed/Data Rate
 Voltage
 Number of Pins (Mandatory)
 Maximum supported memory
 Maximum supported memory per DIMM slot
 Does your mainboard require memory in pairs or not?
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 Installing Memory Chips

• Installation Steps:

– Determine which chip capacities can be used for the system.

– Determine how much memory is needed.

– Determine what capacity chips go in each bank.

• Before removing or installing memory chips, always refer to the

documentation for you computer.
• Use an anti-static wrist strap when removing or installing memory
chips.

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 Removing a DIMM/RIMM

• To remove a DIMM or a RIMM, push down on

the outside edges of the DIMM’s retaining
tabs. The DIMM/RIMM lifts slightly out of the
socket.

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Removing a DIMM/RIMM
DIMM/RIMM Removal

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 Installing a DIMM/RIMM
• To install a DIMM or RIMM, align the notches on the
DIMM/RIMM with the socket and press down until the tabs
close on the memory module.
• The following concepts summarize the most important
memory installation steps:
– Always refer to the motherboard or computer
documentation before purchasing or installing memory.
– Install SIMMs into Pentium or higher computers in groups
of two.
– When installing DIMMs, install one DIMM per bank.
– When installing RIMMs, install one RIMM per bank and fill
the empty banks with C-RIMMs.
– When installing DDR SDRAM DIMMs, insert one DIMM per
bank.
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Installing a DIMM/RIMM
DIMM/RIMM Installation

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 Configuring the Computer
• After memory has been installed in a
computer, changes to the CMOS Setup are
required to recognize the new memory.
• The memory count during POST should equal
the amount of memory installed.

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