RAM

The most basic form of RAM are Inline Memory Modules. SIMMs, or Single Inline Memory Modules, process 32 bits at a time with either 30 or 72 pins. DIMMs, or Double Inline Memory Modules, install vertically into expansion sockets with the only significant difference being the pins on opposite sides of the board in the SIMM are "tied together" to form one electrical contact; on a DIMM, opposing pins remain electrically isolated to form two separate contacts. SO DIMM, or Small Outline Double Inline Memory Module, is commonly used for notebooks and smaller than the standard DIMM. Finally, there is the RIMM, commonly known as Direct Rambus. Similar to DIMM, it has a different pin count and can transfer 16 bit chunks of memory at a time. As its "offspring," SO RIMM, or Small Outline, uses Rambus technology.

Unique technologies bring unique experiences to include Flash Memory, Extended Data Out and Fast Page Mode. Flash Memory is rewritable memory that works like that of a hard drive and RAM and is great for digital cameras, handheld computers, and products of the like. Fast Page Mode (FPM) is able to locate information on the same page faster. Extended Data Out (EDO) allowed for shortcuts in the FPM and the CPU to access memory up to 15% faster. It also works well with bus speeds with little performance penalty.

There are 8 with "Random Access Memory" in the actual label. Each unit may be similar, but certainly needed for different processes. Dynamic RAM (DRAM) is the most common and is used as short term memory. Synchronous DRAM (SDRAM) synchronizes itself with the CPU for a faster response time. Enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM) is a small SDRAM to allow for lower latency times and burst operation. Asynchronous DRAM is given minimum time values that must complete a time cycle before starting the next operation. Direct Rambus Channel and the Double Data Rate Synchronous DRAM both allow quick operations with the climax of the time cycle.

Window, Video, and Synchronous Graphics RAM are all used for video and graphic processing. Window RAM has a smaller display port than Video Ram and supports EDO features; while Video RAM is the video version of FPM and works wonders with producing memory on the screen. Synchronous Graphics RAM is the video version of SDRAM.