RAM Memory

RAM memory is the main memory of a device, where the data from the programs you are using at this moment is temporarily stored. Its acronym stands for Random Access Memory, which translated into Spanish would be "Memoria de Acceso Aleatorio." It is a type of memory found in any device, from desktop computers to mobile phones.

RAM memory has two characteristics that differentiate it from other types of storage. On one hand, it has an enormous speed, and on the other, data is only stored temporarily. This means that every time you restart or turn off your computer, the data stored in RAM is usually lost.

What is RAM in computing?

RAM, or Random Access Memory, is a component that is part of the hardware ecosystem, past, present (and perhaps future), whose main purpose is to act as a bridge between the operating system, software, processor, and other devices, enabling them to exchange information.

It is essentially the system's main memory, featuring high read and write speeds as it communicates with nearly all parts of a modern PC. However, it remains secondary in importance compared to the CPU cache and is somewhat in line with other types of memory like ROM.

RAM is a volatile type of memory, meaning the data it stores remains there only as long as it receives sufficient power to function properly.

What is RAM used for?

Your computer or mobile device does not execute all actions using only the hard drive, as this would take too long. That's why a much faster type of memory is used to make immediate tasks more efficient. RAM stores the CPU's instructions or the data that applications constantly need. These instructions remain there until the computer is turned off or replaced with new ones.

On the other hand, using a VPS cloud system definitely requires greater processing power. The processing unit is essential for the proper implementation of a virtual private server.

So, is RAM a key piece in speeding up processes? Can a VPS cloud also help streamline your business processes? The answer is yes.

In a VPS cloud, we have guaranteed resources like in a dedicated server. A VPS cloud has an isolated environment with its own dedicated RAM and CPU, so no other user can use these resources.

But why opt for a VPS cloud? It provides you with guaranteed resources and full control without having to manage your own server. A VPS cloud is an excellent solution for websites with medium to high traffic, resource-intensive tasks, and e-commerce.

What types of RAM exist?

RAM is just one of the many types of random-access memory available today, where its main feature in electronics is being an integrated circuit that is soldered onto an independent printed circuit, where the chips that give life to its nomenclature are also soldered.

There are two types of RAM. DDR (Double Data Rate) memories are capable of performing two operations in each clock cycle, unlike SDR (Single Data Rate) types, which only execute one read or write operation. DDR chips are activated twice per clock signal cycle, either by level (high or low) or by edge (rising or falling).

This functionality is the same for DDR3, DDR4, and the soon-to-be-seen DDR5 standards or their predecessors. However, the more modern the standard, the higher the speed it can operate at. For example, DDR4 with a data rate of 3.2 GB/s and a maximum transfer rate of 25.6 GB/s is not the same as DDR5 with 6.4 GB/s and 51.2 GB/s, respectively.

Therefore, new generations of RAM offer higher performance than previous ones, along with greater scalability and energy efficiency. This is why upgrading to newer memory can be beneficial if you want more performance. However, there is one problem: the RAM standard you can use is defined by your device's motherboard. Each memory standard offers different features, although DDR4 is the current standard. Here is a summary of key characteristics for each type:

• DDR Memory: The oldest version, used in computers with Pentium 4 and Athlon processors in older generations. They run around 400 MHz.
• DDR2 Memories: Still quite common, as they were used in systems with LGA775 and AM2 sockets. They are sold with frequencies up to 1,066 MHz and are very expensive compared to the current standard, DDR4.
• DDR3 Memories: Replaced by DDR4 but still available on the market with significant presence, used with LGA1150 (Core 4000) and AM3+ (FX) sockets. The maximum speed offered by kits on the market is around 2,400 MHz, although some specific models approach 3 GHz.
• DDR4 Memories: As mentioned, this is the current standard and offers the best performance. Kits with speeds over 4 GHz are available.

RAM Capacity

We've mentioned that the capacity (or amount) of RAM is the first thing we should consider, but we must remember that there are different levels that can be considered optimal depending on what you plan to do with the PC.

Nowadays, the most common configurations are memory modules with a minimum of 1 GB and kits with a minimum of 4 GB (two modules of 2 GB each). Here’s a list of recommended amounts for different tasks and applications to ensure a good user experience:

• Basic work in Word, internet browsing, and simple multimedia: 2 GB of RAM will suffice.
• Working with complex documents, web browsing with multiple tabs, multimedia, and moderate multitasking: you need at least 4 GB of RAM.
• Working with any type of document, web browsing with dozens of tabs, gaming, multimedia, and high multitasking: you should have 8 GB of RAM.
• Intensive applications (photo and video editing), demanding games, multitasking, and multimedia: 16 GB of RAM is recommended.

It’s crucial to review RAM specifications to ensure its adequate for your company’s tasks and the smooth functioning of a VPS cloud.

The main advantage of a VPS cloud is that it has many of the benefits of a dedicated server but at a fraction of the cost, making it an excellent option for users who need more freedom in usage and configuration.

Now, the next question is: what type of VPS cloud do you need? An unmanaged VPS (also known as a self-managed VPS) tends to require advanced technical knowledge and a basic understanding of Linux and the command line. Unmanaged VPS cloud plans allow you to configure and update the VPS hosting to your exact preferences.

RAM Features 

RAM, regardless of the type, generally has the following characteristics:

• Data Bus: The data bus is the pathway through which data is transmitted to and from the RAM.
• Memory Channels: These define the number of simultaneous accesses to RAM that can occur.
• Address Bus: RAM is organized in a matrix, and accessing it requires an address containing the row and column where the data is located. This address is specified by the CPU when it wants to access that specific data.
• Latency: Indicates the time it takes to access data. First, the column is located, then the row, and finally, RAM receives or transmits the data.
• Control Bus: The control bus determines the direction in which data moves.
• Memory Clock: This is the speed at which RAM performs an action. Some memory types send data at twice the clock speed, called DDR memory. If data is sent four times, it’s called QDR.
• Banks: RAM access is organized by banks, each containing several memory addresses. Although memory may support multiple access channels, each bank can only communicate with one memory client, not multiple.

It’s essential to know the specifications and types of RAM to provide your company with the best working conditions, speed up processes, and achieve better results. Another way to streamline processes is by using a VPS cloud, a virtual private server, to take your business to the next technological level.