December 14, 2018

Where is the RAM Location in Your Computer?

Motherboard manufacturers try to make it easy to find the RAM location in your computer and to install the RAM by coloring the RAM slots differently for different channels.

RAM (Random Access Memory) It acts as a short-term memory much like the human brain to store a wealth of information. The RAM is accessible through the CPU which stands for Central Processing Unit. This short-term memory disappears when the computer is turned off. If you’re working on a document, spreadsheet, or other type of file, you’ll need to save it to avoid losing it.

When you save a file, the data is written to the hard drive, which acts as long-term storage. ROM chips along with BIOS (computer boot firmware) allows the RAM information to be retrievable when the computer is rebooted.

Why is RAM Important

RAM serves the very important function of retrieving information that must be accessed in a quick manner. Open files and the utilization of applications on a computer systems requires the assistance of RAM. Users that play alot of video games with detailed graphics or keep alot of folders open while on their computer, will need the use of additional RAM. This will allow them to better access the information they need when the time comes.

RAM is measured in megabytes (MB) or gigabytes (GB). The more RAM you have, the more things your computer can do at the same time. If you don’t have enough RAM, you may notice that your computer is sluggish when you have several programs open. Because of this, many people add extra RAM to their computers to improve performance.

How Does it Work?

Most computers come equipped with at least 256 million RAM bytes plus the hard disk which has the capability of holding 40 billion bytes. Data is placed on a magnetized area that resembles a record. Computer printers also hold bytes of RAM as well. Each byte of RAM has the ability to be ascertained separately without the other bytes being accessed.

Types of RAM

DRAM which is Dynamic Random Access Memory and SRAM which is Static Random Access Memory. DRAM is the most typical of the two types. DRAM requires refreshing at a rate reaching in the thousands each second. DRAM’s times for accessing information are 60 nanoseconds. SRAM is more costly, but does operate at a much quicker pace than DRAM. The interlocking of a capacitor and a transistor produces a memory cell. This is one bit of data. Also, SRAM allows access at times as quick as 10 nanoseconds.

RAM location in Your Computer

In a laptop, the RAM boards will be in the insides. Usually, you will find RAM location in the back of the laptop, accessible by only removing a few screws. However, sometimes the RAM boards are integrated within the motherboard which means that RAM is not replaceable or upgradeable (e.g. newer MacBooks, X1 Carbon laptops).

The RAM slots are adjacent to the CPU socket. In your desktop computer, look for the big heat sink at the top of the motherboard, and you’ll see either two or four memory slots next to it and this is where your RAM location is.

A quick look inside the computer will tell you how many RAM sticks you have already. The RAM stick(s) will have a label giving you appropriate information about the size, speed, manufacturer and possibly some warranty information.

If your computer has no memory slots available and you want to upgrade, you must remove and replace some of the existing memory.

Take a look at the most common reasons behind poor performance and the best ways to deal with them here.

Unhappy with your slow PC? Tired of waiting for Windows to start up? Contact our technicians.

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Computer, RAM

Where is the RAM Location in Your Computer?