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RAM

 
 
 Random-Access Memory (RAM) is an essential PC component that is used to store short-term memory to keep data when the processor needs it. So whenever you're running an application or streaming a video, all of the data required for the CPU to process is stored in the RAM. Once you end the task, the data stored in the RAM is replaced by the next task the computer starts. This is what's known as "volatile memory". This is not to be confused with long term memory, which is stored on the hard drive and remains there even after the computer is switched off. 

RAM has also been a component subject to great advancement. Most personal computers boast with 16GB or 32GB of RAM, as most people need to run multiple applications at the same time. 

RAM is composed of rows of small squares called 'cells'. The RAM controller finds a specific cell by sending a thin electrical line that's etched into the chip. Any read data flows back through a different line.

RAM may come in two forms: Dynamic (DRAM) or Static (SRAM). DRAM makes up the typical device's RAM, and requires power to retain the data used for short-term. Each cell here has or hasn't a charge in a capacitor. The data needs to be constantly refreshed with an electrical charge to compensate for capacitor leaks. SRAM also requires power, but it does not need to be refreshed the same way DRAM does. This makes SRAM chips larger and more expensive than DRAM.

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