What Is DRAM?

DRAM is probably one of the least understood computer components. Questions, arguments and debates abound, as do myths and misrepresentations. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to address the most commonly asked questions we hear, and to debunk some of the myths. Granted, parts of this are subjective and open to debate, which I welcome. I will quantify assertions where I can. Some of the items will also include suggestions and how-to information.

This started as a straightforward piece and has continued to grow, so we are breaking it into two pieces. The first will touch on frequently asked questions. The second will look primarily at myths that are often presented as facts. Most of these are based on topics that can get you into trouble, both in trying to set up a rig as well as financially.

We expect that readers will skip around, so some of the information might get repeated. If there are subjects you think we missed, or other answers you think would be helpful, let me know in the forums or the comments below. We will update this document periodically to keep the answers fresh.

In putting this together, I approached members of the forums, my clients, DRAM and motherboard manufacturers, IT folks with whom I network and other builders, and I also received input from those who read my "DDR3 Memory: What Makes Performance Better?"

Here’s what’s in store for Part 1, starting with a couple of basics and then getting into some meatier issues:

What Is DRAM?

DRAM stands for dynamic random access memory. Merriam-Webster defines it as "a type of RAM that must be continuously supplied with power and periodically rewritten in order to retain data." It is also often simply referred to as memory, not to be confused with hard drive-based storage, which is also often called memory. DRAM has appeared in a variety of forms/models that have evolved over the years. A more detailed description and history can be found in our 2007 article "PC Memory: Just The Facts," and in the memory section of our shorter but recently updated "How To Build A PC."

Replaceable DRAM is modular, and the DIMM (dual inline memory module) is, by far, the most common form factor for PCs. These differ from the old SIMM (single inline memory module) in that they have independent data pathways on both sides, and are also twice as “wide” with a 64-bit interface. The second most common form factor, SO-DIMM (small outline DIMM) memory is often used on extremely small PC motherboards and notebooks.

DRAM is often categorized by data rate, which is the number of times data is transferred per second.

Current DRAM types include DDR3 and DDR4, representing the third and fourth generation of DDR DRAM technology. DDR means "double data rate" and, as the name implies, transmits data twice per clock cycle (think of the top and bottom of a sine wave). Thus, DDR3-1600 has a 1600 MT/s data rate at an 800MHz clock rate.

Many manufacturers refer to their data rates in terms of bandwidth. As explained in our 2006 article, bandwidth ratings are equal to eight times the data rate. Your DDR3-1600 might be called PC-12800, but it still operates at an 800MHz clock rate.