3.2 RAM

Question 1

Name three things that can be used as an extension of RAM.

Answer 1

• Virtual memory
• Swap/paging file
• Swap partition

Question 2

What is the difference between a swap file and a paging file?

Answer 2

Nothing - they refer to the same thing

Question 3

How do you align the RAM module properly?

Answer 3

Align the notch on the module’s surface with the notch inside the motherboard’s memory slot

Question 4

Is dynamic or static RAM utilised for CPU cache memory chips?

Answer 4

Static

Question 5

What is significant about how SDRAM modules function?

Answer 5

They rely on the signal sent by the system clock in order to coordinate their functioning with other internal PC components

Question 6

Is SDRAM backward compatible, and why or why not?

Answer 6

No, because there are different signaling voltages, timings, and other factors between the versions

Question 7

Give the number of contact pins and the maximum capacity per memory module for DDR3 SDRAM.

Answer 7

240 contact pins, 16GB max capacity

Question 8

Give the number of contact pins and the maximum capacity per memory module for DDR4 SDRAM.

Answer 8

288 contact pins, 64GB max capacity

Question 9

Give the number of contact pins and the maximum capacity per memory module for DDR5 SDRAM.

Answer 9

288 contact pins, 64GB max capacity

Question 10

Give two characteristics of the RAM most commonly used as the main system memory in desktop PCs.

Answer 10

Non-ECC memory and dynamic RAM

Question 11

What indicates that a motherboard provides support for the multi-channel memory architecture?

Answer 11

Colour-coded memory slots

Question 12

List four things you need to take advantage of the performance benefits offered by multi-channel memory architecture.

Answer 12

(Regarding memory modules)
- Matching types
- Matching speeds
- Same capacity
- Installed in slots of matching colour