tilapäismuistissa

Tilapäismuisti, commonly known as RAM (Random Access Memory), is a type of computer memory that can be read from and written to. It is used for storing working data and machine code currently in use. RAM is volatile, meaning that its contents are lost when the power is turned off. This contrasts with non-volatile memory, such as ROM (Read-Only Memory) or hard drives, which retain their data even without power.

RAM is characterized by its speed. Data can be accessed from RAM much faster than from secondary storage devices like hard drives or solid-state drives. This speed is crucial for the smooth operation of a computer, allowing the processor to quickly retrieve and manipulate the data it needs to perform tasks. When you open an application or a file, it is loaded from your storage into RAM. The more RAM a computer has, the more applications and data it can hold simultaneously without slowing down.

There are several types of RAM, with DDR (Double Data Rate) SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Random-Access Memory) being the most prevalent in modern computers. DDR SDRAM transfers data twice per clock cycle, significantly increasing memory bandwidth compared to earlier technologies. The amount of RAM installed in a computer is a key factor in its overall performance, especially for demanding applications like gaming, video editing, or running virtual machines. Insufficient RAM can lead to slower performance as the system has to rely more heavily on slower storage for data that cannot fit into memory.