What is PC2700 RAM?
PC2700 random access memory (RAM) is a specific type of memory used by some personal computers. Its data can be accessed no matter where it is on the chip. This differs from mediums that require data to be accessed sequentially, such as magnetic tape. PC2700 refers to the RAM’s specifications. It indicates the RAM’s speed, transfer rate and cycle time, all significant factors of memory performance.
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Function
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PC2700 is one of the performance ratings for Double Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic RAM (DDR SDRAM), the current PC memory standard as of 2010. The term “dynamic” RAM indicates that it loses its data if it’s not connected to a power source. Manufacturers consider it “synchronous” because it requires an electrical pulse, or “clock signal,” from the computer in order to transfer information. Thus, the RAM operates in synch with the computer’s clock rate. According to Simmtester.com, “Double data rate” means that the RAM transfers data twice per clock signal.
Identification
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A given type of DDR can go by two separate names. PC2700 is an “industry name.” The 2700 refers to the memory’s peak transfer rate, or the maximum amount of data that it can transfer per second. PC2700 runs in systems where the bus speed between the memory and the processor is 166MHz. However, because DDR transfers data twice per clock signal, it effectively runs at 333MHz (i.e., it executes 333 million transfers per second). Since the bus is 8 bytes (64 bits) wide, the peak transfer rate is 333 x 8 = 2664 or 2700 MB/s. PC2700 is sometimes labeled as DDR-333. This designation, which uses the memory’s data rate, is known as its “friendly name,” according to Crucial.com.
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Significance
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According to PC Stats, manufacturers created DDR RAM to respond to the drastic improvements in CPU clock rates. The RAM technologies of the time could not supply enough data to take advantage of increased CPU capability. DDR effectively doubled RAM speeds. PC2700 was one of three initial DDR performance ratings, the others being PC1600 and PC2100.
Compatibility
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Generally, DDR memory is backward compatible. This means that newer, higher performance types of DDR can be installed in computers designed to run on slower versions of DDR. That is, if you install PC2700 memory in a machine designed for PC2100, it will usually work. One drawback associated with this is that your 2700 MB/s memory will only run at 2100 MB/s per second. Note that it doesn’t work the other way around (PC2100 won’t work in a machine designed for PC2700). Also note that there are different types of DDR (DDR, DDR2 and DDR3) that cannot be mixed and matched.
Considerations
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PC2700 is not the current standard as of 2010. DDR2 and DDR3 operate at peak transfer rates ranging from 3200 to 17066 MB/s. Among other innovations, these newer types of DDR take better advantage of “prefetch buffering,” a method of retrieving multiple pieces of related data at a time. Thus, they have rendered PC2700 obsolete.
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