What Is the Purpose of Computer RAM?

The Random Access Memory (RAM) is a vital part of a computer system. Every part of a system depends on RAM in some way. If it were removed from a computer, the system would not even be able to boot. Without RAM, modern personal computers would not exist.

Faster System Efficiency

The more RAM on a computer, the less time the central processing unit (CPU) needs to go to the hard drive for data.

Volatile

The data stored in RAM is temporary. When a computer is shut down even for an instant, all of the data in RAM is lost.

SIMMs

Single inline memory modules (SIMMs) were first used in computers in the early 1990s up to 2002.

DIMMs

From 2002 onward, dual inline memory modules (DIMMs) were used in laptops and desktops, giving computers the ability to deliver larger RAM work spaces.

Memory Capacity

Memory capacity has grown from the SIMM maximum of 128 MB in 2001 to a DIMM maximum of 4 GB and more by 2006.