Random-access memory

Random access memory (RAM) is a form of computer data storage. Today, it takes the form of integrated circuits that allow stored data to be accessed in any order with a worst case performance of constant time. Strictly speaking, modern types of DRAM are therefore not random access, as data is read in bursts, although the name DRAM / RAM has stuck. However, many types of SRAM, ROM, OTP, and NOR flash are still random access even in a strict sense. RAM is often associated with volatile types of memory (such as DRAM memory modules), where its stored information is lost if the power is removed. Many other types of non-volatile memory are RAM as well, including most types of ROM and a type of flash memory called NOR-Flash. The first RAM modules to come into the market were created in 1951 and were sold until the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Other memory devices (magnetic tapes, floppy discs, CDs and DVDs) can access the storage data only in a predetermined order, because of mechanical design limitations.

Contents

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• 1 History
• 2 Types of RAM
• 3 Memory hierarchy
• 4 Other uses of RAM
  • 4.1 Virtual memory
  • 4.2 RAM disk
  • 4.3 Shadow RAM
• 5 Recent developments
• 6 Memory wall
• 7 See also
• 8 Notes and references
• 9 External links