RAM is fast, short-term memory.
It's quick - the whole point of using it is that you can throw information into it and take information out of it really fast and efficiently.
This makes it ideal for applications where being able to access information quickly important.
But it sucks for long term storage - when your computer shuts down, the RAM isn't designed to hold onto data. Long-term data storage toes to the Hard Drive.
Most RAM is dedicated RAM. Video RAM (often referred to as GDDR) is just RAM, but specifically designed for use with a video card.
In between Dedicated RAM and Video RAM sits Shared RAM - meaning that part of your RAM that is normally used for the system, is used instead by the video card. This is usually used with integrated systems, and is slightly better than nothing at all, but still not as good as a video card.
| Dedicated | Shared | Video |
|---|
| RAM is only used by the system | RAM is shared between System and Video Card | RAM is only used by the video card |
| In most systems, can be easily upgraded | In most systems, can be easily upgraded, but the amount that can be 'shared' is limited by the Integrated Card | Not easily upgraded, usually what you buy is what you get |
| Usually referred to as DDR RAM. DDR4 is the newest standard. | Ditto | Usually referred to as GDDR RAM. GDDR5 is the newest standard |
No comments:
Post a Comment