What Does RAM

Do?
The CPU uses RAM as its
active workspace
Programs stored on the
hard drive need to be
loaded into RAM to enable
the CPU to swap data in
and out quickly.
 Northbridge
Acts as the intermediary for
all data transfers between
RAM and the CPU
 RAM Sticks
 The RAM in a typical PC consists
of one or more small circuit
boards, usually about 4 inches
long
 RAM is structured in 64-bit-wide
rows to optimize the flow of data
into and out of data bus
 Accessing RAM
 Using the Address Bus
 The CPU turns address wires
on and off in a certain patterns
that represent specific memory
addresses
Types of RAM
Technologies
 FPM
 Fast Page Mode RAM
 Enabled the Northbridge to
access each bit of data very
quickly but required at least two
clicks of the system clock
 Obsolete, used by early Pentium
 EDO
 Extended Data Output RAM
 More advanced type of FPM that
lit the RAS (Row Array Strobe)
wire only when the Northbridge
moved to the next row, speeding
up RAM access substantially.
 SDRAM
 Synchronous Dynamic Random Access
Memory
 Incorporated a clock so RAM speed is
measured in hertz (Hz)
 It should matched the speed of the
motherboard
 Look at the Motherboard documentation
 DDR SDRAM
 Double Data Rate SDRAM
 It can make two RAM
accesses in each clock cycle
 It comes in four common
speeds: 200, 266, 333, and
400 MHz
 RDRAM
 Rambus Dynamic Random Access
Memory
 Developed by Rambus Company in
1992
 A very high-speed type of clocked RAM
that runs at 400 or 533 MHz, achieving
these high speeds by accessing RAM
four times per clock cycle.
Types of RAM
Packages
 SIMM
 Single Inline Memory Modules
 It came in two sizes: 30 pins and
72 pins
 Both varieties had
implementations of FPM and EDO
technologies
 Bank
 The number of SIMM sticks that
must go into the motherboard as
group
 A bank that is empty is termed
UNPOPULATED;
 A bank with RAM installed is
POPULATED
 DIMM
 DualInline Memory Modules
 Replaced the SIMM packages
 Note:
 Itis bad to insert wrong type or
speed of DIMM on a
motherboard because the
system will be buggy and
crash-prone
Types of DIMM
 168-Pin DIMM
 Provides system memory for a
very large percentage of modern
system
 Introduced with the Pentium-class
CPUs
 SDRAM comes in three speeds:
66, 100 and 133 MHz
 184-Pin DIMM
 Provides the DDR SDRAM
technology for a large portion of
the current RAM Market
 It has one notch unlike of 168-Pin
which has two notches in circuit
board.
 Note:
 Ifit isn’t going in or coming out
easily, you’re probably doing
something wrong.
 Don’t force parts.
 Take a moment to check the
orientation of the part and try again
DDR SDRAM Speed Ratings
 It uses two totally separate
nomenclatures for measuring
DDR SDRAM speed
 Two Types of
Nomenclatures for
Measuring DDR
SDRAM Speed
 Tech Way
 Describes the DIMM in terms
of double the bus speed of the
motherboard
 DDR200, DDR266, DDR333
and DDR400
 Marketing Way
 Describe the speed of DDR
SDRAM uses the number of bit per
second that DIMM can
theoretically put on the data bus
 DDR200 runs at 200 MHz; 200 x 8
= 1600 Mbits per second
 DDR200 = PC1600
 Exercise 1
Figure
out the alternate
nomenclature for the following
DDR SDRAM:
DDR400
DDR266
DDR333
 Exercise 2
Ineed one stick of 256-MB
PC2100 DDR RAM
Which one is the right
choice DDR200 or
DDR266?
 SO DIMM
 Small Outline DIMM
 Exclusively used in laptop
computers
 RIMM
 Rambus Inline Memory
Module
 Just like the DDR SDRAM
DIMM
 It always requires two RIMMs
to RAM banking
 CRIMM
 ContinuityRIMM
 A special RIMM bank fillers that
you must place in all unused
banks on the motherboard
 CRIMMs are not RAM; they are
needed to complete the circuit
 Why Add RAM?
Toincrease the
performance of your
computer since every time a
program starts, it uses RAM
 Virtual Memory
 Special part of hard drive that
stores the less used programs
from the RAM
 Those programs are called
swap file or paging file
 Note:
 Windows designed to use at least
a little bit of your hard drive as
virtual memory especially as you
switch between multiple large
applications or big picture files
 When your PC is
overusing the Swap
file and the time you
need to add more
memory…
 The computer slows to a crawl lit
 The mouse pointer pops in and
out of the hourglass state
 The hard drive audibly works very
hard
 The hard drive LED on the front
your computer seems stay
continuously
 Hard Drive Thrash
 Unusual and long (3-10
seconds) scratching sound of
hard drive in accessing and
writing excessive swap file
accesses also sign to add
more RAM
 Exercise
 Checking you System Resources
 Get the capacity of the RAM
 The type of technology and
package of the RAM being used
Changing Virtual
Memory and
Paging File Size
Estimate how many MB should
be allocated to a paging file
 Startall applications you normally use.
 Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete to open Task
Manager then click Performance Tab
 Convert the Total Commit charge to
MB then add 128 MB to estimate a
good starting minimum virtual memory
size
Changing the VM Setting in XP
 Right click My Computer then click
properties
 Click Advance tab then click settings
button in performance area on the
Advanced tab
 Click Advanced tab again when
Performance option window displayed
 Click change button in virtual memory area
Tips in Changing VM size
 For best performance, set the initial
size and maximum size to the same
size to prevent the OS from resizing
the file.
 Set the initial size to no less than the
recommended size listed in the Total
paging file size for all drives area
Tips in Changing VM size
In general leave the paging
file at its recommended
size, although you might
increase its size if you
routinely use programs that
require a lot of memory
Tips in Changing VM size
 Ifyou decrease the size of either
the initial size or the maximum
size paging file settings, you
must restart your computer to
see the effects of those
changes. Increase generally do
not require a restart.
Upgrading Memory
 Things to Consider…
 How much memory do I have and
how much memory do I need?
 What size and type of modules
should I buy to be compatible with
the memory I already have
installed?
 Things to Consider…
 How much and what type of
memory can I fit on the
Motherboard?
 How much memory can I
afford?
Troubleshooting
Memory
 Troubleshooting Memory
 Check that you have installed
memory modules that are
supported by your motherboard
 Check that you have installed the
right module size, as stated in the
motherboard documentation
Troubleshooting Memory
 Remove and reinstall each
module. Confirm that the memory
modules are properly seated, and
that each module sits in the
socket at the same height as
other modules
Troubleshooting Memory
 Remove the newly installed
memory, place the memory in
different sockets or slots and
check whether the error message
disappears.
 Troubleshooting Memory
 Try installing the new memory
without the old installed. If the
new memory works without the
old, then the new and old
modules are not compatible.
Troubleshooting Memory
 Clean the module edge connector
with a soft cloth or contact
cleaner. Blow or vacuum dust
from the memory sockets.
Troubleshooting Memory
 The problem might be with the OS
or applications.
 If you have just installed new
hardware, the hardware device
might be causing an error. Try
uninstalling the new hardware.
Troubleshooting Memory
A windows error that occurs
randomly and generates an error
message with exception fault 0E
at >> 0137:BFF9z5d0 or similar
text is probably a memory error.
Test, reseat, or replace RAM.
Troubleshooting Memory
 Sometimes a problem can result
from a bad socket or a broken trace
( a fine printed wire or circuit) on the
motherboard. Check the
motherboard for visible problems. If
you find issue, you might have to
replace the entire motherboard.
How to Speed
Slow
Computer?
 1. DISK SPACE
Go to control panel and click on the
Add/Remove Programs for Windows XP,
or the Programs and Features option for
Vista.
Uninstall the programs you do not use.
We all install things at various times, then
realize we don't need them or don't want
them. And they stay there, clogging up
your hard drive.
2. DISK CLEAN UP
Run Disk Clean Up by clicking on
Start, then All Programs,
Accessories, System Tools, then
finally Disk Cleanup. Running this
program will clear your recycle bin,
remove temporary internet files, and
programs you do not use
 Disk Clean Up
A window utility used to delete
temporary and other
nonessential files on a hard
drive, freeing up space and
often improving performance
 4. DISK DEFRAGMENTER
 When your files become fragmented, your
PC will slow down. Disk Defragmenter will
fix those files and boost your PC's overall
performance.
 Click on Start, All Programs, Accessories,
System Tools, and lastly Disk
Defragmenter.
 A PC that has not run this tool in a long time
may take several hours to re-fragment the
bad files.
 FRAGMENTATION
 Occurs when a single file is
placed in several cluster locations
that are not directly next to each
other
 You should defragment the hard
drive periodically.
 3. DELETE UNWANTED OR
UNUSED FILES
 Next, go through your files and
delete files and folders you no
longer use or no longer need.
Going through the files in
C:/Users is a great place to
start.
5. Antivirus & Spyware
 Viruses and spyware are often
the cause of poor PC
performance. There are several
free and very reliable PC Anti
Virus programs out there such as
AVG and Avast.
How to install a
software
program?
 General Tips
 Make sure your computer meets the
requirements of the program, game, or
utility you are attempting to install.
 The manuals for the program or the
readme file located in the same
directory as the install commonly
contain exact instructions on how to
install a program.
 General Tips
 After installing or during the
installation, a program may need to
install other programs, files, or utilities
before it is able to run. If this is the
case, the program will commonly
prompt you to install the program or
you may need to run a separate
install before the program can be fully
used.
 General Tips
 When installing a program,
utility, or game, it is always a
good idea first to close or
disable any other programs
that are running.
 After installing a new program
if it prompts you to reboot the
computer, do it.
 Note:
 Many software programs, games, and
utilities have an AutoPlay feature that
will automatically start the setup screen
for the software program when the CD is
placed in the computer. If your program,
game, or utility contains this feature, run
the installation through the screen that
appears after inserting the disc.
 If you are installing a
program, game, or utility
that does not contain this
feature or you are installing
a program from a floppy
diskette, follow the given
steps.
Steps without Autoplay
 Open My Computer.
 Within the My Computer window,
open the drive that contains the
installation files. For example, if the
files are on a floppy diskette, open
the A: drive. If they're on a CD or
DVD open the D: drive or the letter of
the disc drive.
Steps without Autoplay
 Within the drive that contains
your files, locate either a setup
or install file. Double-clicking
on this file should start the
installation for the program,
game, or utility.
Steps without Autoplay
 If you see multiple setups or install
files, try to locate the Application
file or double-click each of setup or
install files until you find the file that
starts the installation. Many times
the icons associated with the
installation files have the same
name.
An alternate method of starting the
installation in Microsoft Windows
 Click Start and Run.
 In the Run Window, type x:\setup or
x:\install where x is the letter of the
drive you wish to start the installation
from. For example, if you are
attempting to install a program from
the floppy disk drive you would type
a:\setup or a:\install.
Form Factors
and Computer
Case
 Form Factor
 Describes the size, shape, and
general makeup of a hardware
component.
 The form factor of the motherboard
describes its size and shape, the
types of cases and power supplies it
can use, and its physical organization
 Why form
factor is
necessary?
 The motherboard first in the case
 The power supply cords to the
motherboard provide the correct
voltage and the connectors match
the connections on the board;
 The holes in the motherboard align
with the wholes in the case, to
firmly anchor the board to the case;
 The holes in the case align with
ports coming off the motherboard;
and
 Any wires for switches and lights
on the front of the case match up
with connections on the
motherboard
Types of Form
Factors
 AT or Full AT
 Oldest type of motherboard, still used in
some systems
 Measures 12” x 13.8” and uses P8 and
P9 power connections
 Much of the board overlaps with the
drive bays
 Design does not allow longer cards to be
placed in expansion slots
 Baby AT
 Smaller version of AT; motherboard logic is
stored on a smaller chip set
 Measures 12” x 8.7’ and uses P8 and P9 power
connections
 Standard form factor from 1993-1997
 Fits in many cases , including newer ATX
cases
 Design does not allow longer cards to be
placed in expansion slots
 ATX
 Most commonly used form factor
today
 An open, nonproprietary industry
specification originally developed by
Intel in 1995
 Measures 12” x 9.6” and uses a
single P1 power connector
 ATX
 Has a more conveniently accessible
layout than AT boards
 Includes a power connection for
extra fans
 Requires fewer wires to connect
switches / lights on front of case to
internal components
 NLX
 Used for low-end personal computer
motherboard and low-profile cases
 Motherboard has only one expansion
slot, in which a riser card is mounted
 Design allows the motherboard to be
removed without tools
 LPX and Mini LPX
 Developed by Western Digital; often
used in low-cost systems
 Has a riser card similar to NLX systems
 Difficult to upgrade, they cannot handle
the size and operating temperature of
today’s faster processor
 Computer
Cases and Form
Factors
 Chassis
 Computer case
 Used to house the power supply,
motherboard, expansion cards
and drives
 Note: the form factor also defines
the type of computer case
 Desktop Cases
 Sits horizontally on a desktop and
often used as a monitor stand
 It has six expansions slots and
four drive bays which are
rectangular spaces inside the
computer case where disk drives
can be installed
 Desktop Cases
Most desktops use an ATX,
AT, or Baby AT form factor
For low-end desktop
systems, compact cases
(slim cases) use the NLX,
LPX or Mini-LPX
 Tower Cases
One to two feet tall and
often is placed vertically
under a desk
It has several drive bays
 Tower Cases
Full-sizetowers, which are
used for high-end PC and
servers usually built to
accommodate ATX, Mini-
ATX and Baby AT
Other Types of Tower
Case
 Midsize Tower
 Also called a midtower
 Generally has six expansion
slots and four drive bays,
providing moderate potential
for expansion
 Minitower
Also called a microtower
The smallest type of
tower case and does not
provide room for
expansion
 Notebook Case
Used for portable notebook
computers (also referred to
as laptop)
Designed to conserve
space, allow portability, use
less power, and produce
less heat.
 Power Supply
A bit of a misnomer: a PC’s
power supply does not actually
supply any power
 Act as a step-down
transformer
 Power Supply
 Itconverts high voltage (115
volts) AC into low-voltage (12, 5
and 3.3 volts) DC
 PC uses 12 volt current to power
monitors on and other devices
and 5-volt and 3.3 volt current to
support onboard electronics
Two Types of Power Supply
 AT - older style and rarely
used now
 ATX – used by modern PC
Parts of Power
Supply
 Power Connection
Power supplies must plug
into a power outlet
 Motherboard Power
There must be some
connection to provide power
to the motherboard
Peripheral Connections
There must be connectors
to provide power to internal
devices
 FAN
Thiscritical component both
cools the inside of the
power supply and provides
a cooling airflow throughout
the case
 Note:
 Watt - The standard
measurement unit of power, or
energy / time
 Play it safe and use at least a
400-watt power supply
Connectors of
Power Supply
 P8 / P9 Connectors
 Used by AT Power Supply
 Must be plugged in with the
black wires next to each other
 P1 Connectors
 Used by ATX Power Supply
 Replaced the P8/P9
connectors
 Include a 3.3 volt wire along
with the standard 5V and 12V
wires
 Molex Connectors
 The most common type of
power connection for devices
that need 5 or 12 volts of power
 Has notches called chamfers
 Do require a firm push to plug
in properly
 Mini Connectors
Used by the floppy disk
drive
Be careful when plugging in
a mini connector.