Computer Memory DRAM TYPE

Computer memory: DRAM types

Bernie Klinder, Contributor

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Published: 29 Mar 2005

As we've discovered, most computer memory today uses a DIMM memory module using DRAM. The problem at this stage is that the type of DRAM on the module can greatly affect performance and cause the most confusion when designing or configuring a system.

• FPM (fast page mode DRAM). Introduced in 1987, this is an early form of DRAM that was once very common because it was slightly faster than DRAM. This computer memory type was frequently mounted on a SIMM in 486 and early Pentium computers.
• EDO (extended data output). EDO offers a slight performance boost over FPM DRAM by cutting a few steps when addressing memory. Introduced in 1995, EDO requires a specific chip set and is limited to bus speeds of 66 MHz. Once again, these chips are mounted on SIMM modules.
• BEDO (burst EDO RAM). This is a slightly faster variant of the EDO RAM chip in which read and write operations send bursts of data in batches of four. This type of computer memory is not widely used.
• SDRAM (synchronous DRAM). SDRAM synchronizes itself with the microprocessor clock speed allowing faster access to memory. These chips are mounted on DIMM memory modules and are classified according

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