The Inner Workings of Computer Memory: A Deep Dive into DRAM

🔍Millions of operations occur inside a computer when loading a program or video game, with data transfer from SSD to DRAM being a common task.

⚡️DRAM is faster than SSD, operating at nanosecond speeds compared to SSD's microsecond speeds.

🧠DRAM stores data temporarily in 2D arrays, whereas SSD stores data permanently in 3D arrays.

🔋DRAM requires continuous power to maintain stored data, while SSD does not.

⏲️By copying data from SSD to DRAM, computers can access terabytes of data quickly, improving overall performance.

Why does a computer use both SSDs and DRAM?

—SSDs provide long-term storage for data, while DRAM allows the CPU to work with the data more quickly.

How does DRAM compare to SSD in terms of speed?

—DRAM is approximately 3000 times faster than SSD.

How much data can a stick of DRAM hold?

—A stick of DRAM with 8 chips can hold 16 gigabytes of data.

Why does DRAM need to be refreshed?

—The capacitors in DRAM slowly leak charge over time, so refreshing is necessary to maintain data integrity.

What is the purpose of the sense amplifier in DRAM?

—The sense amplifier amplifies the voltage change on the bitline, allowing the stored value in the capacitor to be determined.

00:00Introduction to the topic of computer memory and the function of DRAM.

02:21Explanation of the difference between SSD and DRAM in terms of storage capacity and speed.

06:28Overview of the physical components and connections between DRAM, CPU, and other memory devices.

15:00Description of the organization and structure of memory cells in a DRAM chip.

18:59Explanation of the reading and writing processes in DRAM.

21:58Overview of the refreshing process in DRAM to maintain data integrity.

23:11Highlighting the volume of data movement and the significance of DRAM in computer operations.