How Memory Works


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Tutorial Home >Hardware >Components >Memory (RAM) >Adding Memory to Your PC >How Memory Works

  Step 1:  How RAM Is Installed on a PC

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RAM (Random Access Memory) is put onto your computer's motherboard attaching to special slots. When your computer is turned off, RAM is empty. Unlike a hard disk, it can't store data unless the RAM is powered by electricity.
  Step 2:  RAM's Power Source

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When you turn your computer on, electricity will flow from the power supply to the motherboard. Because the RAM is directly attached to the motherboard, the electricity will power it up. It is at this point that the RAM can begin storing data.
  Step 3:  RAM and Hard Disk Relationship

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The data that is stored in memory can be used, manipulated, and altered. The altered data stays in RAM only until you issue a command to save it. Once the Save command is given, changed data is sent back to your hard drive, and the data is stored there as a series of 1s and 0s. When you turn your computer off, the data vanishes from the RAM, but it stays permanently on your hard disk.
  Step 4:  RAM & Its Effect on Your System

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The data is altered by the Central Processing Unit (CPU). This chip takes the data from the fast CPU and transfers it to the hard drive. Therefore, if your system is exhibiting sluggish performance, the memory could be the bottleneck in the system. If you have insufficient memory, the data will spill over the slow hard drive and adversely affect your performance. You should consider upgrading at this point.