A computer RAM can also be called random access memory. It a random access memory because any data stored in is not permanent. The data is randomly accessed. This is why RAM is different from ROM or read only memory which has the capacity to make information available anytime it is needed, example of a ROM is the computer hard disk.


Since data are not permanent in a RAM it is considered as very volatile and cannot be compare with ROM which store data, even in a state of dormancy. But data are lost as soon as the system is inactive or switched off.

RAM speed is expressed in megahertz (MHz). A 1033MHz RAM module can send and receive values faster than RAM modules of 800 MHz.

Performances in the RAM are impeded of there are lots of programme running at the same time. Therefore it is good to transfer useful data by saving into the ROM before opening another program.

RAM comes in flat form it is strategically positioned in the motherboard, some motherboard can accommodate four RAMS at the same time. The computer configurations can determine the number of RAMS that a computer can take at a time.

If the wrong RAM is fixed in computer, the computer will make a signal blipping sound, the wrong RAM also lead to total malfunctioning of the entire system.