Andrew Lerma
CISB 11
CRN21107
09/05/09
RAM (random access memory)
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-random-access-memory.htm
At wisegeek.com, random access memory is described as computer chips that store temporary dynamic data for the enhancement of computer performance. This web page also states that a computer can't access data from a hard drive as quickly as it can from frequently used files stored in random access memory.
http://www.howstuffworks.com/ram.htm
Howstuffworks.com displays a much more detailed description of how RAM is utilized, what kind of RAM you should buy, how to install it, and also describes other means of access memory such as DRAM (dynamic random access memory) as well as SAM (serial access memory). Another beneficial and informative addition to this article are links to a RAM quiz, an article on computer tune up by PlanetGreen.com, and an article that answers the ever popular question, “Does adding RAM make your computer faster?”. This web site also took a refreshing approach by using animations with metaphors representing different aspect of the functions of RAM (such as a water bucket constantly leaking and refilling to represent the refresh operation of the capacitor in a dynamic random access memory cell) .
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Random-access_memory
The third web page I viewed was the Wikipedia page on Random Access Memory. On this site you can learn about the history of RAM, an overview of RAM, different types of RAM, memory hierarchy, swapping, other uses of the “RAM” term, RAM disks, shadow RAM, Recent developments, memory wall, security concerns, as well as links to additional information. This page was very informative and well organized.
Graphics Board Comparison
|
Manufacturer |
Product Name |
Price |
|---|---|---|
|
Nvidia |
MSI G4Ti4200-VTD64 |
$140.00 |
|
ATI |
ATI Radeon 9800 XT |
$500.00 |
|
Nvidia |
ASUS GeForce EN9800GX2 |
$599.00 |
Based
on the information I
collected,
I would definitely chose the Nvidia MSI G4Ti4 200-VTD64. It was
given an outstanding review by PC Magazine and given an Editors
Choice award. What I mostly appreciate about the G4 is the price. I
would never be willing to pay $500-$600 for something that will be
outdated within 2 years.
