The computer memory, or RAM (Random Access Memory), is an integral part of the PC architecture. But why do computers need it? This is a very common question especially if you're just starting to learn more about the intricacies of computer hardware. The most common answers to this question are: First, you need RAM in order for the computer to work; second, applications need to be stored and retrieved somewhere fast while it is running; and finally, the more RAM you have, the more applications you can open at the same time.
Those answers are correct. However, if you really dig deeper into the computer architecture, here's a more in-depth explanation as to why computers need memory. I'll try to explain it as simple as possible so you'll be able to fully understand the basics of computer architecture.
First, the computer motherboard has two main chips. We have the Northbridge and the Southbridge. This is what we call the "chipset" of the motherboard.
Let's start with the Northbridge. The Northbridge handles the communications between the processor, RAM, video card and the Southbridge. On the other hand, the Southbridge handles all other communications within the motherboard such as your USB devices, hard drives, DVD drives, PCI/PCI express, audio, serial ports and all other peripherals/devices you may have. When you look at the physical layout of a motherboard, the Northbridge is usually near to or just beside the processor.
So why do computers need RAM? It's because if you don't have RAM, storing and retrieving data onto the hard drive would be painstakingly slow. It will have to pass through the slow Southbridge, then the Northbridge and then onto the processor. The RAM is faster because it doesn't have to go through the Southbridge anymore. It has direct access to the processor through the Northbridge.
Conventional hard drives are mechanical, meaning they have moving parts, making it difficult to access data. This is evident in slow searches and longer read/write times. We do have solid-state drives but it would still have to go through the SATA controller, the one that manages the drives, which would have to pass through the Southbridge as well.
Just imagine. What if we change the architecture and place a hard drive by the Northbridge instead of RAM? No matter how fast your bus is, it will still be limited to the slow speed of the hard drive. The bus, by the way, is the path where data pass through.
So as you can see, it is mainly because of the motherboard architecture. If you try to turn the computer on without RAM, your motherboard will emit beeps to inform you that there is no memory installed on the board. It will not allow you to continue with the start-up process.
So, there you have it. Computers need RAM because the motherboard is designed that way. So for now, we must have RAM in order to use our computer. There is a possibility that we won't have to buy RAM in the future. The computer architecture could very well change, especially with solid-state drives becoming more and more available. Don't worry though. The computer memory is one of the cheapest parts of the PC.
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