ThePCstuff

How Many Pins Does My RAM Have?

Your RAM or Random Access Memory makes up your computer’s main memory that’s directly accessible and reached by your CPU. RAM is mainly used for writing and reading data into the memory so that the CPU can access it anytime it wants. But there are different kinds of RAM available, and these RAMs all have other pins or integrated circuits. These pins determine the performance of your RAM. So if you are asking- how many pins does my RAM have? Then we have the answer for you.

But before we move on that, let’s discuss a little more about RAM.

What Are The Different Kinds Of RAM?

Know that the best-integrated RAM-chips in the market are mainly found in two kinds of forms. These are SRAM (Static RAM) and DRAM (Dynamic RAM). One sub-part of SRAM is SDRAM. SDRAM works synchronously. This means that it depends on the clock for synchronizing the signals. As a result, there are predictable, orderly data cycles that involve fetching and writing. However, note that SDRAM data transfers happen on just one edge of its clock.

DDR SDRAM can process two writes, and two read instructions in each clock cycle. It is this ability that gives it the name Double Data Rate. This RAM model comes with 184 pins. Also, only one notch is present on its connector. This means that it has a higher pin-count when compared to, say, SDR SDRAM, which has 168 pins and two notches.

Note that SRAM isn’t used much nowadays since it is thought to be an old model. It isn’t used as much because DDR SDRAM also works at a lesser voltage of 2.5V compared to 3.3V of the SDRAM. Here we will be focusing mainly on a DRAM section called DDR SDRAM or Double Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic RAM.

What Are The Kinds Of DDR SDRAM?

These are the kinds of DDR SDRAM available in the market:

DDR2 SDRAM: DDR2 is an upgrade over DDR SDRAM since it operates at really high clock speeds of 533 MHz maximum. This is an improvement over DDR’s 200MHz top speed. However, know that it can process only two writes and to read instructions in each clock cycle. Another improvement over its previous model is that it works at a lower voltage of 1.8V and has more pins at 240. Know that it doesn’t have backward compatibility.
DDR3 SDRAM: This is an upgrade over DDR2 SDRAM. Know that DDR2 SDRAM offers better memory capacity and more excellent reliability. Not to mention that it provides lesser power consumption as well at only 1.5V. As for clock speeds, it has higher speeds at 800MHz as well. But when it comes to pins, note that these are the same as DDR2 SDRAM with 240 pins. Note that there’s no backward compatibility here, just like with DDR2 SDRAM.
DDR4 SDRAM: Of course, this is a better version of DDR3 SDRAM and comes with better signal processing, lower power usage, and better memory capacity. Note that it uses only 1.2V of power when compared to 1.5V of DDR3 SDRAM. The clock speed gets a boost at 1600MHz as well. When it comes to pins, DDR4 SDRAM has a 288-pin model. This model doesn’t offer backward compatibility as well.

How Can You Find Out How Many Pins Your RAM Has?

In the above DDR SDRAM types, it mentions the pin count of each kind. So take a look above to know the pin counts of various DDR SDRAMs. However, if you don’t know what kind of DDR you have, there is no need to worry. All you need to do is look at the notches at the bottom base of your RAM.

In DDR1 and DDR2, the notches are similarly cut. The only difference is that in DDR1, that notch is present above your IC, whereas, in DDR2, the given notch is present farther from the IC. If you have a DDR3, then your notch isn’t present just anywhere near the board center.

Is 204 Pin RAM Better Or A 240 Pin One?

You might have frequently heard comparisons between that of 204 pin and 240 pin RAMs. So know that the 204 pin RAM will obviously be smaller than the 240 Pin one. These shorter ones are used for laptops, whereas the longer ones are used for PCs. This goes for all kinds of RAM like the DDR SDRAMs mentioned above. So they are used for different purposes. Note that they can’t be used interchangeably. As such, one isn’t better than the other. They are just used for different purposes.

The number of pins your RAM has determined its length as well as effectiveness. You will find that as RAM evolves, the number of pins increases. This helps power your system better. However, getting a RAM that has more pins won’t make your system better automatically. So you need to choose the RAM that will be compatible with the rest of your system.

About the Author Michael E. Yates

Hi! The words you are going to read comes from me! A geek passionately and a writer of 5+ years professionally. If you ask about my likings, well, I love to tag along with upcoming technology trends. Though I also have contributed to many more technology sites through my writings. If you ask about my dreams, then one of them is finding an instant solution for every device malfunction, so I am creating a blog post. A blog post that will help more people like me. I, introduce thepcstuff.com the result of my hard work and patience. Do not worry, with me and my team behind the computers will make sure every vital information related to technology reaches all of you people. So, if you are ready to go on an adventurous ride with thepcstuff.com and me, let's get started!