You might have heard people classifying RAM as buffered and unbuffered. These are distinctions you might not know if you haven’t been dabbling into the entire concept of RAM deeply. However, with me here, there is no need for you to read up extensive research articles. So, if you are asking- what is Unbuffered RAM? Or what is Buffered RAM? Then I will tell you all that you need to know about it.
However, before you know about Buffered and Unbuffered RAM, you need to know about RAM itself.
What Is RAM?
RAM is the short form of Random Access Memory, and as the name indicates, it’s the memory where temporary data are stored. RAM makes it easier for the CPU to access information quickly. Know that this is way faster in comparison to retrieving something from the hard disk. So your system works faster. However, the performance of your system depends on how much RAM you are using as well.
Not to mention that your system’s speed and quality also depend on the kind of RAM you are using. After all, two types of RAM are mainly used. One is DRAM, and the other is SRAM. Both are pretty popular. However, DRAM isn’t as fast when compared to SRAM.
What Is Buffered And Unbuffered RAM?
Buffered RAM or Random Access Memory comes with a register placed between the present memory controller and the DRAM. So, unbuffered RAM simply doesn’t have that register placed between the present memory controller and the DRAM.
Know that this memory helps in placing lesser electrical pressure on your memory controller. This singular system can stay stable and that too without using multiple memory modules compared to the usual system.
What Are Some More Differences Between Buffered And Unbuffered RAM?
Here are some of the key differences between Unbuffered and Buffered RAM:
Name: Note that Buffered RAM is also known as Registered RAM, whereas Unbuffered RAM is called Unregistered RAM.
Reliability: Buffered RAM is highly reliable, whereas Unbuffered RAM can’t be depended upon that much.
Cost: Know that Unbuffered RAM is cheaper when compared to Buffered RAM.
Use: Do note that buffered RAM is mainly used for very high-end systems like servers. This kind of RAM is also used for those systems that need a stable environment for operators. Buffered RAM isn’t required for laptops and desktops. However, Unbuffered RAM is mostly used in personal computers.
Clock cycle: Buffered RAM has one clock cycle lesser than the Unbuffered RAM
Unbuffered RAM is a powerful type of RAM that’s used for general everyday purposes. It is used in regular computers and is really cheap as well. If you want to identify RAM’s kind, you need to open your CPU cover and go into the RAM slot. There if you find that your RAM has unevenly spaced leads, then it’s Unbuffered. However, if the leads are all perfectly evenly spaced, then you have a Buffered RAM.