Memory is a critical component of any computer, and one that often causes confusion. We’ll explore the difference between Random Access Memory (RAM) and Video Random Access Memory (VRAM), so you can make more informed decisions when selecting hardware for your next big project.
This article will go through what each type of memory does, as well as how to tell them apart on the specification sheet. If you’re not sure whether your company needs more RAM or more VRAM, this article should be able to help! With clearer definitions of these two kinds of memory, there’s less risk that you will make an uninformed purchase decision.
When you’re looking at computers, it’s important to understand the difference between RAM and VRAM. RAM is the fastest, most budget-friendly option, but VRAM is available in much larger capacities.
What is RAM?
RAM is an acronym for Random Access Memory. Random access memory is a form of computer data storage that allows access to any memory address without having to go sequentially through all the addresses in between. RAM provides a buffer for data currently being used by a computer, as opposed to hard disk drives, which store long term data.
RAM is the fastest part of your computer because it allows the CPU to work directly with the data that you’re using right now. This retrieving and storing process happens at near-instant speed
What is VRAM?
VRAM, or Video Random Access Memory, is a form of computer chip specifically designed for multimedia tasks. VRAM is used in many different types of devices, ranging from video game consoles to digital cameras. Most commonly, VRAM is used to store images and videos on a computer or camera screen.
What is the difference between RAM and VRAM?
RAM and VRAM are used to store data, but they’re used in different ways. RAM is a temporary storage device that’s located on the motherboard within your computer. On the other hand, VRAM is a form of memory that’s built into the CPU itself.
RAM allows the CPU to access and change information quickly. Unlike hard drives, which allow you to store data for longer periods of time, RAM allows the CPU to retrieve data from memory without slowing down or crashing. This retrieval and updating process happens instantly.
VRAM, on the other hand, is used to store the images and videos that form your computer screen. Because it’s built into the CPU itself, VRAM is always located right next to the graphics processing unit (GPU). GPUs require a significant amount of memory in order to work properly with the CPU. Therefore, VRAM allows images and video to be stored in a very fast memory chip that’s always close to where they’re needed.
Despite the differences between RAM and VRAM, both are critical to the performance of your computer. If you’re trying to get the best processor for your money, you need to make sure that the system has enough RAM and enough VRAM. The more RAM you have, the better your performance will be at retrieving and saving data. The more VRAM you have, the faster your display will be able to produce clear images and videos.
There’s no one right answer when it comes to RAM and VRAM. Generally speaking, you’ll want to have as much of each as possible, but that’s not the only thing you should think about. Which kind of memory is more important for your particular needs is entirely dependent on what kind of apps you need to run and the type of screen output your devices use. If you’re building an app that uses real-life video (like a dashboard camera), then VRAM is a critical component for your system. However, if all you need to do is send emails and store data, then RAM is a great option.
The only way to know for sure what kind of memory you need is to look at your needs from every angle. Take the time to analyze which kinds of devices will be connected to your customized system and which tasks they’ll be required to accomplish.
Wrapping It Up
Let’s recap what we’ve learned: RAM is a form of temporary storage that’s used in conjunction with a computer, and it allows the CPU to retrieve and store information without slowing down. On the other hand, VRAM is a form of memory that’s built into the CPU itself.
RAM allows the CPU to access and change information quickly. Unlike hard drives, which allow you to store data for longer periods of time, RAM allows the CPU to retrieve data from memory without slowing down or crashing. This retrieval and updating process happens instantly.
VRAM, on the other hand, is used to store the images and videos that form your computer screen. Because it’s built into the CPU itself, VRAM is always located right next to the graphics processing unit (GPU). GPUs require a significant amount of memory in order to work properly with the CPU. Therefore, VRAM allows images and video to be stored in a very fast memory chip that’s always close to where they’re needed.