How is RAM utilized?

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BigTibbs

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Hello, I was upgrading my gaming pc and as i was putting the RAM in the slots, a question popped into my mind. How is RAM accessed/ how is data stored on it? does it fill (for example) 1 8GB stick first and then store data in another dimm? or does it as the name says randomly store data in differed addresses in the RAM?

Thanks for you help :)
 
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Herc08
No, it is split between. If both is filled too 100%, that is a problem. Even with the most intensive things, both sticks should not fill up to 100%. But if it does, then data will have to be processed on the hard drive or SSD. However, that is slower than RAM.
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Herc08

Herc08

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Well, if it is in dual channel mode, the data is split into the two sticks. This makes for faster processing. Think of it like this. You have two points and one pipeline. You try to stuff a lot stuff into that pipeline and it can get jammed and stuck. However, if you have two pipelines,then it is less chance that things will get stuck. Same thing works with memory. People say dual channel is over-rated, but if you have memory-intensive software, then it is quite useful.

Either way, Windows is pretty good at managing memory.
 
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BigTibbs

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So lemme get this straight. if 2 RAM sticks were not in dual channel, they would both be utilized, instead of one first then the other?
 
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Herc08

Herc08

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Well if they are in at the same time, they will still be dual channel, per motherboard configuration. Let's say you have 2x 4GB in one machine and one 8GB in another. the 2x will have a better time processing information because the information shared between the sticks. The 8GB will have to carry all of the load by itself.

Think of it as moving, one person could move by themselves, but it will take longer. Add another person, and it makes the work easier.
 
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BigTibbs

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i think you might be miss interpreting the question :p


If you have 2 RAM sticks are they linearly filled up? I.e. one is filled to 100% then the other is filled to 100%.

or is data randomly stored in each stick?
 
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Herc08

Herc08

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No, it is split between. If both is filled too 100%, that is a problem. Even with the most intensive things, both sticks should not fill up to 100%. But if it does, then data will have to be processed on the hard drive or SSD. However, that is slower than RAM.
 
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