The evolving technology in computer systems has led to the development of several hardware components. Amongst these components, RAM has experienced a fast-paced evolution. This component is available in several types along with different formats. With a number of factors governing a RAM’s performance, users might have come across terms like a buffered or unbuffered ram.
Both buffered and unbuffered factors in memory are related to its register. Memory with the presence of a register is referred to as a buffered memory or registered memory. On the other hand, an unbuffered memory is referred to as unregistered memory due to the absence of a register. We advise users to go through this article to understand various aspects of these memories.
Buffered RAM And It’s Working
As explained before, the buffered or registered RAM features an integrated registry or buffer. This register lies between the RAM module and the system’s memory controller. Used for many purposes, the buffer or register is mainly used for reducing the electrical load on the memory controller. The buffers also help in optimizing the RAM for more usage with the help of an extension.
If a Dual In-line Memory Module (DIMM) is buffered, it is known as RDIMM. Buffered memory is designed for higher stability, making it an ideal choice for heavy data management systems like servers. Due to the extra circuitry, buffered memories are usually expensive compared to unbuffered units.
Working of a Buffered RAM
Data is transferred between the CPU and the RAM via a memory controller. Before reaching the RAM, data is first sent to the register. The role of a register in a buffered RAM is to create a separate space for data. The data is preloaded in this buffer to be sent to the CPU. The buffer thereby acts as a storage space to adjust the difference between the transfer speeds of the memory controller and the RAM. The data received by RAM or memory controllers is stored in this register for use whenever required. Proper amplification of the data signals is done along with an adjustment in signal timing. The data is then sent from the buffer to the RAM with improved stability and zero degradation.
UnBuffered RAM And It’s Working
The unbuffered memory is a regular type of memory that does not have a register. Due to the absence of a buffer or register, there is a direct connectivity between the memory controller and the RAM. Since the register does not lie between RAM and the memory controller, access to the processed data is much faster than a buffered memory. This somehow makes the memory less stable compared to buffered RAM.
Since these memories lack a register, they are commonly known as the UDIMM or DIMM (Dual In-line Memory Module). These RAMs are suitable for applications involving heavy loads and even gaming. The circuitry of an unbuffered memory is simple since a register is not involved. These units are thereby cheaper than the buffered memories.
Working of an UnBuffered RAM
Being an unregistered memory, the unbuffered RAM has a simplified working process. It directly establishes a connection between RAM and the system’s processor with the help of a memory controller. All the processed data from the CPU or RAM is transferred upon receiving commands on reading or writing. Data lines take the responsibility of transferring data between the controller and the memory module. Since there is no register, the signal transfer also happens directly with the RAM, which might be prone to degradation. The unbuffered RAMs, however, offer a very low latency compared to the buffered memories.
Types of UnBuffered RAM
The unbuffered memory has several expansions and types. Each type of unbuffered RAM has a different configuration or format. Apart from this, these types of buffered RAMs also have a different type of form factor. Amongst different types of unbuffered RAMs, the most commonly known types are Static RAMs and Dynamic RAMs. Each type is further explained below.
- Static RAM: Static RAM is an unbuffered memory type with a latching circuit for data storage. This RAM does not go under a periodic refresh cycle; hence, latency is lower. The static memory is volatile and easily retains data even when the power source is turned off. However, the power consumption of static RAM is more for this very reason. The overall construction of static RAM is simple since it doesn’t have a refresh circuit inside. The density of these RAMs is lower than the dynamic RAMs and hence requires more space to store the same amount of data.
- Dynamic RAM: Dynamic RAM features individual memory cells which store every bit of data. Every memory cell has its own transistor and capacitor manufactured under the MOS (metal oxide semiconductor) technology. Dynamic RAM is the most popular type of unbuffered RAM. Unlike static RAM, dynamic RAM cannot hold the processed data for a longer time. With a periodic refresh cycle, it maintains charge in the capacitor to rewrite data from time to time. Due to a higher density and capacity, dynamic memory can store more data without needing more space for memory modules.
Differences Between Buffered And UnBuffered RAM
Both buffered and unbuffered memories have certain differences which makes them unique. Based on these differences, the user can select a specific RAM for their systems. We have explained each factor below to understand the difference between these two memories.
1. Stability
The buffered ram is known for offering stability to the system. Improved stability is achieved since data flows through a register or buffer. It helps in reducing signal degradation to enhance stability. Unbuffered RAMs are generally less stable as data directly flows between RAM and processor. The lack of a register affects signal quality, making it susceptible to degradation.
2. Price
When it comes to the pricing of RAM, the unbuffered memory gets the upper hand. Since this memory does not have any register, the design of the circuit is quite simple. In the case of buffered memory, the presence of a register makes the overall circuitry a bit complex. Therefore, the unbuffered memory is priced lower than the buffered units.
3. Electrical Load
The register in a buffered memory has the ability to store and send light loads of data. This helps in reducing the overall power load on the memory controller. The unbuffered lacks buffers and directly sends data to the RAM. In this process, the electrical load on a memory controller is higher than the buffered memory.
4. Reliability
The buffered RAM offers more features that contribute to its reliability. It has very good signal-boosting features backed up by the buffer or register. In the longer term, this helps in higher computing applications. On the other hand, unbuffered RAMs are prone to signal degradation issues which affect their reliability factor.
5. Applications
Both these RAMs are limited for a certain type of computer system. Buffered and unbuffered memories are used for domestic or industrial applications depending on the overall computational power. The buffered RAM is designed in a way to suit the heavy computing of servers or workstations. Due to its cost-effectiveness, unbuffered memory is ideal for regular systems like PCs and laptops.
6. Clock Cycle
The clock cycle is present in the buffered RAM since data is periodically refreshed. It helps in reducing the difference between the speed of RAM and the system’s memory controller. Due to direct connectivity between RAM and processor, the unbuffered memory does not require a clock cycle. Hence, latency is lower in unbuffered memories compared to the buffered units.
7. Effects on the Memory Controller
In the buffered memory, the system’s memory controller experiences a reduced electrical load. This is achieved with the help of the buffer, which results in a more stable communication. The unbuffered memory surely has simplified communication due to the absence of a register. But it affects the memory controller’s stability since it has to undergo a heavy electrical load.
8. Alternative Name
The buffered and unbuffered RAMs have several alternate names based on the register factor. The buffered memory is also known as a registered RAM or RDIMM. Unbuffered memory has an opposite name called unregistered RAM or UDIMM.
Which Is Better: Buffered Or UnBuffered RAM?
Users might encounter this question while selecting RAM for their systems several times. Without recognizing the purpose of the RAM, users might get confused more. The answer is dependent on the user’s preferences. Buffer memory becomes an ideal option when the system is built for high-end data handling work. It doesn’t mean that unbuffered memory is of no use. These memories suit regular computing, documentation work, and web surfing. But this memory does wonders for the system when it comes to heavy applications like gaming. It offers faster response time for both reading and writing processes due to the absence of a buffer.
Buffered Ram Vs UnBuffered FAQs-
Ans: Users can follow several steps to check if the RAM is buffered or unbuffered. Upon physical inspection, the construction of a buffered ram is different from an unbuffered RAM. The additional chips on buffered RAM are the register of memory. Users can also check this via software or the manufacturer’s specification manual.
Ans: Using both types of memory with the same motherhood is impossible due to several factors. The major factor is the motherboard’s compatibility with the RAM, as the design differs for both types. Even if somehow these nuts are mixed together, several issues, including instability, higher latency, and electrical loading, might arise due to the difference in both RAM’s working.
Ans: Buffered RAM has an added circuit to assist the function of the register. It is therefore connected to a higher voltage socket to fulfill the unit’s power requirements. The power consumption eventually becomes more in the buffered unit, leading to the generation of heat. Hence, a buffered unit is more susceptible to heating than an unbuffered memory.
Ans: The performance of both RAMs is dependent on several factors. The buffered RAM process data at a slower rate than the unbuffered RAM due to the presence of the register. The direct connectivity offered by unbuffered RAM helps reduce latency and increase performance. Hence, unbuffered RAM offers better performance compared to the buffered unit.
Conclusion
Buffered and unbuffered RAMs are one of the popular formats of RAM. Each memory has been designed for a specific application by adding or excluding the register. With these articles, we have discussed both buffered and unbuffered RAMs. We have also included several differences between these memories to help the users select the right option for their domestic system or industrial server. With this information, any confusion about the buffered and unbuffered memories can be easily cleared.
