Random access memory (RAM, random access memory, RAM) is an essential component of a computer. The data necessary for the operation of the central processor are unloaded into it from the hard disk. This allows you to significantly speed up the computer. After reading this article, problems with whether a computer will start without RAM should no longer occur.
Differences between types of memory
The RAM can access the data in random order, so that the search for the required part of the information can be carried out very quickly. Other types of memory do not have this capability. For example, a hard disk and a compact disc (CD) write and read data in a specific order. These devices are designed so that data is accessed sequentially. This means that the search time for any information can vary greatly depending on where it is located on the disk.
RAM assignment
Why do I need RAM? It is used in computer systems as the main one. This is a volatile memory device. Therefore, when the power is turned off, the data in RAM is lost. The main memory is used by the central processor to store information, the access speed to which should be very high.
Today, integrated circuits are used to store information. This is a relatively expensive storage method. The cost of a storage element is much higher than, for example, a hard drive. But for RAM, the speed of access to data is more important, and it is much higher for it than for hard drives. A typical computer system contains 2-8 GB of RAM and 100 GB - 1 TB of permanent memory on hard and solid state drives.
Power-on self-test
To understand whether the computer will start without RAM, you need to understand what happens after clicking on the "Start" button. When you turn on the computer, the BIOS loads the POST self-diagnostic program. It checks the health of all nodes of the device.
Without RAM, the computer turns on and does not work for very long. After all, the first thing the testing program monitors is the processor registers and the first 64 Kbytes of RAM. If these devices are in working condition, the program continues to check the remaining components (video card, keyboard). If an error is detected during testing, the user is informed about this using an audio signal.
Fatal errors
The absence or malfunction of RAM are fatal errors. In case of such malfunctions, the computer boot process stops. This means that the answer to the question whether the computer will start without RAM will be unequivocal: no. Depending on the error, a certain sequence of sound signals of different lengths is issued, and it turns off. In this case (RAM malfunction) it will be 3 short beeps.
Output
Will a computer start without RAM? Theoretically, it can work without this type of memory if the processor uses the data directly from the hard drive. But the practical implementation of computer systems does not allow this.