In this article, we'll take a look at the individual components that make up a memory module and see how they contribute to the overall operation of the memory.

Memory Chips - Chips (also known as integrated circuits) act as holding cells for data that passes through RAM. They are organized like grids with millions or billions of individual cells that store single bits of data (either a 1 or a 0). Chips are pieces of silicon surrounded by protective coating, which is usually either black or chrome, depending on the type of memory. The chips also have external connector pins that allow them to transmit data to and from the PCB.

PCB (Printed Circuit Board) - The green board upon which the memory chips and contacts are mounted. The PCB is made up of several layers. High-quality PCBs will have more layers than low-quality PCBs. Within these layers are traces and circuitry that allow for data transfer. More layers allow for traces to be further apart, which reduces signal interference, making the memory more stable.

Traces - Circuitry embedded in the PCB that act as pathways for data transfer. Traces are commonly described as "roads" along which data travels.

Resistors - Small electronic components that regulate the flow of electrical current through a memory module.

Contacts - Also known as pins or leads, the contacts at the base of the module act as the connection point between the memory module and the memory socket. Early modules used tin contacts, but the standard has since become gold, which is a better conductor.

EEPROM chip - An electrically erasable and rewritable chip that contains information about the module's size, speed, architecture, and CAS latency. This information is communicated to the system BIOS (link to glossary) upon bootup. Also commonly referred to as the SPD. The BIOS uses the information in the SPD to maximize memory performance and prevent memory failure.