RAMBUS Memory

In order to keep up with today's microprocessors, Rambus Corporation has developed RAMBUS memory. Most new computers attempt to solve latency issues with SDRAM and Dual-Inline Memory Modules (also known as DIMMs). SDRAM, however, is quickly being made obsolete. SDRAM in DDR2 form operates at speeds of up to 667 Mhz, while today's microprocessors are surpassing the 1Ghz range.

RAMBUS memory attempts to solve latency problems in a different way than previous RAM standards. Rather than simply splitting the RAM into two banks as SDRAM does, RAMBUS memory increases speed by only grabbing small portions of data that it can quickly transfer back and forth. RAMBUS also uses pipelining to push data to points where it will be closer to the microprocessor, thus reducing the time it take to access that data. Using this method, RAMBUS memory delivers data at a rate of up to 533Mhz.

Downside to RAMBUS Memory

One of the drawbacks of RAMBUS memory technology is its cost. The Rambus Corporation maintains a tight grip on their technology and charges very large licensing fees to manufacturers that make and sell RAMBUS products. Those high fees are passed along to customers, making RAMBUS memory some of the most expensive memory on the market.

A comparable RAM solution is SyncLink DRAM. SyncLink DRAM uses technology similar to RAMBUS memory and can overclock to speeds as high as 800Mhz (as can RAMBUS memory). Because it is an open-source technology, manufacturers can produce SyncLink DRAM for less money than they would spend producing RAMBUS memory. Despite its benefits, SyncLink DRAM has been passed over for use by people moving to DDR and DDR2 RAM.