Rambus DRAM, also known as RDRAM, is a type of dynamic RAM chip technology developed by Rambus, Inc. in Los Altos, CA. It was licensed to semiconductor firms which produced the chips, and was utilized in video games and Windows PCs beginning in the mid-1990s, competing with DDR SDRAM.
RDRAM was available in both 16-bit (single channel) and 32-bit (dual channel) configurations, with clock frequencies ranging from 266 to 800 MHz. Intel was an early supporter of RDRAM, however, it began to phase it out in 2001. Rambus’ XDR memory eventually surpassed it.
Despite its eventual decline, Rambus DRAM played an important role in the development of computer memory technology. Its unique design and architecture influenced future generations of memory, and set the stage for the development of more advanced RAM technology.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rambus DRAM
What is Rambus DRAM?
Rambus DRAM, or RDRAM, is a type of dynamic RAM chip technology developed by Rambus, Inc. in Los Altos, CA. It was licensed to semiconductor firms which produced the chips, and was utilized in video games and Windows PCs beginning in the mid-1990s, competing with DDR SDRAM.
How does Rambus DRAM differ from other types of RAM?
Rambus DRAM has a unique design and architecture that differs from other types of RAM. It uses a high-speed serial interface called Rambus Channel to transfer data between the memory controller and the chip. This design made RDRAM faster than other types of RAM at the time, but it was also more expensive.
What was Rambus DRAM used for?
Rambus DRAM was used in video games and Windows PCs beginning in the mid-1990s. It competed with DDR SDRAM, which eventually surpassed it in popularity.
Why did Rambus DRAM decline in popularity?
Rambus DRAM’s high cost and the emergence of DDR SDRAM, which was less expensive and more widely available, led to its decline in popularity. Intel, an early supporter of RDRAM, began to phase it out in 2001.
Conclusion
Overall, Rambus DRAM played an important role in the development of computer memory technology. Its unique design and architecture influenced future generations of memory and set the stage for the development of more advanced RAM technology. While it may have eventually declined in popularity, it remains an important piece of computer history.
