Cards vs Memory

The Lesson

Cards are used to extend the functionality of a computer. That is, they add a function. For example, a video card allows the computer to be plugged into a monitor. A sound card allows a computer to be plugged into speakers. (Sometime these functions are built into the motherboard. Sometimes a card needs to be added.)

Memory is used for temporary storage and workspace. It will "remember" what you are typing into the computer while the computer is on. This is different than permanent storage (like a hard drive) in that whatever is in memory will fade away quite quickly when you turn your computer off. Memory is often called "Random Access Memory" or "RAM" for short.

It is important to know the difference between memory and cards when looking at them. It is also important to know where in the motherboard each would plug in.

Cards plug into a motherboard in such a way to have one end visible from the back of the computer. This means that the card slots will be pointing towards the back of the motherboard, and nothing will be in their way to reach the back. (You can determine which edge of the motherboard is the back, by looking for connectors for the keyboard, etc.)

Memory is also plugged into the motherboard, but will be completely inside the computer when it is fully assembled, so they are unlikely to be pointed towards the back, or if they are pointed towards the back, then there will likely be other stuff in their way.

Some types of cards

sound cards

video cards

network cards

modems

wireless cards

there are many types of cards

Some types of memory

DDR

RAMBUS

SDRAM

Questions

• Can you find where the memory would plug into this motherboard?
• Can you find where the cards would plug into this motherboard?
• Find a stick of memory.
• Find a card.

This box should have in it

• A standard motherboard with RAM and card slots.
• Several sticks of RAM of various types, some which fit the motherboard
• Several cards of various types, some which fit the motherboard