Hidden random access memory (RAM) is a type of memory stored in a stick of RAM that has a duplicate version of the computer’s basic input/output operating system (BIOS) information. In addition to ensuring that the BIOS is never erased, Shadow RAM has an accelerated access speed so your computer can boot faster. Some computers use the BIOS for reasons other than booting, and this RAM often helps with that. Many computers with Shadow RAM, especially those that don’t need it, allow the user to enable or disable RAM on command. There are some issues associated with using this RAM, but if your computer doesn’t need it, using it will mean there will be slightly less memory available to your computer.
ram card
When a computer boots up, it goes into read-only memory (ROM) to access BIOS information. The problem with this is that ROM tends to be slow because it’s a larger memory store, so booting from ROM can take a long time. With shadow RAM, BIOS information is copied and used from RAM. RAM is twice as fast as ROM, so it cuts boot time in half. If the user accidentally erases the BIOS, this RAM will also have the information necessary to start the computer.
Most computers only need the BIOS to boot, but others use it for normal functions as well. These systems are mostly outdated or certain command line interfaces. Shadow RAM contains a version of BIOS and the access speed is faster, so it often speeds up processes that require BIOS.
Some systems rely on shadow RAM and the user cannot change how the computer uses that RAM, but other computers use it as a convenience rather than a necessity. Newer systems typically allow users to disable and enable RAM at any time. It’s usually best to keep it enabled unless users are doing intensive work.
While there are many benefits to having RAM enabled, there are also some benefits to turning it off. Part of the RAM is used to store BIOS information, so this sector will not be available during processing. If someone is using intensive programs that need all the RAM to work properly, it can slow down the computer. Outside of this scenario, having Shadow RAM enabled is generally not an issue and most users should not notice reduced RAM availability.
