Shadow RAM is a type of memory that duplicates the computer’s BIOS information for faster boot times. It can be disabled if not needed, but may reduce available memory. It speeds up processes that require BIOS and is useful if the user accidentally clears the BIOS.
Shadow random access memory (RAM) is a type of memory stored within a RAM stick 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 rate so your computer can boot faster. Some computers use the BIOS for reasons other than booting up, and this RAM usually 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 few problems associated with using this RAM, but if your computer doesn’t need it, using it will mean that there is slightly less memory available to your computer.
When a computer starts up, it switches to 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 repository, so booting from ROM can take a long time. With Shadow RAM, BIOS information is copied to and used from RAM. RAM is about twice as fast as ROM, so this cuts boot time in half. If the user accidentally clears the BIOS, this RAM will also have the information needed 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 obsolete or are certain command line interfaces. Shadow RAM contains a BIOS version and access speed is faster, so it typically speeds up processes that require BIOS.
Some systems depend on shadow RAM and the user cannot change how the computer uses this RAM, but other computers use it out of convenience rather than necessity. The latter systems typically allow users to disable and enable RAM at any time. It’s usually best to keep it turned on, unless users are doing heavy work.
While there are many benefits to having shadow RAM turned on, there are also some benefits to having it turned off. Some of the RAM is used to hold BIOS information, so this sector will not be available during processing. If someone uses intensive programs that require the entire RAM to run properly, this can hold up the computer. Outside of this scenario, enabling shadow RAM is usually not a problem, and most users shouldn’t notice the low RAM availability.
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