Definitions & Glossary

Buffered Memory is RAM with an integrated circuit that manages electrical load, allowing more modules per channel and higher capacities while reducing strain on the memory controller.

The maximum rate at which data can be transmitted over a network or communication channel, typically measured in bits per second.

XMP (eXtreme Memory Profile) is an Intel technology that allows automatic overclocking of RAM modules beyond standard speeds, enhancing system performance without manual tweaking.

Unbuffered memory is RAM that communicates directly with the memory controller without a buffer chip, offering lower latency but less stability for high-capacity configurations.

UDIMM (Unbuffered Dual In-line Memory Module). A type of computer memory module that directly connects to the motherboard without additional buffering, offering faster performance but limited capacity compared to buffered alternatives.

JEDEC (Joint Electron Device Engineering Council) is a standardization organization that develops open standards for the microelectronics industry, focusing on memory technologies and related components.

Rank in computer memory refers to a set of memory chips that operate in unison to form a single memory module, increasing data transfer width and overall system performance.

RDIMM stands for Registered Dual In-line Memory Module. It's a type of server memory that uses a register to buffer electrical loads, allowing for higher capacity and improved system stability.

A memory bank is a group of memory chips or modules organized to function as a single unit, typically accessed simultaneously to increase data transfer speed and efficiency.

Specific time intervals that define how quickly RAM can perform various operations, such as reading, writing, and refreshing data. These timings affect overall memory performance and system responsiveness.

MHz, or Megahertz, is a unit of frequency equal to one million cycles per second, commonly used to measure computer processor and memory speeds.

MT/s stands for Megatransfers per second. It measures the data transfer rate of memory modules, indicating how many millions of data transfers occur in one second.

SODIMM (Small Outline Dual In-line Memory Module) is a compact RAM module used in laptops, mini-PCs, and small form factor devices. It's roughly half the size of standard desktop DIMMs, offering high-capacity memory in space-constrained systems.

SPD (Serial Presence Detect) is a small chip on memory modules that stores information about the module's specifications, allowing the system to automatically configure memory settings.

Overclocking is the practice of increasing a computer component's clock rate, running it at a higher speed than its official rated frequency to enhance performance.

A metal component attached to electronic parts to dissipate heat, improving performance and preventing thermal damage. It conducts heat away from sensitive components to maintain optimal operating temperatures.

DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) is volatile memory that stores data in capacitors, requiring constant refreshing to maintain information. It's widely used as a computer's main memory due to its cost-effectiveness and speed.

Dual-Channel is a memory architecture that allows two memory modules to work simultaneously, effectively doubling data transfer rates between RAM and the CPU.

A clock cycle is the fundamental unit of time in a computer's processor, representing one complete pulse of the system clock that synchronizes all operations.

The number of clock cycles between a memory controller requesting data and the data becoming available from the RAM.

ECC (Error-Correcting Code) memory. A type of computer memory that detects and corrects common data corruption errors, ensuring higher reliability and stability in critical systems.

EXPO (Extended Profiles for Overclocking) is a memory overclocking technology developed by AMD for DDR5 RAM, allowing easier performance optimization through predefined profiles.

A technique used in solid-state drives to distribute write operations evenly across all memory cells, prolonging the drive's lifespan by preventing premature wear-out of frequently used cells.

TBW (Terabytes Written). TBW refers to the total amount of data that can be written to an SSD over its lifetime, measured in terabytes. It's a key indicator of an SSD's endurance and lifespan.

A SSD controller is a microchip that manages data flow between the computer and NAND flash memory, optimizing performance, wear leveling, and error correction in solid-state drives.

SLC (Single-Level Cell), MLC (Multi-Level Cell), TLC (Triple-Level Cell), and QLC (Quad-Level Cell) refer to the number of bits stored per cell in NAND flash memory, ranging from one to four bits respectively.

PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) Gen5/Gen4/Gen3 are successive generations of high-speed serial computer expansion bus standards, each doubling the bandwidth of its predecessor for faster data transfer between components.

NAS is a dedicated file-level storage device on a network that lets multiple users and devices centrally store, share, and access files efficiently.

NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express): A high-performance protocol designed for SSDs, enabling faster data transfer and lower latency compared to traditional storage interfaces like SATA.

NAND Flash is a non-volatile storage technology that retains data without power, using floating-gate transistors to store information in an array of memory cells.

MB/s stands for Megabytes per second, a unit measuring data transfer speed, indicating how many megabytes of data can be moved in one second.

M.2 2230/2242/2280/22110 refers to the size specifications for M.2 SSDs. The numbers indicate the width and length in millimeters: 22mm wide, and 30mm, 42mm, 80mm, or 110mm long, respectively.

MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures). MTBF is the average time between system failures, measuring reliability by predicting the expected time a device will operate before experiencing a failure.

IOPS measures the number of read and write operations a storage device can perform in one second, indicating its performance and responsiveness.

HMB (Host Memory Buffer). A technique allowing DRAMless SSDs to use a portion of the host system's RAM as a cache, improving performance without onboard DRAM.

An API enabling rapid data transfer from NVMe SSDs directly to GPU memory, bypassing CPU and system RAM for faster game loading and asset streaming.

DRAMless refers to Solid State Drives (SSDs) that operate without Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) cache, relying solely on NAND flash memory and the controller for data management.

A volatile memory buffer integrated into SSDs, using Dynamic Random Access Memory to temporarily store frequently accessed data, enhancing read/write speeds and overall performance.

Shock resistance is a hard drive's ability to withstand sudden impacts or vibrations without data loss or mechanical damage, typically measured in G-forces.

R/W Head (Read/Write Head). A small electromagnetic device that reads data from and writes data to the magnetic surface of a hard disk drive, converting digital information to magnetic patterns and vice versa.

RPM (Revolutions Per Minute). RPM measures how many times a hard drive's platters complete a full rotation in one minute, indicating the drive's rotational speed and potential data access rate.

A compact, removable device for storing and transferring digital data, typically connecting via USB or other interfaces. Examples include USB flash drives, external hard drives, and memory cards.

NTFS (New Technology File System), ExFAT (Extended File Allocation Table), and FAT32 (32-bit File Allocation Table) are file systems used to organize and store data on storage devices.

A small, high-speed memory that temporarily stores frequently accessed data, reducing the time needed to retrieve information from slower main memory.

A disk partition is a logical division of a physical storage device, allowing multiple file systems or operating systems to coexist on a single drive.

Format is the process of preparing a storage device, like a hard drive, for initial use by creating a file system structure and erasing existing data.

USB-A and USB-C refer to Universal Serial Bus connector types. USB-A is the traditional rectangular plug, while USB-C is a newer, reversible oval-shaped connector offering faster data transfer and power delivery.

A structured method for organizing and storing data on storage devices. It defines how files are named, stored, and retrieved, ensuring efficient data management and access.

AES Encryption (Advanced Encryption Standard). A symmetric block cipher algorithm used for secure data encryption, employing 128, 192, or 256-bit keys to transform plaintext into ciphertext through multiple rounds of substitution and permutation.

High-endurance refers to flash memory designed to withstand extensive read/write cycles, significantly extending the lifespan of the storage device compared to standard flash memory.

These are Video Speed Class ratings for SD cards, indicating minimum sustained write speeds of 30MB/s, 60MB/s, and 90MB/s respectively. Higher ratings support more demanding video recording formats.

UHS-I/UHS-II (Ultra High Speed-I/Ultra High Speed-II). UHS-I and UHS-II are SD card interface standards that define data transfer speeds. UHS-I supports speeds up to 104 MB/s, while UHS-II can reach 312 MB/s using additional pins.

SD4.0 stands for "SD (Secure Digital) Express 4.0," the latest high-speed memory card standard. It offers blazing fast read/write speeds up to 4GB/s, ideal for 8K video recording and high-resolution photography.

SD/microSD (Secure Digital/micro Secure Digital) are non-volatile memory card formats used for portable storage in devices like cameras and smartphones. They offer high-capacity storage in compact form factors.

There are progressive standards for memory cards, with each new version providing higher storage capacity and better performance.

microSD Express is a next-generation microSD card standard introduced by the SD Association, integrating PCIe and NVMe technologies. It offers faster data transfer speeds, making it suitable for high-performance mobile devices and gaming consoles.

CFast 2.0 is a CompactFlash memory card standard utilizing a Serial ATA interface, delivering high-speed data transfer and improved performance for professional imaging and video devices.

CFexpress is a high-speed flash memory standard using PCI Express interfaces, enabling rapid data transfer for professional cameras and high-performance devices.

A standard for SD cards indicating minimum read/write speeds and input/output operations per second (IOPS) for smooth app performance on mobile devices.

Wattage is the rate of energy transfer, measuring power consumption or output in watts. It's calculated by multiplying voltage and current, indicating how much energy a device uses or produces per second.

Under-Voltage Protection (UVP) is a safety feature in power banks that prevents battery damage by shutting off the device when input voltage falls below a safe threshold.

A feature allowing power banks to both receive and output power, enabling them to charge devices while being charged simultaneously.

A safety feature that prevents damage by automatically cutting power when an abnormal, low-resistance connection occurs between two points in an electrical circuit, causing excessive current flow.

Qi (pronounced "chee") is a wireless charging standard that uses electromagnetic induction to transfer power between a charging pad and a compatible device, eliminating the need for cables.

Quick Charge is a fast charging technology developed by Qualcomm that enables rapid battery charging in mobile devices, significantly reducing charging time compared to standard methods.

A feature allowing a power bank to simultaneously charge itself and connected devices, enabling continuous power supply without depleting the power bank's battery.

一種通用充電協定，可透過 USB 連接進行高功率傳輸（最高 100W），實現相容裝置間更快速的充電和電力分配。

A safety feature in power banks that prevents excessive current flow, protecting the device and connected equipment from damage due to short circuits or overloads.

A safety feature in power banks that prevents excessive voltage from reaching connected devices, protecting them from potential damage or malfunction.

A safety feature in power banks that prevents excess current from flowing into a fully charged battery, avoiding damage, overheating, and potential fire hazards.

"Made for iPhone/iPod/iPad" certification program by Apple, ensuring third-party accessories meet Apple's performance and safety standards for iOS devices.

MagSafe is Apple's proprietary magnetic charging and accessory attachment system for iPhones and MacBooks, using magnets to securely connect power adapters and accessories.

mAh stands for milliamp hours. It measures a battery's energy storage capacity, indicating how long it can supply a specific current before needing recharging.

Lithium-ion (Li-ion) and Lithium-polymer (Li-Po) are rechargeable battery technologies using lithium compounds as the primary component for energy storage and delivery.

GaN (Gallium Nitride). GaN is a wide-bandgap semiconductor material used in power electronics, enabling higher efficiency, faster switching speeds, and smaller device sizes compared to traditional silicon-based components.

A safety feature in wireless charging systems that detects non-charging objects on the charging surface, preventing potential hazards like overheating or damage to the charger or device.

A classification for materials that have been treated or formulated to resist ignition and slow the spread of fire, meeting specific safety standards for electrical devices.

BSMI (Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection) certification is a mandatory safety standard for electronic products sold in Taiwan, ensuring compliance with local regulations and consumer protection.

Battery Capacity is the total energy a power bank can store, while Rated Capacity is the usable energy after accounting for conversion losses, typically 60-70% of the total capacity

SBC (Subband Coding) and AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) are audio codecs used for compressing and transmitting digital audio, particularly in Bluetooth devices. SBC is standard, while AAC offers higher quality at lower bitrates.

Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR). A measure comparing desired signal strength to background noise, indicating signal quality. Higher SNR means clearer signal transmission with less interference.

PMPO (Peak Music Power Output). PMPO is a marketing term used to exaggerate audio system power, representing the maximum power output achievable for a brief moment, often misleading consumers about actual performance.

HFP (Hands-Free Profile), HSP (Headset Profile), AVRCP (Audio/Video Remote Control Profile), and A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) are Bluetooth protocols for wireless audio communication and control.

Frequency response measures how accurately a device reproduces input signals across different frequencies, typically expressed as a graph showing output amplitude versus frequency.

Distortion is the alteration of an original signal's waveform, resulting in unwanted changes to audio, visual, or data output, often caused by system limitations or interference.

Clear Voice Capture 6.0, an advanced noise reduction technology for improved call clarity in earbuds.

Advanced audio codec developed by Qualcomm for high-quality Bluetooth audio streaming with lower latency.

IP68 stands for "Ingress Protection 68". It's a rating that indicates a device's resistance to dust (6) and water (8), capable of withstanding submersion beyond 1 meter for extended periods.

A safety feature in chargers that automatically shuts off power when the device detects excessive heat, preventing damage or fire.