No, a PC cannot function without any RAM. RAM is essential for running operating systems and applications.
No, a PC cannot function without any RAM. RAM is essential for running operating systems and applications.
It’s theoretically doable. You could employ a SWAP file on Linux or adjust the Pagefile.sys in Windows. However, the BIOS automatically triggers a POST, which then verifies RAM presence. Bypassing the POST step with a modified BIOS might still be feasible, but it depends on system constraints.
You require memory to start running Linux or Windows. Even if this concept functioned, it wouldn't improve speed. SATA limits performance to 560mbps, while PCIe3 offers about 3,600 mbps. DRAM is likely faster than these rates, particularly with DDR4.
Yes, the SWAP partition in Pagefile.sys acts as an extension of RAM, allowing the system to use disk space for additional memory when needed.
I reviewed your message carefully. You're explaining a situation where using Linux or Windows is necessary to create virtual RAM through disk space, and you're pointing out the circular dependency—without loading those operating systems, you can't proceed, which is similar to trying to fix a power problem by going around it.
Imagine the initial OS code as the virtual RAM configuration being built into the hardware. If you had to fit just enough memory to run it, it would be possible, but using none at all isn't feasible and seems impractical.