Computer memory is a generic term for all of the different types of data storage technology that a computer may use, including RAM, ROM, and flash memory. Show
Some types of computer memory are designed to be very fast, meaning that the central processing unit (CPU) can access data stored there very quickly. Other types are designed to be very low cost, so that large amounts of data can be stored there economically. Another way that computer memory can vary is that some types are non-volatile, which means they can store data on a long term basis even when there is no power. And some types are volatile, which are often faster, but which lose all the data stored on them as soon as the power is switched off. A computer system is built using a combination of these types of computer memory, and the exact configuration can be optimized to produce the maximum data processing speed or the minimum cost, or some compromise between the two.
What are the Different Types of Computer Memory?Although many types of memory in a computer exist, the most basic distinction is between primary memory, often called system memory, and secondary memory, which is more commonly called storage. The key difference between primary and secondary memory is speed of access.
Over several periods of computer evolution, a wide of array of computer memory types has been deployed, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Primary Memory Types: RAM and ROMThere are two key types of primary memory:
Let’s look in-depth at both types of memory. 1) RAM Computer MemoryThe acronym RAM stems from the fact that data stored in random access memory can be accessed – as the name suggests – in any random order. Or, put another way, any random bit of data can be accessed just as quickly as any other bit. The most important things to understand about RAM are that RAM memory is very fast, it can be written to as well as read, it is volatile (so all data stored in RAM memory is lost when it loses power) and, finally, it is very expensive compared to all types of secondary memory in terms of cost per gigabyte. It is because of the relative high cost of RAM compared to secondary memory types that most computer systems use both primary and secondary memory. Data that is required for imminent processing is moved to RAM where it can be accessed and modified very quickly, so that the CPU is not kept waiting. When the data is no longer required it is shunted out to slower but cheaper secondary memory, and the RAM space that has been freed up is filled with the next chunk of data that is about to be used. Types of RAM
The key differences between DRAM and SRAM is that SRAM is faster than DRAM – perhaps two to three times faster – but more expensive and bulkier. SRAM is usually available in megabytes, while DRAM is purchased in gigabytes. DRAM uses more energy than SRAM because it constantly needs to be refreshed to maintain data integrity, while SRAM – though volatile – does not need constant refreshing when it is powered up. 2) ROM Computer MemoryROM stands for read-only memory, and the name stems from the fact that while data can be read from this type of computer memory, data cannot normally be written to it. It is a very fast type of computer memory which is usually installed close to the CPU on the motherboard. ROM is a type of non-volatile memory, which means that the data stored in ROM persists in the memory even when it receives no power – for example when the computer is turned off. In that sense it is similar to secondary memory, which is used for long term storage. When a computer is turned on, the CPU can begin reading information stored in ROM without the need for drivers or other complex software to help it communicate. The ROM usually contains “bootstrap code” which is the basic set of instructions a computer needs to carry out to become aware of the operating system stored in secondary memory, and to load parts of the operating system into primary memory so that it can start up and become ready to use. ROM is also used in simpler electronic devices to store firmware which runs as soon as the device is switched on. Types of ROM ROM is available in several different types, including PROM, EPROM, and EEPROM.
Confusingly, NAND flash memory (such as that found in USB memory sticks and solid state disk drives) is a type of EEPROM, but NAND flash is considered to be secondary memory. Secondary Memory TypesSecondary memory comprises many different storage media which can be directly attached to a computer system. These include:
Secondary memory also includes:
Arguably cloud storage can also be called secondary memory. Differences between RAM and ROMROM:
RAM:
What Technology is Between Primary and Secondary Memory?In the last year or so a new memory medium called 3D XPoint has been developed with characteristics that lie between primary and secondary memory. 3D XPoint is more expensive but faster than secondary memory, and lower cost but slower than RAM. It is also a non-volatile memory type. These characteristics mean that it can be used as an alternative to RAM in systems which require vast amounts of system memory that would be too expensive to build using RAM (such as systems hosting in-memory databases). The trade-off is that such systems do not enjoy the full performance gains of using RAM. Since 3D XPoint is non-volatile, systems that use 3D XPoint for system memory can be up and running again after a power failure or other interruption very quickly, without the need for all the data to be read back into system memory from secondary memory.
Paul Rubens Paul Rubens is a technology journalist based in England and is an eSecurity Planet and Datamation contributor. What are the 3 types of storage?Data can be recorded and stored in three main forms: file storage, block storage and object storage.
What is primary and secondary storage?Primary memory usually refers to Random Access Memory (RAM), while secondary storage refers to devices such as hard disk drives, solid state drives, removable “USB” drives, CDs, and DVDs.
Which device is used to store data in computer?A hard disk drive or solid state drive holds all of the data; files, photos, programs, music, and movies, that the user wants to keep. Removable, external media storage devices such as flash drives and read/writeable CDs and DVDs are also secondary storage.
What contains high capacity storage that holds data?HDD: Hard Disk Drive
HDD is a traditional storage device, also known as magnetic storage devices, where the data is stored using a magnetized medium. These devices usually have very large capacities and they're pretty affordable too!
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