What is Primary Memory

What is Primary Memory and which is it

As we know, memory is one of the main parts of a computer. In computer system it is divided into two parts, which we call primary and secondary memory. What is your primary memory here? (What is Primary Memory) will know about this.

In this post you will read about the following topics:-

• what is primary memory
• types of primary memory
• in short

What is Primary Memory

Primary memory is the main memory of the computer, which usually stores the type of data or program, which is currently being processed by the Processing Unit (CPU). There are mainly three types of primary memory which include RAM, ROM and Cache memory. They have very less storage capacity but they provide much faster access to data than secondary storage (HDD and SDD).

It is of both volatile and non-volatile types. Where volatile refers to those memory devices that store data only while the computer is running, whereas non-volatile is the one that can store data for a long period of time. Since it is located very close to the CPU in the Main Circuit Board, the CPU reads the data present in the primary memory very fast.

Primary memory is also called internal memory and primary storage. This memory is usually made from semiconductor material and is more expensive than secondary storage.

Some of the main features of primary memory:

Stores programs or data that are currently being processed by the CPU.
Primary memory is directly connected to the CPU in the computer.
This is Semiconductor Memory.
Primary memory is much faster than secondary storage.
It is quite expensive as compared to secondary storage device.
Computer cannot work without primary memory.

What is Primary Memory

There are three types of primary memory in a computer system:

• RAM
• ROM
• Cache Memory

1 RAM

RAM stands for Random Access Memory. This is called the main memory of the computer. Whenever you open any software or file in the computer, they are first loaded into the RAM, after which they are processed by the CPU. In simple language, whatever you are doing in the computer, it is running in RAM somewhere.

That’s why it is called Temporary Memory, because it stores any data as long as the CPU needs it. It is much faster than other storage devices. RAM is mainly of volatile nature, that is, the data present in it gets deleted as soon as the computer is turned off. There are mainly two types of RAM: SRAM and DRAM.

Difference Between SRAM and DRAM

SRAM

• The full form of SRAM is “Static Random Access Memory”.
• It works as the main memory in the computer.
• In this, transistors are used to store data.
• SRAM does not need to be refreshed frequently.
• SRAM stores a small amount of data.
• This is a fast memory.
• SRAM is very expensive.

DRAM

• The full form of DROM is “Dynamic Random Access Memory”.
• It is used as cache memory.
• Capacitors are used to store data here.
• To store data in DRAM for a long time, frequent refreshing is required.
• Whereas the storage capacity of DRAM is more than this.
• In comparison, it is a slower memory.
• Whereas DRAM is very cheap in comparison.

2 ROM

ROM stands for Read Only Memory. As its name suggests, that it is only readable, that is, the data stored in it or the program can only be read, no modification or change in it is possible or not that easy. Therefore, those fixed programs are usually stored in the ROM chip, which do not need to be modified again. For example, computer ROM contains a program store named Firmware, which is responsible for starting the computer.

The nature of ROM is non-volatile i.e. even when the computer is switched off, the program or data present in it is not erased. It stores the data permanently. Although it stores a very small amount of data. ROM is a slower memory and it is cheaper than RAM. There are generally three types of ROM: PROM, EPROM and EEPROM.

Difference between PROM, EPROM and EEPROM

PROM

• The full name of PROM is “Programmable Read Only Memory”.
• This chip is One-Time Programmable.
• PROM is cheaper than other ROMs.
• One of the oldest version of ROM is PROM.
• It is completely covered with plastic cover.

EPROM

• The full name of EPROM is “Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory”.
• It can be reprogrammed many times with the help of ultraviolet light.
• EPROM is costlier than a PROM.
• EPROM is an improved version of PROM.
• It is covered by a transparent Quartz Window.

EEPROM

• The full name of EEPROM is “Electrically Programmable Read Only Memory”.
• It can be reprogrammed using electric-charge.
• EEPROM is the most expensive type of ROM.
• EEPROM is the most modern version of ROM.
• It comes completely enclosed in an opaque plastic box.

3 Cache Memory

Cache memory is a small size memory in a computer, which stores frequently requested data and instructions so that they are immediately available to the CPU when needed. Cache memory stores data temporarily. This is a very fast memory which is located between the CPU and RAM in the computer. Cache memory is a very important part in modern day computers.

Whenever the CPU performs a task, there are many such instructions which it needs again and again, Cach Memory provides those instructions to the CPU immediately. Which improves the performance of the computer. Usually this memory is inbuilt with the CPU in the computer or is present in the computer as a separate chip.

In short

So hopefully, what is primary memory? (What is Primary Memory) and what is it? You must have known this. One important thing, if you find the information informative and useful, then do share it on your social media so that others can get this information with your help. Other posts related to Computer Fundamentals are given below, click on them to continue reading further.

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