What is Primary Memory | Types & Features of Primary Memory
Memory is one of the most important device in the computer. Without memory, computer cannot do any work because when we cannot store any data in the computer, then what data will the computer work on?
In such a situation, memory is required in the computer to store data and instructions.
Today in this article we are going to talk about Primary Memory or Main Memory.
Today we will learn in detail about, what is primary memory. And what are the types of primary memory?
In the previous article, we had known in detail that what is computer memory? If you have not read that article, then definitely read it once so that you can have a basic understanding about computer memory.
So Let’s understand what is primary memory.
What is Primary Memory
Primary memory is the main memory of the computer which is attached to the CPU in the motherboard. All the data required for CPU processing is stored in the primary memory. This is the internal memory of the computer. Which is known as Main Memory and Primary Memory.
The storage capacity of the primary memory is much less and smaller than the secondary memory, this takes less time to find data, so it is much faster than the secondary memory.
Primary memory is a volatile memory from which data can be accessed very fast. Volatile Memory means, data that is in the primary memory remains only as long as the computer is turned on, as soon as the computer is turned off, the data stored in the primary memory is also destroyed.
Primary memory is a semiconductor computer memory. Which is more expensive than secondary memory.
There are mainly two types of primary memory – RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory).
Let’s understand all these types of primary memory.
Types of Primary Memory
#1. RAM (Random Access Memory)
Random Access Memory, also known as RAM, is a hardware device that is installed in the motherboard of a computer.
It is an internal memory that allows the CPU to store programs and data, received from the program’s process.
It is used to read/write data in memory.
This is a volatile memory, which means, in this data is temporarily stored in the RAM.
The information stored in RAM is lost when the power supply to the PC or laptop is off.
RAM comes in the form of a chip that is mounted individually on the motherboard or in the form of chips on a small board connected to the motherboard.
The read/write function in RAM is much faster as compared to other memory like hard disk drive (HDD), solid-state drive (SSD), optical drive, etc.
It is the main memory of the computer system. It is also called temporary memory or cache memory.
Random Access Memory (RAM) is the main memory directly accessed by the CPU.
All the data stored in RAM can be randomly read or accessed at any time.
The performance of the computer mainly depends on the size and storage capacity of the RAM.
If there is not enough RAM (Random Access Memory) to run the operating system and software programs, the computer will perform slowly.
So, the more RAM has in the computer, the computer will work the faster.
Examples of RAM – Static RAM and Dynamic RAM
#2. ROM (Read Only Memory)
ROM is a memory device used by computer manufacturers to permanently store information inside a chip.
ROM is a read-only memory, in which the stored data and information can only be read and no changes can be made in it.
It is a “Non-Volatile Memory” in which the stored data and instructions are not destroyed even when the power is turned off or the system is turned off.
Inside ROM, some important instructions or programs are stored that are required to start or boot the computer.
All the instructions which are required to boot the computer are stored in ROM by the computer manufacturer.
ROM is a long-term internal memory. Which is similar to RAM. which is directly accessed by the CPU.
It is slightly slower than RAM, so it is cheaper than RAM.
A simple example of a ROM is the cartridge used in video game consoles that allow the system to run multiple games.
Data stored permanently on computers and other electronic devices like smartphones, tablets, TVs, ACs etc. is also an example of ROM.
ROM is also used to store firmware, which is a software program that is attached into the hardware.
It provides instructions to computer devices to communicate and interact with other devices.
Examples of ROM -: PROM, EPROM, EEROM, EEPROM, UVPROM (Ultra Violet Programmable Read-Only Memory)
Friends, till now you have understood very well, what is primary memory. And what are the types of primary memory?
Features of Primary Memory
- It is known as the main memory of the computer.
- This is the fastest memory of the Computer System.
- This is volatile memory, that is, after the power is turned off, all the data and information inside it is destroyed.
- It is a semiconductor memory.
- This is the internal memory of the computer.
- It is directly accessed by the processor (CPU).
- It is much faster than secondary memory
- Computer cannot run without primary memory.
Read More -:
- What is Computer Memory
- What is Secondary Memory
- What is Cache Memory
- What is Register Memory
- What is Read-Only Memory
- What is Random Access Memory
Conclusion
Friends, I hope that after reading this article today, you will know very well what is prime memory. And what are the types of primary memory?
If you want Computer Fundamental Tutorial, then see my article Computer Fundamentals Tutorial. Here you will get all the topics of Computer Fundamentals step by step.
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