Different Types of Memory in Computer

Jaya Sharma
Senio r Executive Co ntent

Updated on Dec 28, 2023 18:19 IST

For a system to function properly, it is important to have different types of memory
in computer. It stores information that the CPU uses for processing and completing
instructions.

In this article, we will be taking a look at the different types of memory in computer
systems.

Table of Cont ent s

What is computer memory?

Importance of Dif f erent T ypes of Computer Memory

Characteristics of Memory in Computer

T ypes of Memory in Computer

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Let us get started by learning what is memory and its types in computer.

What is memory in computer?

Computer memory refers to different types of data storage technologies used by

the computer. A computer system is made up of a combination of types of
computer memory. It is electronic that holds a place for instruction and data that a
computer needs to reach quickly. Computer memory is the collection of storage
units that store binary information in bits. The memory block is split into smaller
components called cells. Every cell has a unique address for storing data in memory.

Import ance of Dif f erent Types of Memory in Comput er

Memory in computers is an essential element of the system since, without it, the
system cannot perform even basic tasks. In a computer system, memory stores
different types of data, such as audio, video, documents, images, etc. This data can
be retrieved as and when required. The CPU selects memory cells for reading and
writing data based on the task that the user wants the computer to accomplish.
There are different memory types in computers to suit the device’s needs.

Charact erist ics of Memory in Comput er

The following are the characteristics of memory in computer:

T he storage capacity varies f or dif f erent types of memories in computers. T he storage
capacity of external devices is measured in bytes, while internal memory is measured
either in words or bytes. Storage word length may vary in 8, 16, or 32 bits.

Unit of transf er measures the transf er rate of bits that can be either read or written in
and out of memory devices. T his data transf er rate is dif f erent in internal and external
devices. For internal memory, it is usually equal to word size and f or external memory, it
is greater than a word.

T he internal memory in a computer is inbuilt within it, whereas external memory is

present as a separate storage device such as USB or disk.

T here are f our methods to access memory, including DMA, Associative Access Method,
Sequential Access Method, and Random Access Method.

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o n 29 -Dec-20 23.
 Memory in computers has dif f erent physical behavior, such as volatile, non-erasable,
and non-volatile memory.

T he perf ormance of the memory depends on access time, memory cycle time and
transf er rate. Access time is the total time taken by memory devices to perf orm read and
write operations.

Memory cycle time is the total time needed to access the memory block and the
additional time needed bef ore starting the second access.

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Types of Memory in Computer

Let us now discuss the classification of various types of memories in computers.

Broadly, memory is segregated into Primary, Secondary, Cache and Register. Further
classification is between primary and secondary memory.

1. Primary Memory

Also known as main memory in computer, it communicates directly with the CPU,
Cache and Auxiliary memory. This type of computer memory keeps data and
programs when the process is active to use them.

When a program or the data is activated for execution, the processor loads
instructions from the secondary memory into the main memory and then starts
execution. It is a volatile memory due to which any unsaved data is lost when a
power cut occurs. Primary memory is of two types: RAM and ROM.

1.1 RAM

RAM is hardware that temporarily stores data and programs. It is the faster part of
the main memory which can be directly accessed by the CPU. It reads and writes
programs until the computer is switched on. RAM is of two types: DRAM and SRAM.
DRAM f ull f orm is Dynamic Random-Access Memory. It is a type of RAM that is used f or
dynamic data storage. Every cell in DRAM consists of one-bit inf ormation. A cell is
composed of a transistor and a capacitor. T his capacitor and transistor are extremely
small in size. T he capacitor needs a continuous ref resh to retain inf ormation since it is

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o n 29 -Dec-20 23.
 volatile.

SRAM full form is Static Random-Access Memory. T his type of RAM stores static data
in memory which remains active until there is a power supply. Same sized SRAM chip
holds less data than DRAM. Unlike DRAM, it does not require a continuous ref resh.

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1.2 ROM

Read-Only Memory (ROM) is a permanent storage type. This is a type of read-only

memory that only reads the stored information, but it does not have the capability
to modify or write. Since it is a non-volatile type of memory in computer, the
information stays even after a power cut or when the system has been shut down.
ROM is of the following five types:
MROM: It is the oldest ROM whose data is pre-conf igured via integrated circuit
manuf acture during the time of manuf acturing. Due to this pre-conf iguration, the user
cannot change the instruction stored within the MROM chip.

PROM: It is a digital ROM which only once allows writing any inf ormation or program.
T his is done using a special PROM programmer or burner device.

Flash ROM: T his type of ROM can be programmed or written in smaller units called
sector or block. It is used f or transf erring data between computer and digital devices.

EPROM: In this type of ROM, data can be erased as well as reprogrammed only once. It
can store data f or a minimum of 10-20 years. T o erase and reprogram EPROM, the user
needs to pass UV light f or 40 minutes. Post this, the data can be recreated.

EEPROM: T he f ull f orm of EEPROM is Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read

Only Memory. It is an electrically erasable and programmable ROM. T his allows data to
be erased using a high-voltage electrical charge. Af ter this, it can be reprogrammed up
to thousands of times.

2. Secondary Memory

It is a permanent type of memory in computer that holds a large amount of data.

This is an external memory that represents different storage media on which data

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o n 29 -Dec-20 23.
and programs can be saved for long term. It is not directly accessible by the CPU and
is available as external devices such as CDs, DVDs and USBs. They are cheaper than
primary memory but slower than primary memory.
Hard disk: It is a type of permanent computer memory that stores programs, f iles and
data. It is stored on the motherboard of the computer that does not lose data even
when there is a power outage or when the system has been switched of f .

Compact Disc (CD): It is an optical disk storage device that stores dif f erent types of
data, such as audio, video, f iles, and other inf ormation. CD uses light to read and write
data f rom CDs.

Pen Drive: T his portable device is a type of secondary memory in computer that is used
f or permanently storing data. It is also known as a USB f lash drive that stores and
transf ers.

Dif f erence bet ween SRAM and DRAM

The main difference between SRAM (Static Rando m-Access Memo ry) and
DRAM (Dynamic Rando m-Access Memo ry) is that SRAM sto res data using flip-
flo p circuits, which are faster and require co ntinuo us po wer to retain...re ad
m o re

Dif f erence Bet ween RAM And ROM

RAM and ROM are two co mmo nly used terms in co mputers. The primary
distinctio n between RAM and ROM is that RAM is rando m access memo ry,
whereas ROM is read-o nly memo ry. RAM...re ad m o re

32-Bit vs. 64-Bit : How They Are Dif f erent

The main difference between 32-bit and 6 4-bit systems lies in their memo ry
handling capabilities, perfo rmance, and the amo unt o f data they can efficiently
pro cess. 32-bit can directly access up to ...re ad m o re

3. Cache Memory

This small-sized chip-based memory in computer lies between the main memory and

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o n 29 -Dec-20 23.
CPU. It is very close to the chip of CPU. The aim of this type of computer memory is
to enhance the performance of the CPU. It is a high-performance and temporary
type of memory that reduces the access time of data from main memory. Every
instruction and data that is often used by the CPU is stored within Cache memory.
Cache memory is of three types: L1, L2, and L3 cache.

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FAQs

How many type of memory are there in computer?

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