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5Computer memory

The document outlines the various types of computer memory, categorizing them into primary, secondary, cache, virtual, flash memory, and registers. Each type is described in terms of volatility, speed, and use case, highlighting their roles in data storage and processing. Key distinctions include RAM and ROM as primary memory, HDD and SSD as secondary storage, and cache memory for speeding up CPU operations.

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DENIS RONO
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8 views

5Computer memory

The document outlines the various types of computer memory, categorizing them into primary, secondary, cache, virtual, flash memory, and registers. Each type is described in terms of volatility, speed, and use case, highlighting their roles in data storage and processing. Key distinctions include RAM and ROM as primary memory, HDD and SSD as secondary storage, and cache memory for speeding up CPU operations.

Uploaded by

DENIS RONO
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Computer memory is a critical component of a computer system that stores data and

instructions for processing. It is generally categorized based on function, speed, volatility,


and storage capacity. Here are the main types of computer memory:

🔹 1. Primary Memory (Main Memory)

These are the memory units directly accessible by the CPU. They are typically fast and
volatile.

➤ a. RAM (Random Access Memory)

 Volatile – data is lost when power is turned off.

 Function – temporarily holds data and instructions the CPU is currently using.

 Types:

o DRAM (Dynamic RAM) – needs to be refreshed frequently.

o SRAM (Static RAM) – faster and more expensive; used in cache.

➤ b. ROM (Read-Only Memory)

 Non-volatile – retains data even when power is off.

 Function – stores firmware or permanent instructions like the system boot loader.

 Types:

o PROM – Programmable once.

o EPROM – Erasable with UV light.

o EEPROM – Electrically erasable.

🔹 2. Secondary Memory (Storage Memory)

Used for long-term data storage. Slower than primary memory but with larger capacity.

➤ Examples:

 Hard Disk Drive (HDD)

 Solid State Drive (SSD)

 CD/DVD

 USB Flash Drives

 Memory Cards
🔹 3. Cache Memory

 A small, high-speed memory located close to the CPU.

 Stores frequently used instructions and data to speed up processing.

 Levels:

o L1 Cache – fastest, smallest, built into CPU.

o L2 Cache – larger, slightly slower.

o L3 Cache – shared among CPU cores.

🔹 4. Virtual Memory

 Part of the hard drive used as temporary RAM when actual RAM is full.

 Helps run large applications or multitask more efficiently.

 Managed by the operating system.

🔹 5. Flash Memory

 Non-volatile memory used in portable devices and embedded systems.

 Combines the speed of RAM with the persistence of ROM.

 Found in USB drives, SSDs, memory cards, etc.

🔹 6. Registers

 Smallest and fastest memory inside the CPU.

 Temporarily hold data and instructions during processing.

 Used for operations like arithmetic, data storage, and fetching instructions.

✅ Summary Table

Memory Type Volatility Speed Use Case

RAM Volatile Very Fast Temporary data storage for active tasks

ROM Non-volatile Fast Stores BIOS and firmware


Memory Type Volatility Speed Use Case

Cache Volatile Extremely Fast Speeds up CPU processing

Secondary Storage Non-volatile Slower Long-term data storage

Virtual Memory Volatile Slower Extends RAM using disk space

Flash Memory Non-volatile Fast Portable storage and embedded systems

Registers Volatile Fastest Internal CPU operations

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