Scribd
Upload
10 views

Understanding Computer Memory and Storage

Uploaded by

John Maundy Garo
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
10 views

Understanding Computer Memory and Storage

Uploaded by

John Maundy Garo
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 8

Understanding

Computer
Memory and
Storage
Computer memory and storage are crucial components that
enable data processing and retention. This guide explores
various types of memory and storage devices, their
characteristics, and their roles in modern computing systems.

by John Maundy Garo


Random Access Memory
(RAM)
Volatile Memory
RAM loses stored data when power is turned off. It's a temporary
workspace for active processes.

Speed
Provides quick access to data and instructions for the CPU.
Measured in MHz or GHz.

Capacity
Modern systems typically have 8GB to 64GB of RAM. More RAM
improves multitasking capabilities.
Read-Only Memory (ROM)
1 Non-Volatile Memory
ROM retains data even when power is off. It stores critical
boot-up instructions.

2 Types
PROM, EPROM, and EEPROM are variations with different
programming capabilities.

3 Usage
Stores firmware, BIOS, and other low-level system software.
Hard Disk Drives (HDD)
1 Magnetic Storage
HDDs use rotating platters coated with
magnetic material to store data.

2 Capacity
Modern HDDs offer 1TB to 20TB of storage space.

3 Speed
Measured in RPM, typically 5400 or 7200.
Higher RPM means faster data access.
Solid State Drives (SSD)
Flash Memory Form Factors Advantages

SSDs use NAND flash memory Available in 2.5-inch, M.2, and Faster boot times, quicker file
for storage. No moving parts PCIe card formats. M.2 NVMe access, and improved energy
means faster performance. drives offer highest speeds. efficiency compared to HDDs.
Portable Storage Devices

USB Flash Drives Memory Cards External Drives


Portable, plug-and-play devices Used in cameras and mobile Portable HDDs and SSDs offer
with capacities up to 1TB. Use devices. SD, microSD, and CF high-capacity storage. Connect
USB interface for data transfer. formats available. via USB or Thunderbolt.
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
Fetch
CPU retrieves instructions from memory.

Decode
Instructions are interpreted by the control unit.

Execute
Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) performs the operation.

Store
Results are written back to memory or registers.
Graphics Processing
Unit (GPU)
Function Handles complex graphics
rendering and
computation
Architecture Parallel processing with
thousands of cores

Memory Dedicated VRAM, typically


GDDR6 or HBM2

Applications Gaming, 3D modeling, AI,


cryptocurrency mining

You might also like