Memory Types in

Computing
Computers use two main types of
memory:
volatile and non-volatile. Volatile
memory requires continuous power to
retain data, while non-volatile memory
can store data even without power.

Submitted by: Muhammad

Umar
 Memory

Volatile Non-Volatile
Memory

Primary Cache Memory Secondary

ROM Storage

HDD -
USB
DRAM L1 cache Hard Disk
Drives
Drive

SD Cards

SRAM L2 cache
Volatile Memory (Primary)

DRAM
(Dynamic Random-Access Memory) is a
type of memory used in computers,
smartphones, and other electronic devices to
store data temporarily. It is called "dynamic"
because it requires constant refreshing to
maintain the stored data.

Key Features of DRAM:

Structure: DRAM cells store data in

capacitors, which leak charge over time,
necessitating periodic refresh cycles to
preserve the data.
Speed: While DRAM is fast, it is slower
compared to SRAM (Static RAM), which is used
Volatile Memory (Primary)

SRAM
(Dynamic Random-Access Memory) is a
type of memory used in computers,
smartphones, and other electronic devices to
store data temporarily. It is called "dynamic"
because it requires constant refreshing to
maintain the stored data.

Key Features of DRAM:

Structure: DRAM cells store data in

capacitors, which leak charge over time,
necessitating periodic refresh cycles to
preserve the data.
Speed: While DRAM is fast, it is slower
compared to SRAM (Static RAM), which is used
Volatile Memory
Cache Memory
1 L1 Cache
• Smallest and fastest cache, located directly
within the CPU core.

• Holds data and instructions that the CPU is

likely to need immediately, minimizing data
retrieval time.

• Typically ranges from 2KB to 64KB in size

2 due to space and speed considerations.
L2 Cache
• Larger than L1 but slightly slower; can be
located within the CPU or just outside the
core.

• Serves as a secondary storage location

for frequently used data if it isn’t found in
L1 cache.
Non Volatile Memory
ROM
(Read Only Memory) is a type of non-volatile
memory that stores critical data and
instructions permanently.

Characteristics:
Read-Only: Typically programmed during
manufacturing, ROM data cannot be
easily modified by users.
Firmware Storage: Contains essential
system instructions, such as those needed
for booting.

Purpose: Holds boot instructions and

essential firmware that the computer uses to
start up and initialize hardware components.
Non-Volatile Memory(Secondary)
USB
Drive
(Universal Serial Bus)A removable storage
device used for data transfer and portable
storage.
Characteristics:
Rewritable: Can be rewritten and reused
multiple times, making it a versatile
storage solution.
Plug-and-Play: Automatically recognized
by most systems without the need for
additional drivers.
Capacity: Available in a wide range of
storage sizes, from a few gigabytes to
several terabytes.

Purpose: Commonly used for data transfer,

Non-Volatile Memory(Secondary)
CD/DVD
An optical disc used for storing digital data,
including music and software.
Characteristics:
Optical Storage: Uses laser technology
to read and write data.
Read-Only/Writable: Standard CDs (CD-
ROM) are read-only, but CD-R
(Recordable) and CD-RW (Rewritable)
allow data writing.
Capacity: Standard capacity is 700 MB.

Purpose: Often used for music, software

distribution, and data storage. CDs are also
a common choice for creating backups and
bootable media.
Non-Volatile Memory(Secondary)
SD
Cards
A compact memory card used for expanding
and transferring storage in portable devices.
Characteristics:
Compact: Small, lightweight, and easily
inserted into various devices like cameras,
smartphones, and laptops.
Rewritable: Supports multiple read/write
cycles, allowing frequent updates to stored
data.
Durability: Resistant to damage, such as
minor water exposure, and not affected by
magnetic fields.

Purpose: Commonly used for expanding

storage in portable devices, storing media and
 Comparison between Volatile and Non-Volatile memory
Memory
Technology Speed Capacity Availability
Type
Volatile
Memory
DRAM Capacitor-based Moderate to fast High (GBs to Common in
(Dynamic storage, requires TBs) personal
RAM) refreshing computers, servers,
and devices.
SRAM (Static Flip-flop based,
Low (KBs to Used in CPU cache,
RAM) no refreshing Very fast
MBs) embedded systems.
required
Cache Faster SRAM or Built into or near
Very low (KB
Memory specialized Extremely fast the CPU in most
to MBs)
circuits modern systems.
Non-Volatile
Memory

ROM (Read- Programmable Used for firmware,

Low (MBs to
Only Memory) during Very slow available in all
GBs)
manufacturing computing devices.
Flash Memory Fast Medium to Widely used in
NAND-based flash
(SD) High (GBs to modern storage
storage
TBs) devices.
HDD (Hard Magnetic spinning Common in
Very high
Disk Drive) disks Moderate desktops, laptops,
(TBs to PBs)
and servers.