1.

Primary Memory
Also known as main memory in the
computer, it communicates directly with
the CPU, cache and auxiliary memory. It
allows immediate access from temporary
memory slots or other storage locations.
This type of computer memory keeps
data and programs when the process is
active to use them.

When a program or 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.

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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 full form is Dynamic Random-

Access Memory. It is a type of RAM that
is used for dynamic data storage. Every
cell in DRAM consists of one-bit
information. A cell is composed of a
transistor and a capacitor. This capacitor
and transistor are extremely small in
size. The capacitor needs a continuous
refresh to retain information since it is
volatile.
SRAM full form is Static Random-Access
Memory. This 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 refresh.
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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-configured via integrated circuit
manufacture during the time of
manufacturing. Due to this pre-
configuration, the user cannot change
the instruction stored within the MROM
chip.
PROM: It is a digital ROM which only
once allows writing any information or
program. This is done using a special
PROM programmer or burner device.
Flash ROM: This type of ROM can be
programmed or written in smaller units
called sectors or block. It is used for
transferring 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 for a minimum of
10-20 years. To erase and reprogram
EPROM, the user needs to pass UV light
for 40 minutes. Post this, the data can be
recreated.
EEPROM: The full form of EEPROM is
Electrically Erasable and Programmable
Read Only Memory. It is an electrically
erasable and programmable ROM. This
allows data to be erased using a high-
voltage electrical charge. After 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 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,
files 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 off.
Compact Disc (CD): It is an optical disk
storage device that stores different types
of data, such as audio, video, files, and
other information. CD uses light to read
and write data from CDs.
Pen Drive: This portable device is a type
of secondary memory in computer that
is used for permanently storing data. It is
also known as a USB flash drive that
stores and transfers.
Difference between SRAM and DRAM
Difference between SRAM and DRAM
The main difference between SRAM
(Static Random-Access Memory) and
DRAM (Dynamic Random-Access
Memory) is that SRAM stores data using
flip-flop circuits, which are faster and
require continuous power to
retain...read more
Difference Between RAM And ROM
Difference Between RAM And ROM
RAM and ROM are two commonly used
terms in computers. The primary
distinction between RAM and ROM is
that RAM is random access memory,
whereas ROM is read-only memory.
RAM...read more
32-Bit vs. 64-Bit: How They Are Different
32-Bit vs. 64-Bit: How They Are Different
The main difference between 32-bit and
64-bit systems lies in their memory
handling capabilities, performance, and
the amount of data they can efficiently
process. 32-bit can directly access up
to...read more
3. Cache Memory
This small-sized chip-based memory in
computer lies between the main
memory and 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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Importance of Different Types of

Memory in Computer
Different types of computer memory are
essential for the computer 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.

Characteristics of Memory in Computer

The following are the characteristics of
memory in computer:

The storage capacity varies for different

types of memories in computers. The
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 transfer measures the transfer
rate of bits that can be either read or
written in and out of memory devices.
This data transfer rate is different in
internal and external devices. For
internal memory, it is usually equal to
word size and for external memory, it is
greater than a word.
The internal memory in a computer is
built within it, whereas external memory
is present as a separate storage device
such as USB or disk.
There are four methods to access
memory, including DMA, Associative
Access Method, Sequential Access
Method, and Random Access Method.
Memory in computers has different
physical behaviour, such as volatile, non-
erasable, and non-volatile memory.