Primary Memory – (RAM and ROM) Types, Characteristics

Primary Memory is the Main Memory of Computer System as RAM and ROM which helps to perform the tasks and store data in Computer System. RAM stands for Random Access Memory which is Volatile Memory and ROM stands for Read Only Memory which is Non-Volatile Memory.

Computer Memory uses binary formation (0 and 1) to store the data, and leverage the users to save and access the data anytime as per the requirement of the user.

Types of Computer Memory

There are Two types of Memory in Computer which has been defined in following Image:

Primary Memory

Primary Memory is also known as Computer Internal Memory which is internally located on the Motherboard of Computer System. It is faster than secondary memory when it comes to accessing data either for volatile or non-volatile memory, but it is generally limited in space or capacity when comparing it with secondary memory.

1 – RAM (Random Access Memory)

RAM is a memory device that is located on the motherboard of a computer and is used as the area of memory where the computer temporarily stores its work. RAM is volatile, which means that when the power is turned off, the data it contains may be lost. RAM may be read from and written to.

Characteristics of RAM

• Both writing and wiping duties may be carried out using RAM memory.
• The speed and performance of the computer system will be improved by increasing RAM.
• The RAM has a significant impact on the computer’s performance and speed. A computer won’t be able to load and operate the operating system rapidly if the RAM is insufficient.
• It comes in various category and storage according to process and work and the Model of Computer and Laptop Devices.

Types of RAM

1- DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory)

DRAM stored data into an integrated circuit in a separate capacitor. Each memory cell consists of transistors and capacitors and is a DRAM chip that can store one bit of data. The memory controller has the right to read the data and then rewrite it, updating it continuously.

Also Read: Applications of Computer

2- SRAM (Synchronous Random Access Memory)

SRAM falls under the category of semiconductor memory and bis table latching circuitry is being used to store each bit into this RAM, which makes it very fast and thus named cache memory. However, it costs more than DRAM and requires a lot more room, resulting in less memory on a chip.
It is often put in L2 or L3 and is commonly utilized as a CPU cache. But as was already mentioned, L2 and L3 are typically only 1MB to 16MB in price due to their high cost.

3- Synchronous Random Access Memory, or SDRAM

Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory, often known as SDRAM, is a type of DRAM semiconductor memory that operates at speeds that are faster than those of standard DRAM. It is frequently used as the random access memory in computers and other devices.

4- DDR (Synchronous Random Access Memory)

2 – ROM (Read Only Memory)

ROM and RAM both fall under the category of primary memory, however ROM has the advantage over RAM in that it can store data permanently, making it non-volatile. The ROM is the only component capable of completing the bootstrap process because it contains all the vital data needed to launch the system. It is utilized in embedded systems or in situations when there is no need to modify the programming. It is also used in calculators and peripheral devices.

1- PROM (Programmable read-only memory)

According to this Memory, User can program only once and after that user can only read the data can’t modify it.

2- EPROM (Erasable Programmable read-only memory)

EPROM provides user to reprogram this memory after delete whole data using ultraviolet light.

3- EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable read-only memory)

User can delete data via electricity and no ultraviolet light is required to proceed this task. Data can be deleted from this form of memory in certain chip regions as well.

4- MASKED ROM

These are the Read Only Memory and pre-programmed while Manufacturing and User can only write can’t Modify Data.