The Memory (P1, P2)

Memory is the part of the computer in which data is stored. The main type of memory is Cache. This is the memory which is used by frequently used data. It can only be used for temporary storage of data as this allows for faster access. The Internal Cache is located in the processor and is categorised by proximity to CPU L1 (in the CPU) and L2 (could be internal or external). External Cache is also on the motherboard but is not built into the processor chip. The Cache holds the data that the processor uses a lot, and acts as a buffer for the CPU. The Cache guesses what the processor will need to use next (judging by previous command patterns) and prepares the file for use.

An example of RAM

Internal Memory is used to store the programs that are currently being run on the computer. It is also used to store the data that the program works on, as to help towards having a quicker system.

There are many different types of actual memory. They are as follows…

·         Volatile

o   DRAM – Dynamic RAM

o   SRAM – Static RAM

·         Non-Volatile

o   ROM

§  PROM

§  EPROM

§  EEPROM

o   Flash

Volatile is Random Access Memory which can be written to. It can also be read from but it looses its power when the computer is turned off. The volatile RAM is measured in bytes, megabytes and gigabytes. The more RAM that is installed on the system, the more instructions can be held meaning that there is less time spent swapping information in and out of RAM.

An example of RAM

The difference between DRAM and SRAM is that DRAM is made up of capacitors, while the SRAM is made from transistors.  The transistors do not need to refresh as frequently but it tends to be more expensive than DRAM.

The non-volatile memory is Read Only Memory which keeps the information which is written on it when the computer is turned off. It is used to store the firmware for devices along with the BIOS. The three main types of ROM are PROM, EPROM, and EEPROM.