Memory and storage can be classified into three groups: primary memory, cache and persistent storage.
Primary memory is the only storage directly accessible by the CPU. It holds data and instructions currently in use, stored as binary machine code.
Primary memory
The only storage directly accessible by the CPU. It holds data and instructions currently in use, stored as binary machine code.
Primary memory has two components:
Imagine working on a document. The unsaved changes reside in RAM. If the power goes out, those changes are lost.
The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is stored in ROM. It initializes hardware components during startup.
ROM is often smaller than RAM but plays a crucial role in system stability by providing essential startup instructions.
| Feature | RAM | ROM |
|---|---|---|
| Volatility | Volatile (loses data when power is off) | Non-volatile (retains data without power) |
| Modifiability | Read and write (continuously updated with executing program instructions and data) | Read-only |
| Purpose | Stores executing programs and data | Stores permanent instructions (e.g., BIOS) |
| Size | Typically larger | Smaller |
| Upgradability | Usually upgradeable, can be increased | Usually part of motherboard, difficult to upgrade |
| Use Case | Running applications and temporary data storage | Booting and essential system operations |
Think of RAM as a workspace where you actively work on tasks, while ROM is a reference book with essential instructions that never change.
Don't confuse RAM and ROM. RAM is for temporary, volatile storage, while ROM is for permanent, non-volatile instructions.
Cache memory
Cache memory is a high-speed memory located close to the CPU, designed to store frequently accessed data and instructions.
Cache memory is typically made of Static RAM (SRAM), which is faster but more expensive than the Dynamic RAM (DRAM) used in main memory.
A cache memory significantly reduces the time it takes for the CPU to access data, as it is much faster than RAM.
Cache works in a few steps:
Cache can have multiple levels:
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