Main Memory Flashcards
What is Main Memory?
Main memory is what is directly accessible by the CPU: RAM, ROM and (Sometimes)Cache, but in practice usually refers to RAM
Main memory is also called primary storage
What is volatile memory?
Memory which loses its data when the power is lost
What is Non-volatile memory?
Memory which retains its data when power is lost
Is Memory volatile or Non-volatile?
It is volatile for the exception of ROM
Is Storage Volatile or Non-volatile?
It is non-volatile
What is RAM?
Random access memory
Named becuase reading take roughly the same time regardless of location
How does RAM work?
RAM has quick read/write, and its function is to load open programs and operating system data currently in use from the slower secondary storage, so it can be acceessed directly by the CPU
Is RAM Volatile or non-volatile?
When power is lost, the data is lost(Volatile)
What is ROM?
Read Only Memory
Can only be read, so can’t be chnageds once programmed
How does ROM work?
Used in smalled amounts in computers to store essential programs. like those needed to be run in order to boot the computer
Is ROM volatile or non-volatile?
Data retained when power is lost(Non Voliatile)
What is Cache?
A type of memory that stores copies of frequently used data
What is the speed and capacity of cache?
Cache is much faster than RAM, though has a much lower capacity
Why is cache faster than RAM?
CPU cache is pysically closer to the processor, and is checked before RAM in the “Fetch” stage
What is the connect between size of memory and speed of memory?
The larger the size of the memory, the slower it would be due to distance from the CPU.
