Memory Chips

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Memory is your computer system?s primary workspace. It works in tandem with the CPU, to store data, programs and processed information that can then be made immediately and directly accessible to the CPU or to other system devices. Computer memory also determines the size and number of programs that can be run simultaneously, and help to optimize the capabilities of increasing powerful microprocessors.The memory is organized into bytes, each byte capable of storing one character of information. Each byte of memory has an address or location number which uniquely identifies it. The size of the memory is measured either in kilobytes (kb), megabytes (mb), gigabytes (gb) or terabytes (tb). Following the conversions could come in handy at a later stage:Memory could be of two types: RAM (Random Access Memory) or ROM (Read only Memory). Out of these, RAM is used for holding data, instructions and results.The RAM has two important characteristics:1. Data Stored in it can be accessed at random (without need to access all locations before it is sequentially).2. This memory is volatile. It means it contents are lost on switching off the computer. Contrast this to other storage media such as disks, tapes, and CDs that retain data even without power.There are many different kinds of RAMs, each with its own feature and benefits. The two popular varieties are Static (SRAM) and DRAM (Dynamic Ram). The DRAM is called ?dynamic? RAM because it must be refreshed or re-energized hundreds of times each second in order to retain data in its memory cells. Unlike this, SRAM does not need to be constantly refreshed.DRAM costs less and is physically smaller in size, so it is preferred for use in computer?s main memory. Cache is a small block of high-speed memory (usually SRAM) located in the CPU chip. It is used to store frequently requested data and instructions. When the processor needs data, it will check in high-speed cache first to see if the data is there. If not, then the processor will retrieve data from slower main memory. Think of your home refrigerator as a ?cache? for groceries. Now think of food inside of that as data. Instead of going to the grocery store (main memory) every time you get hungry, you first go to the refrigerator (cache) first to see if the food you want is there, If it is, then you?ve saved a lot of time. If not, then you have to spend the extra time to get it from the store.