MEMORY

Data storage unit of computer is called Memory. There are 2 types of memory used in a computer:
* Primary Memory:
Though the CPU has calculating capability, it needs some space in which it can actually store the data to
perform calculation. This space in a computer is called Primary memory. It is also known as main memory. There
are two types of Primary memory i.e. RAM & ROM.
* Secondary Memory:
Secondary memory or data storage devices hold/save files that are not currently being used.
Difference between Primary memory & Secondary memory:
1. Volatile: Primary memory
Non volatile: Secondary memory.
2. Size: Primary memory is very less flexible as well as limited but secondary memory is unlimited.
3. Access: It takes few nanoseconds for CPU to access RAM but it takes several milliseconds to access
secondary storage device due to distance and mechanical operation. And Secondary memory takes more
power.
On the basis of material used in memory, it is of 3 types:
i. Semi conductor memory: RAM, ROM
ii. Magnetic memory: Hard disk & Floppy disk
iii. Optical memory: CD, DVD ROM,
Semiconductor memory Vs Optical & Magnetic memory:
i. Semiconductor memory is very fast & expensive as compared to other 2 types of memory.
ii. Semiconductor memory consumes less power as compared to other memory.
iii. Semiconductor memory has no rotating/mechanical parts but other do have.
iv. Semiconductor memory is light in weight as compared to others.
PRIMARY MEMORY:
RAM- It stands for Random Access Memory. It is used as primary memory of the computer. It is the main
working memory of the computer. RAM is a volatile memory because it stores data only when power is on. If the
power goes off, the contents of the RAM is deleted or flashed out or erased automatically.
Its capacity is measured in Byte. Its speed is measured in Hertz (Hz).
Hertz - One calculation or transfer cycle per second is equal to 1 Hertz.
1000 Hz = 1 KHz
1000 KHz = 1 MHz
1000 MHz = 1 GHz (Giga Hertz)
There are 2 types of RAM on the basis of function, i.e. SRAM & DRAM.
Difference between Static RAM & Dynamic RAM:
i. SRAM is used as Cache memory of the computer but DRAM is used as main memory of the
computer.
ii. SRAM is faster as compared to DRAM.
iii. SRAM is expensive as compared to DRAM.
iv. SRAM is refreshed when data is written in it but DRAM is refreshed with in a nanosecond. To
refresh the DRAM, processor sends the refresh cycle. Thus DRAM is slower as compared to
SRAM. SRAM is no need to be refreshed by other.
RAM has 3 blocks:
1. Conventional memory (Base Memory)
2. Upper memory (Hidden memory)
3. Extended memory.

Conventional memory:
It consists of the first 640 KB of RAM. This block is used for OS. It is used to run DOS (Disk Operating
System). It is also called Base memory.
Upper memory:

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 It is also called Hidden memory. This block consists of 640 KB onwards to 1 MB of size i.e. 384 KB. It is
also known as Expanded memory. It helps to run DOS. It is also known as Memory manager.
Extended memory:
It is a block of a RAM that is used for data storing and application files. It holds 1 MB onwards to rest
space of the RAM size.
Types of RAM (DRAM) on the basis of module:
i. DIP (Dual Inline Packaging)
ii. SIMM (Single Inline Memory Module)
 SIMM is older module of RAM stick.
 This memory stick was in 30 pins & 72 pins
a. 30 pin SIMM:
-> 8 bits of data at a time.
-> 1 MB – 16 MB in size.

b. 72 pin SIMM:
-> 3/4 inch longer than 30 pin SIMM
-> 32 bits of data at a time.
-> Upto 64 MB in size.

iii. DIMM (Dual Inline Memory Module)

 Latest module
a. SDRAM ( Synchronous Dynamic RAM)
-> 168 pins
-> 8-10 nanosecond access time.
-> 60 MHz, 100 MHz & 133 MHz speed.
-> 64 bit of data at a time
-> 8 MB & above.

b. DDR (Double Data Rate) SDRAM

-> 184 pins
-> 266 MHz, 333 MHz and 400 MHz of speed
-> 128 MB & above
-> 64 bit of data at a time

c. DDR2 SDRAM
-> 240 pins
-> 333MHz - 800 MHz
-> 64 bit of data at a time.

d. DDR3 SDRAM
-> 240 pins
-> 800 MHz and above
-> 64 bit of data at a time.

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iii. RIMM (Ram bus Inline Memory Module)
-> 184 Pins
-> Data transfer rate -> 800 MHz