Brief Computer Memory Overview

There are several types of computer memory involved with any system. The most common types of memory average consumers know about are random access memory (known as RAM), cache and flash memory. Of course, there are other types of memory that are less commonly known, such as, ROM, virtual memory, video memory and the BIOS.

Most computer memory refers to temporary types of memory. Since every action on your computer requires some form of memory, whether it is actual or virtual memory. When those actions take place, if memory was not used, everything on your system would be slow or possibly non-working at all. This is the primary function of memory in your computer. It helps the CPU access things in memory to avoid running your computer down accessing them from their original place of storage.

The average computer comes with four types of primary memory: Level one and two cache, RAM, virtual and hard disk memory. When your computer tries to access memory, it uses these different levels to access, open and utilize computer processes. The hard disk is one of the cheapest types of memory. It is a permanent storage device, but it can consume too much time to open and read data from it. So, virtual memory comes into play in conjunction with the CPU to help read the hard disk and make it a bit quicker to read the unit.

Next up comes the RAM. RAM is not fast enough to keep up with the CPU. So, there are different levels of cache to help RAM process actions quicker and keep up with the CPU. Caches utilize the data and actions that are most used by a computer. Level one cache utilizes small amounts of memory in the CPU whereas level two hides out in a chip near the CPU. It actually connects to the CPU itself and helps to keep it from over clocking when accessing its own memory.

The RAM helps sync these types of memory together, but since they do not directly connect and interact with the CPU, the cache levels help fuse everything together so that your computer runs faster when accessing data at different intervals. While there is much more to memory than just these facets, this is just a basic overview of how it all works together to keep your computer running. So, the next time you think your computer is slow, perhaps, it is time for a memory upgrade.