What is Primary Memory? Types & Functions | Examples of Primary Memory

Primary memory is the internal memory of computer that is made up by electronic semiconductor devices. Primary memory can easily directly make communication with CPU in the computer. So, here we are going to cover about what is primary memory with its types and functions; involving with many examples of primary memory in computer with ease. Now i make ensure that at the end of this post; you will definitely fully aware about Primary Memory without getting any hassle.

What is Primary Memory of Computer?

Definition: Primary memory is also known asMain Memory” or “Internal Memory” or “Primary Storage Device” or “Internal Storage Device” as well as they play vital role in computer, because those memories are capable to access all data directly from CPU with the help of various buses. These memories have limited capacity for storage and made by integrated circuits (IC) or semiconductor components.

what-is-primary-memory

Primary memory is available in two variance such as volatile and non-volatile. Volatile memory is called temporary memory because all data deleted when power get turn off mode but its access time and response time much fine to secondary memory. Non-volatile memory is permanent memory in which nothing data erase when system is turn off.

The operating system and all applications are loaded into primary memory while turn on the computer because firstly CPU search all data in primary memory. In this process, data transfer rate is very fast from CPU to RAM compare to transfer rate between CPU to Hard drive.  So, Primary memories are more costly compare to secondary memory.

Primary Memory Tutorial Headlines:

In this section, we will show you all headlines about this entire article; you can check them as your choice; below shown all:

  1. What is Primary Memory of Computer?
  2. Types of Primary Memory with Examples
  3. Primary Memory Examples
  4. Functions of Primary Memory
  5. Features of Primary Memory
  6. Characteristics of Primary Memory
  7. FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
  • Why is primary memory so called?
  • What is primary memory and its types?
  • What is the purpose of primary memory?
  • How many types of primary memory in computer?
  • What are the main three functions of primary memory?
  • What are the 5 examples of primary memory?
  • What are the 5 examples of primary memory?

Let’s Get Started!!

Computer memory helps to store or saves of all important data such as songs, movies, pictures, software, and more. Those all data are saved in two different modes it can either temporary or permanent nature. All data are stored in computer memory (computer storage device) in the digital form such as binary form like as 0 and 1. Users can retrieves of saved instruction or information anytime when they are needed.

Types of Primary Memory with Examples

There are four different types of primary memory in your computer; below shown each one in detail, you can check them:

Also Read: Secondary Memory of Computer: Examples & Uses | Types of Secondary Memory

  • Register
  • Cache Memory
  • RAM
  • ROM

Primary Memory Examples Are:

Some people also say the examples of primary memory of these kinds of main memory.

Register:

Registers are included in the CPU. They have low capacity for storing the instructions, and data only on before and after processing mode.

Cache Memory:

This cache memory has higher speed for accessing data, and allows to computer for storing piece of data in temporary nature. Cache memory is place at near the CPU and RAM. Cache memory speed is very fast because its travel distance is short between RAM to Cache memory. There are three types of Cache memory such as – Level 1 cache, Level 2 cache, Level 3 cache.

RAM (Random Access Memory):

RAM is primary memory and RAM stands for “Random Access Memory“. Ram is capable to access any data randomly any time as well as from any location to computer. This is volatile storage memory means to temporary memory in nature, because entire data goes delete while computer get turn off mode. RAM regains all data from CPU in run-time and sends to control unit, and it is a fastest memory to hard disk.

RAM Examples Are:

Static RAM:

Static RAM is also volatile primary memory, and it made by flip-flop. Static Ram works in computer as a form of Cache Memory, but it consumes more power as well as more costly to DRAM. In Static RAM uses six transistors, and each transistor use for one bit.

Dynamic RAM:

Dynamic RAM is other types of RAM, and volatile also in nature. In which use the capacitors for storing data in few milliseconds when power turn on. Dynamic RAM has slow speed as well as consume low power but has capable to store more data compare to SRAM. DRAM is cost effective as well.

ROM (Read Only Memory):

ROM is primary memory and ROM stands for “Read Only Memory”. This memory is able to store data in permanently means to have non-volatile in nature. ROM is programmable chip because in which stored all instructions that are most required when to start computer. This process is known as “Bootstrap”. ROM is not limited for computer because these chips use in other equipment like as washing machine and microwave as well.

ROM Examples Are:

MROM:

MROM stands for “Masked ROM“.  MROM has to contain the all pre-planned programs like as piece of instructions, and cheaper as well.

PROM:

PROM Stands for “Programmable Read Only Memory“. Users can store any data as per their requirement because these ROM is available in market in blank. But in which store instructions (programs) only one time because after filling programs it cannot delete.

EPROM:

EPROM Stands for “Erasable and Programmable“. In these types of ROM, users have power to editing (erase) the stored instruction (program) in EPROM. EPROM is erasable by ultra-violet light for some time like as 40 minutes.

EEPROM:

EEPROM Stands for “Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory“. In EEPROM, all activities such as programming and erasing are performed by electrically. This EEPROM is able to reprogrammed and erased in more than ten thousand time. Entire chip cannot be erased one time, only erase one byte at once.

Functions of Primary Memory

The primary memory helps to perform many functions in your computer system; below shown each one, you can check them:

  • Primary memory is able to make communication directly along with CPU (Central Processing Unit).
  • In this memory, all data and information are kept to store for getting to further processing.
  • The primary memory can hold data and instructions as temporarily and toward to the task for later operations to Central Processing Unit.
  • The primary memory has a responsibility to keep hold the data and all tasks currently required for the processing.
  • When the operating system is ready to loads itself, than the primary memory of the computer system keeps all the main applications of that operating system.
  • Primary memory allows to execute users installed apps software’s as well as crucial; and it’s most precious files into the system.

Features of Primary Memory

Here, we will show you many most important features and characteristics of primary memory in the computer; as follow them:

Characteristics of Primary Memory:

  • The primary memory is constructed by using of electronic semiconductor devices.
  • It is the internal memory of computer system.
  • It can easily directly make communication with CPU in the computer.
  • It is also required by system itself at the same time of processing.
  • Primary memory is volatile nature memory that means all data and information will be discarding while getting to turn off power.
  • Its instructions and data transfer speed is superb.
  • Computer system is unable to perform any work without helping of primary memory.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Why is primary memory so called?

The primary memory is also known as the ‘Main Memory’ that allows computer and processor gets access directly. Cause of this, it gets enhance the quality of processor in your computer.

What is primary memory and its types?

It is the internal memory of computer that is made up by electronic semiconductor devices. Primary memory can easily directly make communication with CPU in the computer. Primary memory has four different variants like as Register, Cache Memory, RAM, and ROM.

What is the purpose of primary memory?

Primary memory is the main computer memory that helps to hold data, programs and instructions that are currently in use for your computer.

How many types of primary memory in computer?

There are four types of primary memory in your computer such as Register, Cache Memory, RAM, and ROM. Each one is explained in detail above in this post; you can check them.

What are the main three functions of primary memory?

  • Primary memory is able to make communication directly along with CPU (Central Processing Unit).
  • In this memory, all data and information are kept to store for getting to further processing.
  • The primary memory can hold data and instructions as temporarily and toward to the task for later operations to Central Processing Unit.

What are the 5 examples of primary memory?

The primary memory examples are:

  • RAM (Random Access Memory)
  • ROM (Read Only Memory)
  • Cache Memory
  • Flash Memory
  • Register

What are the key features of primary memory in computer?

Primary memory can easily directly make communication with CPU in the computer. Hence, it enhances the quality of the processor.

Final Words

In this article, we have been completely explored about what is primary memory with its types and functions; involving with many examples of primary memory with ease. If this article is fruitful for you, then please share it along with your friends, family members or relatives over social media platforms like as Facebook, Instagram, Linked In, Twitter, and more.

Also Read: What is RAM? Uses, Examples and Types of RAM in Computer!!

If you have any experience, tips, tricks, or query regarding this issue? You can drop a comment!

Happy Learning!!

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