What is Primary Memory (Main Memory) in Computer
We know that memory is a storage device of a computer system. It is used to store computer data and instructions needed during the processing of data and output the results.
Depending upon the type of storage, there are mainly two types of memory in a computer system:
- Primary memory
- Secondary memory
In this tutorial, we will understand what is primary memory, how it functions, its types, advantages, applications, and limitations in computer systems.
Primary Memory in Computer System
Primary memory is the main memory of a computer system, which is also known as main memory or internal memory. It is a hardware component mounted on a computer motherboard, which is used by the computer for its internal functions.
Without main memory, a computer cannot work, so it is the working memory of the computer system. The main memory stores only those computer data and instructions on which computer is currently working.
Logically, memory is an integral component of the CPU because it works closely with the CPU to store and retrieve data quickly for processing. However, physically, memory is a separate part (or electronic chip) that is placed on the computer’s motherboard, also known as the main board.
The motherboard connects the memory to the CPU through various buses and circuits, which enables efficient communication between them.
Primary memory is directly accessible by the CPU (Central Processing Unit). It acts as a temporary storage space that holds data until the CPU needs to process it. Once the CPU processes the data, the information is either transferred to secondary storage or erased if no longer needed.
Primary memory is generally composed of semiconductor device, which make it efficient, reliable, and capable of operating at high speeds. It improves the performance of computer. However, it is not as fast as registers.
Functions of Primary Memory in Computing
Primary memory plays a vital role in the functioning of any computer system. It is responsible for holding the entered data and instructions through the input devices. If there is no main memory in the computer system, the CPU would not be able to access data quickly. As a result, the performance of computer will be extremely slow.
Here are a few key functions of primary memory:
- Data Storage: The main of function of primary memory is to temporarily store data, instructions, and information that are actively being used by the CPU.
- Data Access Speed: Since primary memory is faster than secondary storage devices, it allows the CPU to access and process data more quickly.
- Running Applications: The primary memory (RAM) stores the programs and applications that are currently running on a computer, which enable the users to switch between different applications seamlessly.
- Operating System Loading: The primary memory, such as RAM, loads the operating system and other essential applications during the computer’s startup. When you power on a computer, it loads the operating system from secondary storage (like a hard drive or SSD) into RAM so that the CPU to access and manage the OS and other necessary applications quickly. This process is essential for making the system ready for use.
- Supports Multitasking: A computer system with sufficient RAM can run multiple applications simultaneously, making it possible for the users to switch between applications efficiently. It is essential for multitasking as well as improving productivity and user-experience.
- CPU Communication: The primary memory functions as an intermediary for transferring data between the CPU and other components of the computer system.
Characteristics of Primary Main Memory
Primary memory has several distinct characteristics that make it unique from other types of memory, such as secondary storage. These include:
- Primary memory is the main memory of any computer system and a computer cannot work in the absence of it.
- It is a temporary memory, which means that it temporarily stores data and instructions needed by the CPU.
- Primary memory is a volatile in nature, meaning that the stored data will be lost whenever the power is switched off. It only stores data while the computer is powered on. For example, RAM is a type of volatile memory.
- It is semiconductor memory.
- Primary memory allows the CPU to access data much faster than it can from secondary memories. This is because primary memory, such as RAM is directly connected to the CPU and is designed for high-speed data access.
- It provides the limited storage capacity compared to the secondary memory because of high cost.
- Primary memory is directly accessible by the CPU, which makes it crucial for real-time processing. The CPU can quickly retrieve and use data stored in primary memory, such as RAM.
- The main memory (primary memory) is faster than the secondary memory because it is directly connected to the CPU and designed for quick data access.
- It is more expensive per unit of storage as compared to the secondary memory, like hard drives or SSDs.
Types of Primary Memory (Main Memory)
We classify a main memory into two broad categories, as shown below:
- RAM (Random Access Memory)
- SRAM
- DRAM
- ROM
- PROM
- EPROM
- EEPROM
You will learn about types of main memory, such as RAM and ROM in the next tutorial one by one.
Advantages of Main Memory
The primary memory offers several advantages that make it an essential component of the computer system. Here are some key advantages of the main memory:
- The main memory provides the high-speed data access than secondary memory, allowing the CPU to retrieve and execute instructions very quickly. This improves overall system performance.
- The CPU can directly access the main memory, which allows for efficient communication and fast data processing. This direct access enables the CPU to quickly retrieve data and instructions stored in the main memory.
- Primary memory provides temporary storage for active data and instructions that the CPU is currently processing.
- With sufficient the main memory, applications load faster, and the system responds more quickly to user inputs. This enhances the overall user experience as well as improves the performance of the computer.
- When the physical main memory is insufficient, the operating system can use a portion of the hard drive as virtual memory so that the system to continue working even with high memory demands.
- The main memory modules, such as RAM, are relatively easy to install and upgrade. Users can enhance their system’s performance without any technical knowledge.
Applications of Main Memory
Various devices and systems use the main memory or internal memory. They are as follows:
- Personal computers or laptops use the main memory, such as RAM for running applications, such as operating system, browsers, and various other software applications.
- The mobile devices such as smartphones rely on RAM for running apps, multitasking, and for smooth performance.
- For applications like video editing, streaming, and live data processing, the main memory is essential for handling the data streams in real time without delay.
Limitations of Main Memory
Despite its importance, the main or internal memory has a few limitations:
- Most of the main memory, especially RAM, is volatile in nature and they lose computer data when the power is switched off.
- Compared to secondary memory, the main memory typically has a smaller storage capacity, which limits the number of applications to run simultaneously.
- Main memory is more expensive per unit of storage than secondary memory, which makes it less suitable for long-term data storage.
- The adequate main memory enables a computer to run multiple applications simultaneously without the degradation of computer performance.