Learn > Level 4 Computing Technologies > Computing Foundations > Hardware and Systems > Computer Architecture > Main Memory

Main Memory (RAM)

RAM is the computer’s working memory.

What is main memory (RAM)?

  • Main memory temporarily stores data and instructions while they are being used by the CPU
  • It provides fast access, allowing the CPU to quickly retrieve the information needed to run program

Capacity

  • Capacity is the amount of data that can be stored
  • The capacity of RAM is measured in gigabytes (GB)
  • Typical sizes range from 4GB to 32GB

Volatile memory

  • RAM is volatile memory
  • This means that data is lost when the power is turned off

Main memory vs backing storage

  • Main memory is temporary (data is lost when the computer is turned off), while backing storage is permanent
  • Main memory is faster than backing storage, making it suitable for tasks currently being processed

Targets

State the purpose of main memory.

Describe how capacity affects main memory.

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