Primary and Secondary Memory
Primary Memory (RAM) is a type of memory where the computer stores it’s actively using
data, it’s very fast but loses power while Secondary Memory (eg: SSD, HDD) can hold our
files and programs for long term and our data is safe but less fast than primary.
Computer Memories store data and instruction. The memory system can be divided into
4 categories:
• CPU register
• Cache memory
• Primary / Main memory
• Secondary Memory / Mass Storage
They can be represented in an hierarchical form as:
Computer Memory
1. Primary / Main memory
Primary memory is the computer memory that is directly accessible by CPU. It is comprised
of DRAM and provides the actual working space to the processor. It holds the data and
instructions that the processor is currently working on.
Advantages of Primary Memory
• Speed : Provides fast access to data and instructions.
• Direct Access : Allows the CPU to quickly read from and write to memory.
Disadvantages of Primary Memory
• Volatility : Loses data when power is lost.
• Limited Size : Generally smaller in capacity compared to secondary memory.
2. Secondary Memory / Mass Storage
The contents of the secondary memory first get transferred to the primary memory and then
are accessed by the processor, this is because the processor does not directly interact with the
secondary memory. Now, Let’s see the difference between Primary memory and Secondary
memory.
Advantages of Secondary Memory
• Persistence : Retains data even without power.
• Large Capacity : Typically offers much more storage space than primary memory.
Disadvantages of Secondary Memory
• Speed : Slower access compared to primary memory.
• Cost : Generally more expensive than primary memory on a per-byte basis.
Difference Between Primary and Secondary Memory
Primary memory, such as RAM, is directly accessed by the CPU, while secondary memory
like hard drives provides long-term storage. Understanding the difference between these two
forms of memory is fundamental when studying computer architecture.
Primary memory Secondary memory
The primary memory of a computer is the Secondary memory defines to additional
main memory that is utilized to store data storage devices that are utilized to store
temporarily. data permanently.
Primary memory is temporary. Secondary memory is permanent.
Primary memory is faster than secondary Secondary memory is non-volatile, which
memory because it is directly accessible to means it retains data even when the
the CPU. power is off.
Primary memory is directly accessible by Secondary memory is not directly
Processor/CPU. accessible by the CPU.
Primary memory Secondary memory
Nature of Parts of Primary memory varies,
RAM- volatile in nature. ROM- Non- It’s always Non-volatile in nature.
volatile.
Primary memory is volatile, which means it Since it is non-volatile, data can be
is wiped out when the computer is turned off. retained in case of a power failure.
Secondary memory devices are less
Primary memory devices are more expensive
expensive when compared to primary
than secondary storage devices.
memory devices.
The memory devices used for primary The secondary memory devices are
memory are semiconductor memories. magnetic and optical memories.
It can hold data/information that are not
It can hold data/information currently being
currently being used by the processing
used by the processing unit.
unit.
It stores a considerable amount of data
The capacity of primary memory is usually and information. The capacity of
within the range of 16 to 32 GB. secondary memory ranges from 200 GB
to some terabytes.
Primary memory is also known as Main Secondary memory is also known as
memory or Internal memory. External memory or Auxiliary memory.
It can be accessed by a data bus. It can be accessed using I/O channels.
Examples: RAM, ROM, Cache memory, Examples: Hard Disk, Floppy
PROM, EPROM, Registers, etc. Disk, Magnetic Tapes, etc.