What is a volatile type of memory?
Computer MemoryIn computing, memory refers to the devices used to store information for use in a computer. The term primary memory is used for storage systems which function at high-speed (i.e. RAM), as a distinction from secondary memory, which provides program and data storage that is slow to access but offer higher memory capacity. If needed, primary memory can be stored in secondary memory, through a memory management technique called "virtual memory." An archaic synonym for memory is store.[2] Show Volatile Memory Volatile memory is computer memory that requires power to maintain the stored information. Most modern semiconductor volatile memory is either Static RAM (see SRAM) or dynamic RAM (see DRAM). SRAM retains its contents as long as the power is connected and is easy to interface to but uses six transistors per bit. Dynamic RAM is more complicated to interface to and control and needs regular refresh cycles to prevent its contents being lost. However, DRAM uses only one transistor and a capacitor per bit, allowing it to reach much higher densities and, with more bits on a memory chip, be much cheaper per bit. SRAM is not worthwhile for desktop system memory, where DRAM dominates, but is used for their cache memories. SRAM is commonplace in small embedded systems, which might only need tens of kilobytes or less. Forthcoming volatile memory technologies that hope to replace or compete with SRAM and DRAM include Z-RAM, TTRAM, A-RAM and ETA RAM. Non-Volatile MemoryNon-volatile memory is computer memory that can retain the stored information even when not powered. Examples of non-volatile memory include read-only memory (see ROM), flash memory, most types of magnetic computer storage devices (e.g. hard disks, floppy discs and magnetic tape), optical discs, and early computer storage methods such as paper tape and punched cards. Forthcoming non-volatile memory technologies include FeRAM, CBRAM,PRAM, SONOS, RRAM, Racetrack memory, NRAM and Millipede. Licenses and AttributionsThere are mainly two types of memory, volatile and non-volatile. The computer system uses volatile memory for increasing its performance; hence it is probably the most important one of all the memories that you should know about. Volatile memory provides quick access to data to the CPU whenever asked for. The more is the capacity of volatile
memory; the better is the system performance. There are different kinds of volatile memory; for example- random access memory (RAM) and cache memory are the main ones. You will learn about these and their different versions also in a detailed manner in this article. Volatile memory is one kind of primary memory that loses its memory upon disconnecting the power supply. Hence volatile memory is also known as temporary memory. You cannot use this type of memory for storing a large volume of memory. It is used by the CPU for quick access to information. That’s why volatile memory is a performance enhancer for your PC. Volatile memory is mounted outside of the motherboard, generally on a memory slot. You can check your memory through your OS or by observing the slot. As soon as you open up an app or software or you just click on the mouse for whatever reason, the CPU starts its function by summoning volatile memory at the very moment. The things that you do frequently on your PC are stored on volatile memory so that it can provide quick information asked by the CPU. Among the
various kinds of memory, volatile memory exists in various kinds and forms in the computer world. Some of the types are- RAM (S-RAM, D-RAM, and V-RAM), cache memory, HDD and SSD disk cache, etc. You can gather more insights about these volatile memories in the following section of the article. The full form is Random Access Memory. RAM is the most popular type of volatile memory; in fact, you may be surprised to know that many use the term ‘RAM’ as the other name of the volatile memory. The function of RAM largely depends on the power supply. The memory of RAM is erased whenever power is switched off. The CPU randomly accesses information written on a RAM. It’s a quick component of the memory system which has a low memory capacity on the other side of things. The cost of a RAM per unit size is much more than non-volatile memory. Random Access Memory (RAM) can be further classified into more types like S-RAM (Static), D-RAM (Dynamic), and V-RAM (Video). These are basically categorized according to how they use memory slots and transistors for storing bits. S-RAMS-RAM or Static RAM is the simplest one. It does not require any kind of refreshing work. S-RAM is only used for quick access of information; not for any kind of memory storage. Comparing with D-RAM, S-RAM is much quicker. D-RAMD-RAM or Dynamic RAM is actually the updated version of S-RAM. It requires periodical refreshing for proper function. D-RAM is more complex in its build and function. It is less expensive than S-RAM and serves as the main working memory. V-RAMV-RAM or Video RAM is used for displaying images and graphics in a complex way. V-RAM is particularly handy when we talk about games, 3D images, or high-quality video files. If you are a game lover you must know that V-RAM is the one that is responsible for your high-quality gaming experience. Cache MemoryCache memory is another types of volatile memory that work as an intermittent between the RAM and the CPU. It is in fact the fastest memory of all the volatile memories. The size is much smaller compared to RAM. But you will be surprised to find out that the speed of cache memory increases when the data storage is more; it definitely does not work like a human. The processor always tries to access information as quickly as possible. As cache stores frequently used information on its memory, hence the processor finds it easier to load data from here rather than going to the main memory. HDD Disk CacheHard Disk Drive (HDD) cache is a kind of volatile memory that is embedded on a hard disk drive for speeding up the internal memory of the computer. It uses a small part of RAM for transferring information quickly to the microprocessor. SSD Disk CacheSSD cache enhances system performance by rendering quick access of memory on Solid State Drive (SSD). It is very useful for the CPU in the sense that searching information on hard drives is no longer required as it is very time-consuming for the CPU. ConclusionVolatile memory is an integral part of a computer’s memory system. It does all the invisible work behind the scene. After reading this article, from now on you will certainly understand and appreciate the fact that RAM and cache are the ones that constantly help you to find out the asked information with each and every click on your mouse or keyboard. Reader InteractionsWhat is volatile memory and examples?Some very typical examples of volatile memory are Cache memory and Random Access Memory (RAM). Volatile memory is a temporary memory because it can only hold the information until the device or the computer runs on power. It loses the stored memory as soon as someone interrupts the power supply.
Is volatile memory and RAM is same?RAM is volatile memory, which means that the information temporarily stored in the module is erased when you restart or shut down your computer. Because the information is stored electrically on transistors, when there is no electric current, the data disappears.
Which is volatile memory RAM or ROM?RAM is volatile memory that temporarily stores the files you are working on. ROM is non-volatile memory that permanently stores instructions for your computer.
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