While the most common type of computer memory is random access memory (RAM), there are many other types of memory that can be used in a computer. This includes cache memory, flash memory, and file storage. Memory architecture refers to the combination of different types of memory to balance a computer’s performance without compromising storage reliability or making the computer cost prohibitive. In general, the different types of memory work in a hierarchy from the fastest and most expensive to the slowest and least expensive. Memory architecture works to ensure that the computer has a mix of all types of memory, keeping the computer’s hardware as balanced and cost-effective as possible.
A stick of RAM, a type of computer memory.
In addition to differing based on cost and speed, memory also differs based on permanence. Standard RAM in a computer is a dynamic form of memory, meaning it only retains information while the computer is on. This poses an obvious problem when it comes to maintaining information on the computer after a power cycle, since without a more persistent form of memory, all information on the computer would be lost in the event of a power outage. File storage memory inside the computer (the most common example of this is a hard drive) provides a relatively slow but stable method of keeping information on the computer after it has been turned off.
Virtual memory and file storage locations are aspects of memory architecture found on the hard drive.
Processor registers and cache are usually the fastest and most expensive. By locating these types of memory on the physical processor chip, the transfer time and latency for these types of memory are extremely small. This means that information can travel to and from these types of memory in the blink of an eye, making them efficient at storing information and variables while the processor is actively working on a specific problem.
RAM is next level, cheaper and slower than processor registers and cache. It is connected to the processor via the front side bus, which means latency increases while speed decreases compared to register and cache. Cost is also substantially reduced, making RAM the most cost-effective form of heap in memory architecture.
Finally, virtual memory and file storage locations are generally kept on the hard drive. Virtual memory is a section of the hard drive that is treated as RAM by the computer’s operating system. Hundreds and hundreds of gigabytes of hard drive storage can be bought for the same amount of just four to eight gigabytes of RAM, making it the best persistent mass storage location in a computer’s memory architecture.
