main memory

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main memory

[′mān ′mem·rē]

(computer science)

main memory

(storage, architecture)

The storage device used by a computer to hold the currently executing program and its working data. A modern computer's main memory is built from random-access memory integrated circuits. In the old days ferrite core memory was one popular form of main memory, leading to the use of the term "core" for main memory.

Computers have several other sorts of memory, distinguished by their access time, storage capicity, cost, and the typical lifetime or rate of change of the data they hold. Registers in the CPU are fast, few, expensive and typically change every few machine instructions. Other kinds are cache, PROM, magnetic disk (which may be used for virtual memory) and magnetic tape.

This article is provided by FOLDOC - Free Online Dictionary of Computing (foldoc.org)

main memory

Main memory is the primary, internal workspace in the computer, commonly known as RAM (random access memory). Specifications such as 4GB, 8GB, 12GB and 16GB almost always refer to the capacity of RAM. In contrast, disk or solid state storage capacities in a computer are typically 128GB or 256GB and higher. In a smartphone or tablet, solid state storage generally starts at 32GB or 64GB. The exception to these rules is the Chromebook, which may have only 16GB of solid state storage (see Chromebook). See memory and storage.

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References in periodicals archive ?

For 'R' main memory accesses, any access that finally resolved at main memory must have beenchecked the cache.

Adaptive Cache Replacement Policy (ACRP): a dynamic replacement policy for cache management

Cache interfaces with the processor and main memory via 24-bit address bus, a 32-bit data bus and by command lines further presented.

Dependability aspects regarding the design of a cache memory

The machines can support up to 256GB of main memory and up to 3.1TB of internal disk storage.

Bull Beefs Up NovaScale Itanium Servers

IBM will sell a base pSeries 655 server with four 1.5GHz Power4+ processors for around $50,000; an eight-way machine with 8GB of main memory will sell for around $70,000.

IBM puts Power4+ across pSeries, extends on demand features. (Infrastructure News Review)

The volatile memory market share will rise from 74% to nearly 78% in 2007, assuming that dynamic random access memory (DRAM) chips will continue to be the main memory element used for personal computers (PCs) and that new applications of flash memory will not keep pace with the overall growth in PC, workstation and network equipment memory requirements.

Semiconductor memory market to cross $86 billion by 2007

Each microprocessor subcircuit uses a dedicated memory controller to interface to its 1GB block of PC133 SDRAM main memory. All three of the processor subcircuits are linked by a 66 MHz local PCI bus to a pair of PCI bridge devices, one for the local on-card disk and LAN I/O, and one for the 33 MHz system level PCI bus that spans multiple card slots in the chassis

Timing driven floor planning: how to minimize interconnect delays, without adding routing time. (Interconnect Strategies)

"But my main memory of him is as a dog with blistering early pace and an incredible will to win.

Death of `93 Derby hero

"I played against Robbo dozens of times with Falkirk, Celtic and Hibs and my main memory is of the wee man scoring lots of goals - especially against Hibs.

FOOTBALL: HUGHES OUT FOR REVENGE

Geared for high-end computing applications such as CAD and digital content creation, it features a 400 MHz front-side bus and up to 4 GB of main memory.

High-performance workstation. (Computers & Office Equipment)

The optional HP zx1 scalable memory expander quadruples main memory capacity and increases bandwidth to main memory to 12.8 GBs.

HP UNVEILS SCALABLE CHIPSET ZX1 FOR MCKINLEY SYSTEMS

QuiLogic has developed an unusual solution to the problems of shared application variables and the management of complex data structures - SQL-IMDB, an in-memory database with SQL interface which can be used by multiple applications to store and manipulate data at main memory speeds.

IN-MEMORY SQL DATABASE INTRODUCED

Padraig Harrington, whose previous main memory of the Benson & Hedges International Open was taking 13 at one hole four years ago, gave himself something rather different to remember yesterday.