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Differences between Primary and Secondary Memory



Differences between Primary and Secondary Memory

Primary memory

» Primary memory is temporary.
» Primary memory is directly accessible by Processor or CPU
» Nature of Parts of Primary memory varies. RAM- volatile in nature.br /> » Primary memory devices are more expensive than secondary storage devices
» The memory devices used for primary memory are semiconductor memories
» Primary memory is also known as Main memory or Internal memory
» Examples: RAM, ROM, Cache memory, PROM, EPROM, Registers etc

Secondary Memory

» Secondary memory is permanent
» Secondary memory is not directly accessible by CPU
» It’s always Non-volatile in nature
» Secondary memory devices are less expensive when compare to primary memory devices
» The secondary memory devices are magnetic and optical memories
» Secondary memory is also known as External memory or Auxiliary memory
» Examples: RAM, ROM, Cache memory, PROM, EPROM, Registers etc.