Computer Memory Hierarchy YASH PAL, July 7, 2021July 12, 2025 Computer Memory Hierarchy – A computer is used to store data in memory, and we have found that there is a large variety of storage devices available for storing data in the computer system.The primary reason is the cost per byte of storage and access time of the memory. And it also depends on whether storage is volatile or not.Memory HierarchyComputer Memory HierarchyIn a computer, the memory system is organized as a hierarchy consisting of a number of levels. at the top of the level, the computer uses cache memory that has high speed, low capacity, and volatile memory. and at the bottom level computer uses the high speed, slow access, and nonvolatile memory to store the data. Basic Network Structure and ComponentsAnother thing is that the semiconductor memories that use high-speed transistor flip flops also known as cache memories are the most expensive and also work in the fast mode. you can see the capacity, access time, and cost per byte for the memories shown below.Cache MemoryAverage capacity – 16 MBTechnology – High-speed integrated circuits0.5 ns average time to access a byteInstructions and data to be immediately used10 units cost per byteMain memoryAverage capacity – 512 MBTechnology – Integrated circuits(DRAM)5 ns average time to access a byteUsed by the programs and data1 unit cost per byteDisk memory(Hard Disk)Average capacity – 750 MBTechnology – Magnetic surfaces on the hard disk8 ms average time to access a byteUsed for large data files and for program overflow from main memory1/100 units cost per byteFlash memory(EEPROM)Average capacity – 32 GBTechnology – Integrated circuit1 us average time to access a byteused to store personal programs and data files, and backup data files1/1000 units cost per byteLTO-6Average capacity – 6.25 TBTechnology – Long 1/2” tape wound on cartridgeUsed to store history files and backup for the disk. Data program exchange between installations.1/1000 units cost per byteCDROMAverage capacity – 600MBTechnology – Laser disk500 ms average time to access a byteUsed to store video files1/100000 units cost per byteBlu-ray discAverage capacity – 50 GTechnology – Laser disk500 ms average time to access a byteUsed to store video files1/10000 units cost per byteTo get the best result in terms of storage we need to use a combination of all these types of storage devices. cache memory is used to store the data that needs to be accessed immediately.And the random access memory is used to store the programs that currently executing. the files that need in the future stored in the disk. and the magnetic tape storage device is used to store the data that is used rarely.Also, readComputer FundamentalsRepresentation of characters in a computerInput and Output Units computer fundamentals engineering subjects computer fundamentalsengineering subjects