Term of the Moment

digital ledger


Look Up Another Term


Redirected from: primary memory

Definition: main memory


Main memory is the primary, internal workspace in the computer, commonly known as RAM (random access memory). Comprising dynamic RAM (DRAM) technology, specifications such as 4GB, 8GB, 12GB and 16GB generally refer to main memory. See dynamic RAM.

In contrast, magnetic disk and solid state storage capacities in a computer typically start at 128GB, 256GB and higher. In a smartphone or tablet, main memory ranges from 2GB to 12GB, and storage generally starts at 32GB or 64GB. A Chromebook generally has 4GB of main memory (see Chromebook). See memory, SSD and storage.