A 1.1.4 Primary Memory
When the CPU needs an instruction or a value, where that data happens to be decides how long the CPU waits for it. Primary memory is not one thing but a family of types, each with a distinct purpose: RAM is the working memory, ROM holds the permanent startup instructions, cache is the high-speed staging area between the CPU and RAM, and registers are the CPU's own workbench. This page explains the purpose of each...