What Is Physical Memory on a PC?

Physical memory is called RAM.

Physical memory on a computer is called random access memory (RAM), according to Indiana University. Having a sufficient amount of physical memory is essential to a computer starting out or staying fast. You must, however, have or purchase the right type of RAM.

Function

Computer data is modified in the system's physical memory before the central processor unit (CPU) processes it. Storage in the physical RAM is not permanent; RAM deletes the data once the system shuts down.

Types

Older computers, usually those made before 2000, used single data rate (SDR) RAM. Modern computers use double data rate (DDR) RAM, which carries twice as much information per read/write cycle, according to Top Bits.

Tip

You should put as much physical memory in your computer as it can handle. When a computer runs out of physical RAM it must use space on the hard drive, but most most hard drives have slower data access speeds than RAM modules.

References

• Indiana University: University Information Technology Services: What Is RAM?
• Top Bits: Types of RAMs
• TechTarget: What Is RAM?