Computer Architecture

3.3 Storage
Primary Storage

• Primary storage is directly accessible by the CPU, it includes RAM, Cache, and ROM
• The purpose of Random-Access Memory (RAM) is to store data, instructions and software (including parts of the
OS) currently in use
▪ RAM is also called main memory
▪ RAM has faster read/write speeds than secondary storage
▪ RAM is volatile which means it is temporary memory and all data will be lost when the computer is switched off
▪ The larger the main memory, the more data the computer access quickly, which can improve the computer's
performance
▪ The parts of the operating system currently in use will be stored in RAM
• The purpose of Cache is to store frequently/recently used instructions and data
▪ Cache has faster read/write speeds than RAM
▪ There are different levels of cache
▪ Level 1 cache is situated within the CPU. Level 2 and 3 cache are situated on the motherboard
▪ If you increase the amount of cache you can store more frequently used data and increase the performance of
your computer
▪ If you have too much cache it will decrease the data access speeds because the data requested will take longer to
find
▪ Cache is volatile and all data will be lost when the computer is switched off

A diagram showing the parts of a computer system which are classed as primary storage

• The role of Read-only memory (ROM) is to store the computer’s boot-up sequence
o The boot-up sequence is a set of instructions the computer executes when then computer is initially switched on
o This sequence will run a series of checks to ensure all of the system hardware is working
o It will then load the operating system which will move from secondary storage to RAM
• ROM is non-volatile which means data will be stored when the computer is switched off
• ROM is read-only which means data cannot be written to ROM
The difference between ROM and RAM

RAM ROM
Volatile Non-volatile
Can read and write data to RAM Read-only

Secondary Storage

• Secondary storage is not directly accessed by the CPU

• It is used for permanent storage of data
• Secondary storage is non-volatile. This means data is stored even when power is lost to the device
• Secondary storage is needed as primary storage (such as RAM) is volatile and will not retain data when the
computer is turned off
• Common examples of secondary storage include hard disk drives (HDDs), solid-state drives (SSDs), external hard
drives, USB flash drives, CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs. These can be used to store data to transfer it to another
computer
• Secondary storage devices can be internal (inside the computer) and external (outside the computer)

Diagram showing different internal and external secondary storage devices

Comparison of primary and secondary storage

Primary storage Secondary storage

Volatile / temporary Non-volatile /permanent
RAM and cache can be read from and written to
Secondary storage can be read from and written to
ROM is read-only
Can be directly accessed by the CPU Cannot be directly accessed by the CPU
Smaller capacity Larger capacity
Data access speeds faster than secondary storage Data access speeds slower than primary storage
Stores data and instructions Stores data and instructions
Magnetic

• A magnetic hard disk is made up of several metal discs coated with a magnetic material
▪ These are called platters
▪ Iron particles on each platter are magnetized to represent a 0 or 1

A diagram showing the structure of a magnetic hard disk

• Each platter is divided by concentric circles creating several tracks and wedge-shaped sectors. Where they intersect is
a track sector

A diagram showing how each platter is divided by tracks and sectors

Explanation
Accessibility • Data can be accessed from anywhere
• Data can be accessed by anyone with the relevant permissions, making it quick to share files and
collaborate with others
• Data can be accessed on any device with an internet connection
Scalability • Cloud storage providers allow customers to increase or decrease their storage capacity as needed
Reliability • Cloud storage providers often use multiple servers to store and backup data, reducing the risk of data
loss due to hardware failure
Security • Cloud storage providers offer advanced security features, such as data encryption and multi-factor
authentication multi-factor authentication, to protect user data from unauthorized access
• There is no need to hire specialist staff as IT services being provided by the cloud storage provider

• The hard drive spins the metal disk(s) at a high speed (typically around 5400-7200 RPM) using a motor
• A read/write arm, controlled by an actuator, moves the head over the surface of the disc to the location of the data
• The data is read/written using electromagnets
Cloud Storage

• Cloud storage is the concept of storing data on remote servers, that can be accessed via the internet, instead of on
a local storage device (such as an SSD or HDD)
• The physical servers, where the data is stored, are owned and managed by a hosting company
▪ Cloud storage warehouses often have thousands of servers containing hard drives
▪ The hosting company provides services such backing up the data, managing access to the data as well as
general security
• The data can be accessed at any time, on any device, as long as there is an internet connection
• The data is accessible using a web browser or dedicated software that connects to the cloud storage service
• There is potentially limitless storage, although it does need to be paid for
• Online storage means it is easy to share data and collaborate with others
• If the internet connection is slow/lost the access to your data is affected

A diagram showing different devices connecting to remote servers

Advantages of cloud storage

• Cloud storage offers several advantages over storing data on a local secondary storage device
• You also do not need to purchase local secondary storage devices
• One cloud storage centre is more environmentally friendly than millions of individual servers

Disadvantages of cloud storage

• If the user has a slow or unreliable internet connection they would have problems accessing their files
• If you are storing a lot of data it can be expensive
• You have to pay the cloud storage provider
• You may need to commit to an annual subscription
• You may have to pay for high download and upload data transfer limits
• Data being sent over the internet has the potential to be intercepted
• Security is managed by the cloud storage provider which means the user does not have complete control over it but
is still legally responsible for ensuring any personal and sensitive data is secure