Memory: do you know your MB from your GB?

28th October 2025

There are multiple types of memory on our PCs – what are they and how do they work?

On any device, memory is a key element: it stores processes and information that you and your business need. However, knowing exactly what each element means and what they do can be complex, as there are different types for different aspects of the device.

We explain the terminology so that if you have a problem with device memory in future, you know where to start:

Basic terminology

·         Bit (b): The smallest unit of data (0 or 1)

·         Byte (B): 8 bits, the standard unit for measuring memory

·         Kilobyte (KB): 1,024 bytes

·         Megabyte (MB): 1,024 kilobytes

·         Gigabyte (GB): 1,024 megabytes

·         Terabyte (TB): 1,024 gigabytes

What memory types are found in most PCs?

·         RAM (Random Access Memory): this is a temporary memory solution, use to store data for active tasks and applications. Very fast, and key for multitasking and performance, this type of data is lost when a PC is turned off, it isn’t saved.

·         ROM (Read Only Memory): firmware and system instructions are stored here, with memory remaining after shutdown. Much slower than RAM, ROM is essential for device health.

·         Cache Memory: this small, ultra-fast memory type is located on the CPU. It is designed to speed up access to frequently used data and instructions – instead of running processes each time, this memory loads them in a much quicker way.

·         Virtual Memory: uses part of the hard drive as extra RAM when RAM is full. It is much slower than RAM, but it can slow down performance.

·         Storage Memory: this is your standard memory type, measured in GB or TB usually. It can be stored on a hard drive disk (HDD) which is mechanical and slow, but cheap, or on a solid state drive (SDD), which is faster and more reliable, but expensive.

·         VRAM (Video RAM): graphics cards use this to store textures, frame buffers, and other video elements. Crucial for gaming, video editing and 3D rendering.

Hopefully that is useful in your understanding of device memory: next time you’re short of storage space you might be able to resolve the issue (or at least you’ll know where to start)!

If you’d like more details on memory solutions, please contact Interfuture Systems – we’d be happy to help!

YouTube: https://youtu.be/U19ltEpidOU