Memory: the Von Neumann model, registers, cache, RAM and ROM, HDD and SSD

This week’s topics

Memory: the Von Neumann model, registers, cache, RAM and ROM, HDD and SSD

1. The Von Neumann computing paradigm
2. The different forms of memory that computers use and their roles (primary, cache, and secondary)
3. The impact of processor-memory separation on computing performance

What you will be able to do

• 2.1 Describe the Von Neumann computing paradigm.
• 2.2 Compare the different forms of memory that computers use and their roles (primary, cache, and secondary).
• 2.3 Analyse the impact of processor-memory separation on computing performance.
• 2.4 Evaluate the difference between volatile and non-volatile memory in different computing contexts.

Activity

Start with this week’s 4 videos, then: Seminar, guided reading and a short written task: describe the Von Neumann computing paradigm.

Study materials

Videos

• The processor · Oak National Academy, Key Stage 4 (GCSE level) · for registered students
• Main memory · Oak National Academy, Key Stage 4 (GCSE level) · for registered students
• Secondary storage · Oak National Academy, Key Stage 4 (GCSE level) · for registered students
• Bits and Bytes 💾 Data Storage Measurements Explained – DIY in 5 Ep 164 · YouTube · Kingston Technology · 6 min · for registered students

Further resources

• The Elements of Computing Systems, ch. 5: Computer Architecture · PDF · Nisan & Schocken, The Elements of Computing Systems 2e, ch. 5 (2nd ed.): von Neumann architecture, ALU, registers, control and the fetch–execute cycle; 29 pp. · for registered students
• Introduction to Computer Science, 5.5: Memory and Storage · PDF · OpenStax Introduction to Computer Science (2024), 5.5: the memory hierarchy from registers and cache to RAM and disk, pp. 218–225 · for registered students
• Computer Systems: A Programmer's Perspective, 6.1.1: Random-Access Memory · PDF · Bryant & O'Hallaron, CS:APP 2e manuscript sample, 6.1.1 on SRAM, DRAM and ROM (a step up), pp. 532–538 · for registered students
• Computer Systems: A Programmer's Perspective, 6.1.2: Disk Storage · PDF · Bryant & O'Hallaron, CS:APP 2e manuscript sample, 6.1.2 on how hard disks store data, with a note on solid-state drives (a step up), pp. 539–545 · for registered students