Internal storage areas in the computer. The term memory identifies data storage that comes in the form of chips, and the word storage is used for memory that exists on tapes or disks. Moreover, the term memory is usually used as a shorthand for physical memory, which refers to the actual chips capable of holding data. Some computers also use virtual memory, which expands physical memory onto a hard disk.
Every computer comes with a certain amount of physical memory, usually referred to as main memory or RAM. You can think of main memory as an array of boxes, each of which can hold a single byte of information. A computer that has 1 megabyte of memory, therefore, can hold about 1 million bytes (or characters) of information.
Listed here are some of the terminology used in conjunction to memory, and it's properties.
L1 Cache Level 1 cache A small cache integrated in a processor that provides quick access to the most recently used data
L2 Cache Level 2 cache L2 cache has the same purpose as L1 cache, but is usually not integrated into the processor L2 cache is traditionally made of SRAM and in socket 7 and older motherboards was in some cases upgradeable See COAST
Latency (also called CAS Latency) The amount of time in nanoseconds (often measured in clock cycles) between a request to read the memory, and when it is actually output SDRAMs are typically referred to as CL2 or CL3, with CL2 parts being faster
Lead The official name for the metal feet on an IC Also called pins The part of the lead assembly that is formed after a portion of the lead frame is cut away The chips connection to the outside world
