Base memory is the minimum amount of RAM needed for a computer to function, with each component having its own requirement. Core memory is hardwired to each component for fast share times and is vital to the system. The BIOS has low core memory, but it is necessary for the computer to function. Video cards have preset memory for generating images, and the motherboard has minimum requirements for loading programs.
Base memory refers to the minimum amount of random access memory (RAM) that a computer needs to function. The term is actually applied to different components within the computer system and the basic input/output system (BIOS), motherboard and video card each have their own basic memory value. While the additional RAM would allow the system to run more efficiently, the basis is the minimum requirement for each individual component to function. These quantities usually come pre-installed by the manufacturer and remain independent of any other components.
Manufacturers install core memory to help PCs load faster, stay more secure, and to ensure that every critical system device always has enough resources to process tasks. These tiny sticks of RAM are hardwired directly to each component for fast share times. Since they are a permanent piece of hardware that is vital to your system, if they are damaged your computer will not load properly.
Although the BIOS has very low core memory, a computer system couldn’t function without it. This is where all initial boot data is stored within a personal computer (PC), along with the user’s preferred settings for how each hardware option is loaded. The core memory for the BIOS is installed on the motherboard on a tiny microchip that’s not much bigger than a thumbtack. It is independent from system memory to protect the area from virus infection.
Most video cards come pre-installed with a base memory of 32 or 64 megabytes (MB), with top-of-the-line cards having much more. In this case, the preset memory allows the computer to generate images on a computer monitor without external assistance from other systems. Some PCs use what is known as shared memory, which includes a small base memory exclusively for the video card. Within this configuration, memory installed on the motherboard could be borrowed from the video card when system resources would allow.
The motherboard does not usually have basic memory by the practical definition, but every computer and operating system (OS) has minimum requirements to be able to load programs. Many experts would consider the first stick of RAM to qualify as this type of memory even though it can be easily removed. Most PCs have two to four memory slots, and at least one of them must have RAM inserted for the computer to function.
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