Sequential access memory

In computing, <a href="/facts/Sequential_access/8NCL847H">sequential access</a> <a href="/facts/Computer_memory/hQKVQ51J">memory</a> (SAM) is a class of <a href="/facts/Data_storage_device/uCvJ6nrq">data storage devices</a> that read stored data in a sequence. This is in contrast to <a href="/facts/Random_access_memory/DuD4bxh6">random access memory</a> (RAM) where data can be accessed in any order. Sequential access devices are usually a form of <a href="/facts/Magnetic_storage/QaK6oArm">magnetic storage</a> or <a href="/facts/Optical_storage/D2rM4VkH">optical storage</a>.
While sequential access memory is read in sequence, arbitrary locations can still be accessed by "seeking" to the requested location. This operation, however, is often relatively inefficient (see <a href="/facts/Seek_time/leXXc5qd">seek time</a>, <a href="/facts/Rotational_latency/leXXc5qd">rotational latency</a>).
Magnetic sequential access memory is typically used for <a href="/facts/Secondary_storage/wPHKFpdx">secondary storage</a> in general-purpose computers due to their higher density at lower cost compared to RAM, as well as resistance to wear and <a href="/facts/Non-volatility/EN72wMD9">non-volatility</a>. <a href="/facts/Magnetic_tape/wj6IDTR1">Magnetic tape</a> is a type of sequential access memory still in use; historically, <a href="/facts/Drum_memory/yul0r8nG">drum memory</a> has also been used.

Sequential access memory open-in-new

Sequential access memory