# How do solid-state memory and memristors work?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-solid-state-memory-and-memristors-work/483144>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [January 26, 2009, 11:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-solid-state-memory-and-memristors-work/483144 "2009-01-26T23:16:22Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Cat\_In\_A\_Top\_Hat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f6c823/32.png) [@Cat\_In\_A\_Top\_Hat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_In_A_Top_Hat)\
**Post date:** [January 26, 2009, 11:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-solid-state-memory-and-memristors-work/483144/1 "2009-01-26T23:16:22Z")

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So, I think I understand how regular hard drives work (essentially a very small record player that goes to where the info you need is stored on the disc when you call for it), but I don’t really understand solid state memory and electronics. What’s doing what? Also, I heard about something called a “memristor”, recently. What do these do, and how do/could the two work together?

Thankee,  
–CiaTH

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**Author:** ![sailor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a587f6/32.png) [@sailor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sailor)\
**Post date:** [January 26, 2009, 11:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-solid-state-memory-and-memristors-work/483144/2 "2009-01-26T23:30:45Z")

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> **[How Flash Memory Works](https://computer.howstuffworks.com/flash-memory.htm)**
>
> Unlike conventional hard drives, flash memory has no moving parts to break. And it can be used in smaller spaces, such as a pocket camera or cell phone. So why use anything else?

[Memristor - Wikipedia](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memristor)