A computer memory chip is the device that replaced (in the early
1970s) the magnetic core memory in computers (that had been used
since the early 1950s). Magnetic core memory replaced a variety of
other forms of memory (e.g. Williams tube CRT memory, selectron
tube memory, flood gun CRT memory, mercury delay line memory,
magnetostrictive delay line memory, rotating magnetic drum memory,
long shift register memory) used by earlier computers.
Computer memory (of any type) serves the function of storing
instructions and data inside the computer that it will need
frequent and rapid access to.