What Is the Difference Between RAM and ROM? .The difference between RAM and ROM, like so many things in computing is relatively simple, but the acronyms sound so similar that confusion is inevitable and understandable. So, we’re going to explain what RAM is, what ROM is, and their similarities and differences today.
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RAM stands for Random Access Memory, and ROM stands for Read Only Memory.
RAM is memory that stores the data that you’re currently working with, but it’s volatile, meaning that as soon as it loses power, that data disappears.
ROM refers to permanent memory. It’s non-volatile, so when it loses power, the data remains. This makes it perfect for things that don’t change, like the BIOS of your motherboard.
What is RAM?
Random Access Memory is used to temporarily store data while the computer is on. This means that when you switch between programs that you’ve recently opened, the data has been kept in the RAM. This allows the computer to retrieve it far more quickly.
This is why opening a program takes so much longer than simply switching back to it. Opening a program makes the PC get data from your SSD or HDD, which are comparatively slow. Switching to a program that’s already open, or sometimes even recently closed is quicker because RAM is far faster than storage.
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Types of RAM
- Static RAM: Static RAM or SRAM stores a bit of data using the state of a six-transistor memory cell.
- Dynamic RAM: Dynamic RAM or DRAM stores a bit of data using a pair of transistors and capacitors which constitute a DRAM memory cell.
Applications of RAM
- Desktop Computers: Temporary storage for operating systems and software.
- Mobile Devices: Stores app data for quick access.
- Gaming Consoles: Enhances performance for graphics-intensive games.
Advantages of RAM
- Speed: RAM is much faster than other types of memory, such as hard disk drives, making it ideal for storing and accessing data that needs to be accessed quickly.
- Volatility: RAM is volatile memory, which means that it loses its contents when power is turned off. This property allows RAM to be easily reprogrammed and reused.
- Flexibility: RAM can be easily upgraded and expanded, allowing for more memory to be added as needed.
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Disadvantages of RAM
- Limited capacity: RAM has a limited capacity, which can limit the amount of data that can be stored and accessed at any given time.
- Volatility: The volatile nature of RAM means that data must be saved to a more permanent form of storage, such as a hard drive or SSD, to prevent data loss.
- Cost: RAM can be relatively expensive, particularly for high-capacity modules, which can make it difficult to scale memory as needed.
What is ROM?
Read Only Memory, is a permanent, non-volatile type of memory. It generally can’t be changed after it’s created, only accessed, hence the name. It’s vital for your computer, as ROM is the perfect place to store important data and instructions that won’t change. The data is not affected by a loss of power, like RAM is.
Think of ROM not like traditional “storage”, and more like a really safe spot to keep sets of instructions. These instructions need to be accessible by the boot-up sequence and the UEFI BIOS for example. This is why it’s so important that it’s non-volatile.
Technically, there are types of read-only memory that can actually be re-written, like EEPROM. However, this is beyond the scope of this article. We aren’t trying to give you a total re-education in computing right now, just to give you a rundown of the basics.
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Types of ROM
- Programmable ROM: It is a type of ROM where the data is written after the memory chip has been created. It is non-volatile.
- Erasable Programmable ROM: It is a type of ROM where the data on this non-volatile memory chip can be erased by exposing it to high-intensity UV light.
- Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM: It is a type of ROM where the data on this non-volatile memory chip can be electrically erased using field electron emission.
- Mask ROM: It is a type of ROM in which the data is written during the manufacturing of the memory chip.
- Advantages of ROM
- Non-volatile: ROM is non-volatile memory, which means that it retains its contents even when power is turned off. This property makes ROM ideal for storing permanent data, such as firmware and system software.
Applications of ROM
- Embedded Systems: Found in devices like microwaves, washing machines, and calculators.
- Medical Devices: Stores firmware for stable operation.
- Consumer Electronics: Used in TVs, cameras, and other gadgets to store essential programs.
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Advantages of ROM
- Non-volatile: ROM is non-volatile memory, which means that it retains its contents even when power is turned off. This property makes ROM ideal for storing permanent data, such as firmware and system software.
- Stability: ROM is stable and reliable, which makes it a good choice for critical systems and applications.
- Security: ROM cannot be easily modified, which makes it less susceptible to malicious attacks, such as viruses and malware.
Disadvantages of ROM
- Limited flexibility: ROM cannot be easily reprogrammed or updated, which makes it difficult to modify or customize the contents of ROM.
- Limited capacity: ROM has a limited capacity, which can limit the amount of data that can be stored and accessed at any given time.
Cost: ROM can be relatively expensive to produce, particularly for custom or specialized applications, which can make it less cost-effective than other types of memory.
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Difference Between RAM and ROM
| Difference | Random Access Memory (RAM) | Read Only Memory (ROM) |
|---|---|---|
| Data-Retention |
RAM is a volatile memory that could store the data as long as the power is supplied. |
ROM is a non-volatile memory that the could retain the data even when the power is turned off. |
| Read/Write | Read and write operations are supported. | Only read operations are supported. |
| Use | Used to store the data that has to be currently processed by CPU temporarily. |
It is typically used to store firmware or microcode, which is used to initialize and control hardware components of the computer. |
| Speed | It is a high-speed memory. | It is much slower than the RAM. |
| CPU Interaction | CPU can easily access data stored in RAM. | CPU cannot easily access data stored in ROM. |
| Size and Capacity | Large size with higher capacity, concerning ROM. | Small size with less capacity, concerning RAM. |
| Used as/in | CPU Cache , Primary memory. | Firmware, Micro-controllers. |
| Accessibility | The data stored is easily accessible. | The data stored is not as easily accessible as in the concerning RAM. |
| Cost | RAM is more costlier than ROM. | ROM is cheaper than RAM. |
| Chip Size | A RAM chip can store only a few gigabytes (GB) of data. | A ROM chip can store multiple megabytes (MB) of data. |
| Function | Used for the temporary storage of data currently being processed by the CPU. | Used to store firmware, BIOS, and other data that needs to be retained. |
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FAQ about RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory)
What are the types of ROM (Read Only Memory)?
What are the types of RAM (Random Access Memory)?
What is ROM used for?
Where is RAM stored?
What is stored in ROM??
