RAM (Random
Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory) are two different forms of internal
memories of a computer. The key difference between RAM and ROM is that RAM is
temporary memory and ROM is a permanent memory. It means that RAM is a volatile memory and it sores files temporarily in the compute. When you shut down or
restart the computer, these files are erased. On the other hand, ROM is a
non-volatile memory and it permanently stores files in the computer. After
shutting down or restarting the computer, these files are not erased.
What is RAM?
RAM stands
for Random Access Memory. The CPU can get direct access to the address
locations in the RAM. It stores data temporarily and your computer can get
access to this memory quickly. RAM is also known as volatile memory because it
stores information only when the power of the computer is turned on. The data
that you want to access currently should be in the RAM. The RAMs are available
in different capacities i.e from 64MB to 4GM. RAM is also known as the fastest
memory of the computer. It is also known as the read-write memory of the
computer. Its reason is that the processor of the computer reads information
from the RAM and processor writes the result of that data to the RAM. We can
easily modify the data in the RAM.
Types of RAM
Different
types of RAM are explained below;
·
DRAM
DRAM is also
known as Dynamic RAM. We should refresh DRAM continuously. Its reason is that
if we don’t refresh DRAM continuously, all the contents on the DRAM will be
lost.
·
SRAM
SRAM stands
for Static RAM. It is faster than DRAM and it requires less power to run. We
don’t need to refresh it continuously like DRAM because it can store data for
more time. Anyhow, it is more expensive than DRAM.
·
SDRAM
SDRAM stands
for Synchronous Dynamic RAM. It is the best RAM to work at the high clock
speeds.
·
DDR
DDR stands
for Double Data Rate. It is the best RAM to get synchronous RAM.
Characteristics of RAM
Some
essential characteristics of the RAM are explained below;
·
We
are using RAM Chips to perform normal operations of a computer. With the help
of RAM Chips, we can start and load the operating system and applications in a
computer.
·
We
can read and write the data quickly from the RAM chips.
·
RAM
chips stores data only when a computer is turned on. Once, the computer is
turned off, the data on the RAM chips will be erased.
·
RAM
chips allow the users to store huge amount of data (GB).
·
The
maximum capacity of the RAM of a 32-bit computer is 4GB. On the other hand, the
maximum capacity of the RAM of a 64-bit computer is 16 exabytes.
Advantages of RAM
Some
essential advantages of the RAM are given below;
·
The
operations of the RAM are completely silent because a RAM doesn’t have moving
parts.
·
RAM
is also known as the power-efficient drive of the computer. Its reason is that
it requires less power than other disk drivers.
·
RAM
saves the battery of a system because it helps the system to reduce the carbon
emissions. We can also say that RAM can extend the battery life of a computer.
What is ROM?
ROM stands
for Read-Only Memory. We can’t modify the data of the ROM because it is only
read by the CPU. CPU can’t get direct access to the data of the ROM. Its reason
is that ROM transfers the data to the RAM and CPU can get access to the data of
the ROM in the RAM. ROM is known as non-volatile memory. Its reason is that after
switching-off the computer, it doesn’t lose the stored data. The capacity of
the ROM is less than RAM. It is also slower and cheaper than RAM.
Types of ROM
There are
various types of ROM. These types of the ROM are explained below;
·
PROM
PROM is
known as Programmable ROM. The user can modify this ROM only once.
·
EPROM
EPROM is
known as Erasable and Programmable ROM. We can easily erase and program the
data on this ROM with the help of ultraviolet rays.
·
EEPROM
EEPROM is
also known as Electrically Erasable and Programmable ROM. The most important
quality of this ROM is that we can erase and program data on this ROM for ten
thousand times.
·
Mask ROM
The most
important quality of this kind of ROM is that we can program the data on this
ROM with the help of integrated circuit manufacturers.
Characteristics of ROM
The most
important characteristics of the ROM are explained below;
·
After
writing the data on the ROM, you can read this data for unlimited times.
·
We
are using ROM chips for start-up procedures in modern computers.
·
A
ROM is a non-volatile memory and we can store several megabytes of the data on
this memory chip.
Advantages of ROM
Some essential
advantages of the ROM are explained below;
·
It
is known as the non-volatile memory because this memory chip doesn’t lose data
even after switching-off the computer.
·
The
ROM chips are cheaper than the RAM chips. Therefore, we can easily change these
chips.
·
The
ROM chips are static. Therefore, we don’t need to refresh these chips.
·
One
can change the ROM chips accidentally.
Difference Between RAM and ROM
After
knowing the basics of the RAM and ROM, we can easily understand the difference
between RAM and ROM. These differences are given below;
1.
Stands For
The
abbreviation of RAM is Random Access Memory and the abbreviation of ROM is
Read-Only Memory.
2.
Volatility
A RAM chip
is volatile because when we turn-off computer, it will lose all of its contents
and files. It means that we can’t retain its contents and files. On the other
hand, a ROM is a non-volatile chip. When we turn-off computer, ROM will not
lose its contents and files. It means that we can retain its contents and
files.
3.
Use
RAM allows
both reading and writing. It means that a RAM chip allows the computer to read
the data quickly and to run the applications. On the other hand, a ROM chip
allows only reading. A ROM chip stores all the programs that are required for
the initial boot of the computer.
4.
Accessibility
After
storing the information in the RAM, we can easily get access to this
information. On the other hand, a ROM chip doesn’t give easy access to the
information. Its reason is that it doesn’t give direct access to the
information. If CPU wants to get access to the information in the ROM, first,
ROM transfers information to the RAM. After that, the CPU gets access to this
information in the RAM.
5.
Storage
A RAM chip
stores information temporarily because after switching-off the computer, the
information is erased. A ROM is a permanent storage device. It means that even
after switching-off the computer, the information is not erased.
6.
Cost
The RAM
chips are available at higher prices. On the other hand, the ROM chips are
available at the lower prices. Therefore, we can say that the RAM chips are
more valuable than ROM chips.
7.
Chip Size
If you buy
the RAM and ROM chips of the same capacity, you will know that the physical
size of the RAM chip is bigger than the physical size of the ROM chip.
8.
Read and Write
If we store
the information on the RAM, it can perform both R (Read) and W (Write)
operations on the information. On the other hand, the users can’t alter stored
information in the ROM because it allows only R (Read) operation on the stored
information to the users.
9.
Preservation of the Data
If we want
to preserve and flow the information in the RAM, we require electricity. On the
other hand, to preserve and flow the information on the ROM, we don’t require
electricity.
10. Types
Types of RAM
are DRAM, SRAM and DDR etc. On the other hand, types of the ROM are PROM, EPROM
and Mask ROM etc.
You may also
like to read:
Key Differences: RAM VS ROM
1. RAM is Random Access Memory and ROM
is Read-Only Memory.
2. RAM is volatile and ROM is
non-volatile.
3. RAM allows both reading and writing
and ROM allows only reading.
4. RAM gives easy access to information
and ROM doesn’t give easy access to information.
5. RAM is a temporary storage device and
ROM is a permanent storage device.
6. RAM is expensive than ROM.
7. RAM is bigger than ROM.
8. RAM allows both R and W operations
whereas ROM allows only R operation on the information.
9. RAM requires electricity and ROM
doesn’t require electricity to preserve and flow the information.
10. Types of RAM are DRAM and SRAM and
types of ROM are PROM and EPROM.
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