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 permanent memory. It means that RAM is a volatile memory and it stores files temporarily in the computer. 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, our computer will not erase these files.
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 the processor writes the result of that data to the RAM. We can easily modify the data in the RAM.
Types of RAM
Here, we have explained different types of RAM.
· DRAM
DRAM stands for Dynamic RAM. We should refresh DRAM continuously. Its reason is that if we don’t refresh DRAM continuously, it will lose all the contents on the DRAM.
· 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 high clock speeds.
· DDR
DDR stands for Double Data Rate. It is the best RAM to get synchronous RAM.
Characteristics of RAM
Here, we have explained some essential characteristics of the RAM.
♦ 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 into a computer.
♦ We can read and write the data quickly from the RAM chips.
♦ RAM chips store 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 users to store huge amounts 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
Here, we have discussed some essential advantages of the RAM.
♦ The operations of the RAM are completely silent because 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 reduce 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 the 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 ROM are explained below;
· PROM
PROM is known as Programmable ROM. The user can modify this ROM only once.
· EPROM
EPROM is known as an 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 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
Here, we have explained the most important characteristics of the ROM.
♦ After writing the data on the ROM, you can read this data unlimited times. It is an important feature of ROM.
♦ 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
Here, we have explained some essential advantages of the ROM.
♦ It is known as 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 RAM and ROM, we can easily understand the difference between RAM and ROM. We have explained these advantages in the below text and picture.
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 a 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 the 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 run the applications. On the other hand, a ROM chip allows only reading. A ROM chip stores all the programs that one requires 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 the 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 it will not erase information even after switching off the computer.
6. Cost
The RAM chips are available at higher prices. On the other hand, the ROM chips are available at 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 ROM are PROM, EPROM and Mask ROM, etc. You may also like to read about the
difference between CD and DVD.
Key Differences: RAM VS ROM
i. RAM is Random Access Memory and ROM is Read-Only Memory.
ii. It is volatile and ROM is non-volatile.
iii. RAM allows both reading and writing and ROM allows only reading.
iv. It gives easy access to information and ROM doesn’t give easy access to information.
v. RAM is a temporary storage device and ROM is a permanent storage device.
vi. It is more expensive than ROM.
vii. RAM is bigger than ROM.
viii. It allows both R and W operations whereas ROM allows only R operation on the information.
ix. RAM requires electricity and ROM doesn’t require electricity to preserve and flow the information.
x. Types of RAM are DRAM and SRAM and types of ROM are PROM and EPROM.
