What is the difference between RAM and ROM Feature
Do you know? What is the difference between RAM and ROM?
Mostly everyone stops defining their abbreviation, i.e., Random Access Memory (RAM) and Read-Only Memory (ROM).
Both RAM and ROM are the primary classification of the memory of any computer or smartphone. Both RAM and ROM differ in their features and are named based on them.
Both help store data in the device but different aspects and all those things we’ll see here in this article.
In this article, I’ll tell you about What is the difference between RAM and ROM. But before that, I will define each one elaborately.
So let’s move further to know more about the article.
What is RAM?
RAM stands for Random Access Memory which refers to the memory in which all the temporary data of the computer or device is stored.
The RAM is a short-time memory that stores the data in the computer until the computer is turned off; once you turn off your computer, the memory goes off automatically. It is just a temporary form of storage. RAM stores the data which the CPU need in real-time to perform specific tasks.
For Example: If you are opening a new window or another app and you turn off the system without shutting those apps, in this case, you shouldn’t expect that the next time when you switch on your computer, the app will still be running; it may get turned off.
The RAM is a volatile or temporary memory that gets deleted from the computer once you restart or shut down your computer.
What are the different types of RAM?
Usually, there are two types of RAM, namely;
- Static RAM.
- Dynamic RAM.
Static RAM:
Static RAM (SRAM) is a type of RAM that uses latching circuitry to store each bit. It is a volatile memory that requires a continuous power supply. If the power supply hinders, the data will be lost.
Dynamic RAM:
Dynamic RAM(DRAM) is a type of RAM that stores each bit of data in a memory cell which consists of a tiny capacitor and a transistor.
Both are based upon metal oxide semiconductor technology.
What are the characteristics of the RAM?
- The data stored in the RAM can be erased if there is an interruption or no power supply.
- The RAM is much faster. If you are opening an app and instantly, then the RAM is responsible for it. The ROM may take much time to open the same app.
- The capacity and the size of the RAM are higher.
What is ROM?
ROM stands for Read-Only Memory, which refers to the memory in which the permanent data of the computer or phone is stored. ROM is a non-volatile memory that enables the system to store the data permanently.
The data stored in the ROM cannot be altered or modified after manufacturing the memory device.
For Example: When you switch off your computer, and again you start it, the computer gets automatically started by itself once you switch on the button. It is because of the data stored on your computer or phone and not deleted from your device.
The ROM is a permanent memory that cannot be modified or altered and nor even deleted.
What are the different types of ROM?
The ROM is classified into three types:
- Programmable read-only memory(PROM): The programmer developed the programmable read-only memory and cannot be changed.
- Erasable Programmable read-only memory(EPROM): This type of data can be erased using UV rays.
- Electrically erasable programmable read-only memory ( EEPROM): Only some portions of this type of memory can be erased. The EEPROM doesn’t need UV rays, but it can be erased easily.
- Mask ROM: Mask ROM is a type of ROM in which the contents can be programmed only by the integrated circuit manufacturer.
What are the characteristics of the ROM?
Some unique characteristics of ROM include:
- The data in the ROM can be written only once and then cannot be altered.
- The information in the ROM can be updated easily.
- The data in the ROM is non-volatile, which means it will not vanish even if the power supply is interrupted in between.
What is the difference between RAM and ROM?
- One of the significant differences between the RAM and ROM is the name itself. i.e., the RAM stands for (Random Access Memory) and the ROM stands for Read-Only Memory.
- The data stored in the RAM is temporary; on the other side, the data stored in the ROM is permanent and cannot be deleted.
- The data in the RAM can be reacquired and altered, whereas the data stored in the ROM cannot be changed and only be read.
- The RAM is a volatile memory, which is temporary and gets deleted if the power supply is cut off. In comparison, the ROM is a Non-Volatile memory where the data is permanent and doesn’t get deleted even if the device is turned off.
- The RAM holds more extensive size data with higher capacity; on the other side, the ROM has the more minor size data, with the lower ability.
- The RAM is costlier when compared to the ROM. And the ROM is cheaper than the RAM.
- The data stored in the RAM is easily accessible, whereas the data stored in the ROM is not easily accessible.
- The RAM enables the computer to scan the data and open applications. At the same time, the ROM allows the computer to boot.
- The RAM can access the data stored in the RAM; in contrast, the data stored in the ROM cannot be accessed by the CPU.
- The chip size of the RAM is larger when compared to the ROM.
- The RAM requires a steady flow of electricity to preserve and store the data, and in contrast, the ROM doesn’t need electricity to protect and store the data of a device.
These are some of the differences between the RAM and the ROM.
Frequently Asked Questions about “What is the difference between RAM and the ROM”:
What is the similarity between the RAM and the ROM?
The similarity is both RAM and ROM are present in the computer or phone. Both RAM and ROM are a type of memory storage that helps the device to retrieve and store data.
Give each example of RAM and ROM?
The best example of the RAM is that it is a primary memory that is used in the CPU cache. And a perfect example of the ROM is, it is used in the firmware by the microcontrollers.
What is the difference between RAM and ROM in the context of memory?
RAM has a volatile memory which means it is temporary and gets deleted automatically. In contrast, the ROM is a non-volatile memory that cannot be deleted even if the power supply is turned off and permanently stored.
What is computer memory and, What is the difference between RAM and ROM memory?
- The computer memory is a device that enables the computer to store data and a set of instructions (programs) both temporarily and permanently.
- The data stored in the computer are much safe and reliable compared to the data stored in other forms like documents and files.
- Both the RAM and the ROM memory differ in their respective aspects.
- The RAM stores temporary data, whereas the ROM stores the data permanently.
What is the function of the RAM and ROM?
The RAM is used to store the data in the computer and provide it to the CPU when it needs it in real-time.
While the ROM is used to store data permanently. The ROM is responsible for the computer to boot.
How much RAM is required for the computer to function properly?
It is completely based on the usage; If you have high usage, then you must have 16 or 32GB of memory in your computer.
But On average, you may need a minimum of 4GB, but it would be best if you had 8GB or above on your computer. It is for the proper functioning of the computer, or else the computer may function slow, and the apps or software will also lag. However, the more RAM you have, the more efficiently your computer may work.
Hence both RAM and ROM play an essential role in managing the storage of the computer. Both are vitally essential for the computer as they both provide different functions.
Both RAM and ROM help the computer function effectively in many ways and also carries multiple tasks.
I hope the article about “What is the difference between RAM and ROM” was informative and helpful to you. If you have any questions about RAM and ROM, the comment box is open for you. I will reply as soon as I see your message.
Thanks a lot for reading the article.
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