Difference between RAM and ROM (Computer Memory)
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Difference Between RAM and ROM
The difference Between RAM and ROM is one of the important topics in computer science. Most people know RAM is a volatile memory that could store data as long as power is supplied and ROM is a non-volatile memory that could retain the data even when power is turned off. Users can easily access the information stored in RAM whereas the information stored in ROM cannot be directly accessed. To access the data, it has to be first transferred to RAM and then it can be accessed by the processor. RAM is used to store the data temporarily, on the other hand, the data saved in ROM is stored permanently. In this article, we are discussing all details about the RAM and ROM. Before directly jumping to know what is the difference between RAM and ROM. Let us first understand what are RAM and ROM.
What is RAM?
RAM stands for Random Access Memory. The information which is stored in this type of memory is lost when the power supply to the PC or laptop is switched off means it is Volatile memory. BIOS(Basic Input and Output System ) is software that is used to check the information stored in RAM. It is also referred to as the main memory, temporary memory, or cache memory of the computer system. The types of RAM are Dynamic RAM (DRAM) and Static RAM (SRAM).
What is ROM?
The full form of ROM is Read-only Memory. The information or content which are stored in this type of memory is not lost when the power supply is switched off means it is Non-volatile memory. It is a permanent type of memory hence it cannot be easily altered or reprogrammed. The types of ROM are EPROM, PROM, EEPROM, and Mask ROM.
Difference Between RAM and ROM (Comparison)
The RAM and ROM Differences and comparisons are based on Usage, Volatility, Accessibility, Read/Write, Storage, Speed, Types, Chip size, Preservation of Data, Structure, and Cost. The major difference between RAM and ROM is that RAM allows both read and write operations on the data which is stored while ROM allows only the reading of information and no alteration. RAM is costlier whereas ROM is comparatively cheaper than ROM. The difference Between RAM and ROM is tabulated below.
| RAM | ROM |
|---|---|
| To run applications smoothly RAM allows the computer to read data quickly. | ROM stores all the applications which are needed to boot the computer initially. It only allows for reading. |
| RAM is volatile memory therefore its contents are lost when the device is powered off. | It is non-volatile memory therefore its contents are retained even if the device is powered off. |
| Information stored in the RAM can be easily accessible. | The processor can not directly access the information that is stored in the ROM. In order to access ROM information first, the information is transferred into the RAM, and then it can be processed by the processor. |
| Data stored in RAM can be modified, erased or read. | Data stored in ROM can only be read and no alteration is allowed by the users. |
| RAM is used to store the data temporarily. | ROM can retain all the data stored irrespective of the power supply. |
| The access speed of RAM is quite faster than ROM. | ROM is also a fast computer memory. |
| RAM is a bit costly because of its features. | The price of ROM is comparatively cheaper. |
| The Physical size of the RAM chip is much greater than the ROM chip. | The Physical size of the ROM chip is more compact than the RAM chip of the same storage capacity. |
| Electricity is required in RAM to flow and preserve information | Electricity is not needed to flow and preserve information |
| The RAM chip is in rectangular form and is inserted over the motherboard of the computer. | Read-only memory (ROM) storage medium that permanently stores data on personal computers (PCs) and other electronic resources. |
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