Difference Between RAM and ROM?
Both RAM (representing random access memory) and ROM (representing read-only memory) exist in your computer.
| S.No. | RAM | ROM |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | It is a temporary memory of the computer. | It is the permanent memory of the computer. |
| 2. | It is a read-write memory. The data can be written and read. | It is read-only memory. Only data can be read. |
| 3. | It is a volatile memory as it temporarily stores the files as long as the computer is on and working. | It is a non-volatile memory as it permanently stores the files even when the power is turned off, such as game cartridge and BIOS program stored in the memory of a computer, etc. |
| 4. | The storage capacity ranges from 1 to 256 GB. | Its storage capacity ranges from 4 to 8 MB. |
| 5. | Its size is larger than ROM. It comes in two different sizes and can be used for desktop and laptop computers. The desktop memory module is about 5.5 inches long and 1 inch wide. The length of laptop RAM is about half the length of desktop RAM. | Depending on its purpose, its size ranges from less than one inch long to multiple inches long and wide. Its capacity is smaller than RAM. |
| 6. | The data stored in RAM can be retrieved and changed. | We can only read the data stored in ROM. It cannot be changed. |
| 7. | It is faster than ROM as it is a high-speed memory. | It is slower than the RAM. |
| 8. | The data stored in RAM is used by the CPU in real-time to run the computer. | The data stored in ROM is used by CPU only when it is transferred to RAM. |
| 9. | It temporarily stores the files and data that the CPU needs to process the current instructions or work. | It stores the BIOS program on the motherboard of a computer, which is needed to bootstrap the computer. |
| 10. | Examples: It is used as CPU Cache, Primary Memory in a computer. | Examples: It is used as Firmware by micro-controllers. |
| 11. | The stored data is easy to access. | The stored data is not as easy to access as in ROM. |
| 12. | It is more expensive than ROM. | It is cheaper than RAM. |
| 13. | Types: DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), SRAM (Static Random Access Memory). | Types: EPROM (erasable programmable read-only memory), PROM (programmable read-only memory), EEPROM( electrically erasable programmable ROM), Mask ROM. |
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