Posted by RAM stands for “Random Access Memory” and ROM, which stands for “Read-only-Memory”, you can see both types of memory in your desktop, laptop and even in your Mobile. Check ROM and RAM differences here.
Difference Between RAM and ROM
| Parameters | RAM | ROM |
|---|---|---|
| Stands for | Random Access Memory | Read-only Memory |
| Volatility | RAM is volatile in nature | ROM is a non-volatile in nature |
| Storage | RAM is used to store the data temporarily | ROM is used to store the data permanently |
| Size | Chip is larger in size | Chip size is smaller |
| Storage Limit | RAM can store more data up to 16GB or more per chip | ROM can store MB of data, up to 4MB or more per chip |
| Speed | RAM is faster than ROM | ROM is slower than RAM |
| Accessibility | RAM can be accessed by the processor directly | RAM information is stored in ROM and then the processor can access it |
| Cost | Costlier | Cheaper |
| Types | SRAM, DRAM | PROM, EPROM, EEPROM |
| Working Type | Both read and write operation can be performed over the information | It allows the end-user to read the information only and no information can be deleted |
| Data Preserving | Electricity is required in RAM to flow to preserving data | Electricity is not required in ROM to flow to preserving data |
| Modification | Data in RAM can be altered or modified | Data in ROM can not be modified |
| Capacity | RAM sizes vary from 64MB to 16GB | ROM is comparatively smaller than RAM |
What is RAM?
RAm is a volatile memory that temporarily stores the files in your system. RAM is a computer short term memory, without this memory, your system does not execute any program. Every computing devices needs short term memory to execute the files and programmes.
Types of RAM
There are mainly two types of RAM: Dynamic RAM (DRAM) and Static RAM (SRAM).
- DRAM: It is the main memory which is used in the computer. Each memory cell of a DRAM is made of a capacitor, transistor within the integrated circuit. Hence, this type of RAM needs to be refreshed every few milliseconds to retain data. DRAM is widely used in the system because it retains the data when power is off and less expensive than SRAM. DRAM is further classified SDRAM, RDRAM, DDR SDRAM
- SRAM: It is made of four to six transistors, it retains the data as long as power is supplied to the system. This types of memory are generally faster than DRAM.
What is ROM?
ROM is the ready only memory, this is the type of electronic storage where all the necessary information regarding the device is stored permanently and this happens during the manufacturing of devices.
You can see ROM chips in your desktop, mobile, laptop, VCR’s, game console, POS machine means without ROM, it is not possible to store the file which you want to save in the system.
Types of ROM
Check different types of ROM ranging from the basic to more versatile
- PROM ( Programmable ROM): This is the blank version of ROM which you can buy and programme it using a special tool programmer. This type of ROM is more vulnerable to damage than any classic ROM
- EPROM( Erasable Programmable ROM ): This type of ROM is flexible in nature, you can write and rewrite any programme many times. This type of ROM have lifetimes of over 1000 erasures.
- EEPROM ( Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM ): This type of ROM is more flexible in nature than EPROM, with the help of localized electric fields you erase the stored data and can rewrite new programme again. You can write and rewrite the programme without removing it from hardware and does not need any special tool.
Conclusion
Both the memory has its own advantages and disadvantages but both are important to execute and perform the task in the system.
