By : Neha Dhyani
Updated : May 12, 2022, 4:55
It is essential to grasp the Difference Between RAM and ROM to understand the workings of a computer.
Both RAM and ROM are memory storage devices.
RAM is volatile and can store any information but only until the computer is powered on. On the other hand, ROM is a read-only memory and cannot store anything else. However, it is a permanent memory and can continue storing the read-only content even after the computer is turned off.
The full form of RAM is Random Access Memory. Its name suggests that it is a volatile memory that can store any information written on to it. RAM as a hardware piece is part of the computer motherboard and is essential for the machine's working.
The technological advancements in computer hardware allow random access to all types of memories. This is also true for ROM. If both RAM (specifically called Random Access Memory) and ROM can be randomly accessed, what is the Difference Between RAM and ROM?
The main thing that differentiates RAM from ROM is the volatility. Once the computer is switched off, all the information stored in RAM gets erased. RAM forms a part of the primary memory that the computer needs to function.
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ROM is critical for a computer system to work as intended. ROM has instructions for various hardware parts in the machine to know how to communicate with each other. ROM also acts as a failsafe in case the operating system of the machine malfunctions.
ROM contains information for the operating system on using various hardware parts. Since the computer supports the addition of devices post-manufacturing, ROM has a basic interface to add drivers. These drivers do the same thing as telling the operating system how to communicate with new devices.
The main purpose of ROM is to hold startup firmware. This information is essential instruction to the machine on how to start up.
Here are the Differences Between RAM and ROM:
RAM | ROM |
RAM is a short form for Random Access Memory | ROM is a short form for Read-only Memory |
RAM is volatile and gets erased once power is turned off | ROM is permanent memory and the stored information is available even after power is turned off |
Since RAM handles a large amount of data, it is designed to work fast | Since ROM is designed to do only specific tasks, it is not designed to run faster than needed |
RAM is used by the operating system and applications to store information needed to run them | ROM is used primarily for instructions to boot up the computer |
The capacity of RAM in computers is higher given it has to store a large amount of data | The capacity of ROM is lower given its specific role in the boot-up of the computer |
RAM is used by the CPU as cash storage | ROM is permanent firmware |
RAM is relatively more expensive | ROM is relatively less expensive |
The Difference Between RAM and ROM in terms of their full forms is that RAM is Random Access Memory, and ROM is Read-only Memory. RAM is a volatile memory used by the CPU to store information needed for process instructions used to run applications. ROM is used to store instructions for booting up the computer.
The Difference Between RAM and ROM in terms of their types is as follows:
There are two types of RAM - static RAM (SRAM) and dynamic RAM (DRAM). Static RAM is used for storing speed-sensitive instructions. Dynamic RAM stores instructions that don't need to be accessed fast.
There are typically three types of ROM. Programmable ROM (PROM), erasable PROM (EPROM), an electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM).
The Difference Between RAM and ROM in terms of what they are measured is that RAM is measured in GB, and ROM is measured in MB.
The Difference Between RAM and ROM in terms of their volatility is that RAM is volatile, and ROM is a permanent memory.