This is an educative piece meant to help you the reader understand the differences between RAM and ROM in points.
RAM stands for Random Access Memory while ROM stands for Read-Only Memory.
Read Also: Difference between DDR, DDR2, DDR3, and DDR4 RAM
Contents
1. Key importance
RAM enables a computer to run the operating system, programs, and processes of its applications and also load resources for faster running of a computer while ROM stores pre-written program required to initially boot the computer.
2. Access
As the names dictate, Random Access memory can be accessed randomly, here is how. It is usually fabricated as a silicon chip and information in the form of bits, (1’s and 0’s), can be written and stored in any of its many address slots. ROM (Read Only Memory) on the other hand allows for data to be read out from its many address slots if stored there first.
3. Storage
RAM stores information currently being processed by the computer before saving. ROM stores information that is pre-determined and may only need to be changed later.
4. Volatility
RAM (Random Access Memory) is a volatile memory. This means that RAM stores data only if power is on. When the power goes off, RAM loses all its data. Read-Only Memory (ROM) on the other hand is a non-volatile memory. Either power goes on or turns off, ROM remains with its data untampered with and safely stored.
One would say; without the flow of electricity, RAM cannot retain data BUT ROM can retain data with or without the flow of electricity.
5. Information
The information on RAM is stored temporarily while the information on ROM is stored permanently.
PRO-TIP: The RAM of your computer or device has a lot to do with speed and how fast your operations can run. The larger the RAM, the faster the operations of your computer (since all operations occur in RAM). Many applications require high storage capacity to load their resources, so the performance speed of your device depends on RAM (though there exist other factors which may affect it)
In as much as these two are different, there exist some similarities between RAM and ROM.
Similarities Between RAM & ROM.
- They are both storage mechanisms, they incapacitate memory.
Differences Between RAM & ROM (summarized).
| RAM | ROM | |
| Main difference | It is a read-write memory
You can read from ROM and write to ROM. | It is a read-only memory
You can only obtain information from it. |
| Information | Temporary information storage | Permanent information storage |
| Volatility | Volatile | Non-volatile |
| Capacity | Stores up to 16GB or more data per chip | Stores up-to 4MB or more data per chip |
| Upgrade | Can be upgraded by end user | It is only programmed by the manufacturer
(Read types of ROM) |
| Speed | Larger RAM chips can be read faster | It depends on the size of the chip |
There exist types of both RAM and ROM.
| RAM & ROM | Types |
| Random Access Memory (RAM) |
|
| Read Only Memory (ROM) |
|