Top Key Difference Between RAM And ROM You Must Know!

RAM and ROM are the two basic and fundamental classifications of primary memory. They are two types of internal memory in the computer. We have brought this article to help you understand the difference between RAM and ROM so that you can grab the amazing opportunities coming your way.

So, if you are wondering what is the difference between RAM and ROM, we have come to your rescue. Let's begin the journey by understanding the RAM and ROM difference.

To learn what is RAM and ROM, let's first see what is RAM. This article will first define what is RAM and ROM.

RAM stands for Random access memory whereas ROM stands for Read Only Memory. RAM and ROM are two basic parts of the memory of the electronic device but however, but they differ in terms of storage capacity, usage, volatility, speed, accessibility, and many more parameters. As we explore further, a comparison between the two will be made and key differences between the two will be plotted in the table below.

Difference Between RAM and ROM: What is RAM?

RAM is the Random Access Memory. It is a temporary form of memory It is also known as cached memory or volatile memory. This type of memory is the main memory but the data stored in this memory is lost when the power supply to the device is turned off. RAM is both read-write memory i.e. it allows both read and write data operations. It is used to store the data used in real-time and the data on this memory can be erased any number of times. This memory however is a temporary memory, but it is fast. Thus, it is advisable to transfer data to RAM since it becomes easier to read rather than the hard drive. RAM is called volatile memory because RAM stores current instructions, data, programs, and results of programs only till the time the device is provided with a power supply. The moment the power supply is turned off, the data stored in Random Access Memory gets erased.

Types of RAM

SRAM: Static Random access memory is cache memory that has prolonged life and high power consumption. SRAM chips consist of 6 transistors and no capacitors. It has fast accessing capability.
DRAM: Dynamic Random access memory needs to be continuously refreshed in order to maintain the data. It can be done by placing the data on a refresh circuit which will rewrite the data continuously every 100th of a second. This is comparatively slower and consumes less power.

Characteristics of RAM

The RAM ROM difference s highlighted in the storage capacity. A RAM chip allows storing multiple gigabytes of data
RAM chips are used for basic applications like starting and loading the operating system.
RAM offers 1-256GB memory capacity per chip
RAM uses less power and increases battery life.
The operation of RAM is completely silent as it does not have any moving parts.
The speed of RAM is relatively high compared to ROM.
It stores data on a transistor memory cell and thus requires a continuous power supply.

Advantages of RAM

It is high-speed memory.
It allows both read and write operations.
Allows computers to read data faster.
It is a static memory and consumes less power.

Disadvantages of RAM

It is temporary memory and gets erased when the power supply is turned off.
This is expensive memory.
RAM has limited storage space.

Difference Between RAM and ROM: What is ROM?

This article will define RAM and ROM with the definition of the latter. ROM is the read-only memory. It is a permanent form of memory. Also known as non-volatile memory. This memory is decided by the manufacturer at the time of design of the device and it cannot be overwritten by the user. The data or information here remains intact even when the power supply is turned off. This memory allows read data operation and not write data operation. Since this memory is permanent hence the data here cannot be erased.

Types of ROM

In this section, we will discuss different types of ROM.

PROM: Programmable read-only memory can be edited only once by the user.
EPROM: Erasable programmable read-only memory can be erased when exposed to Ultraviolet light for about 40 minutes.
EEPROM: Electrically erasable programmable read-only memory can be programmed and erased electrically. It is possible to program it again and again almost about 10,000 times.
MASK ROM: Earlier, the ROM was a hand-wired instrument consisting pre-written data set of programs. This was known as mask ROM.

Characteristics of ROM

The difference between RAM and ROM in the computer is that ROM does not require refreshing and is static.
Another difference between RAM and ROM is that the latter is usually used in the start-up process of any modern computer.
ROM stores data up to several megabytes per chip(non-volatile memory chip).
It has a memory capacity of 4-8MB per chip.
It stores data on a permanent basis and is hence more reliable, which highlights the difference between RAM and ROM in a computer.

Advantages of ROM

It is permanent and non-volatile memory, it is retained even when the power supply is turned off.
It helps to boot the operating system.
It need not be refreshed continuously since it is static.
It is cheaper than RAM

Disadvantages of ROM

It allows only read-data operation.
When changes are required, they cannot be modified.
It is slow-speed memory.

The RAM and ROM Difference

This table will discuss RAM vs ROM. You can learn to distinguish between RAM and ROM using these points.

PARAMETERS	Random Access Memory (RAM)	Read Only Memory (ROM)
Definition	The data stored in RAM gets erased when the supply is turned off.	The data stored in ROM remains intact and doesn't get erased when the supply is turned off.
Use	used as primary memory and CPU cache
Storage type	It is volatile and vanishes off when the supply is turned off.	It is non-volatile and does not vanish when the supply is turned off.
Operation type	Allows both read and write data operation	Allows only read data operation
Memory type	It is a temporary memory	It is the permanent memory
Accessibility	CPU can access the data stored in RAM	CPU cannot access the data stored in ROM
Speed	It is high-speed memory	It is comparatively slower
Cost	Its cost is high	Its cost is low
Size of the chip	RAM chip is bigger in size	ROM chip is comparatively smaller in size
Storage capacity	It is larger in size with a higher capacity	It is smaller in size with lesser capacity.

We have covered the crucial points to understand the difference between RAM and ROM in a computer. It can be concluded that RAM is a temporary memory that gets erased when the power supply is turned off hence it is known as volatile memory. On the contrary, ROM is a permanent memory that remains intact and does not get erased when the power supply is cut, thus it is known as non-volatile memory. RAM offers both read and write data operation whereas ROM offers only read data operation. Overall, RAM is a better memory in terms of storage capacity and speed as compared to ROM.

We hope this article answered your question, "What is the difference between RAM and ROM". For more such interesting articles, stay tuned to Unstop.

Shreeya Thakur

Sr. Associate Content Writer at Unstop

I am a biotechnologist-turned-content writer and try to add an element of science in my writings wherever possible. Apart from writing, I like to cook, read and travel.