Both RAM and ROM are the types of internal memories of a computer, and both of them are vital for the performance of a device. Despite being the vital memory types, both of them are different from each other in many ways, including their uses, storage capacity, size, and much more.
RAM stands for Random Access Memory, and this is the computer memory type that the users can easily read and change in any order. RAM is used mainly for storing machine codes and other working data. ROM stands for Read Only Memory. It is a type of non-volatile memory unit that computers and other electronic devices use.
You can also find differences between articles on various topics that you need to know. Just tap on the quick link available and get to know the basic differences between them.
What is the Difference Between RAM and ROM?
RAM (Random Access Memory)
A RAM unit stores the data and programs that the CPU uses in real time processes. The RAM data is available for different access modes, including reading, writing, and erasing. It is the hardware unit that stores the data for the utilization process. Random Access Memory is a volatile memory unit and has the following two types:
- Static RAM – Static RAM, also referred to as SRAM, is the type that stores a data bit using states of the provided six transistor memory cells.
- Dynamic RAM – Dynamic RAM, also known as DRAM, is the memory type that stores the data bit using a transistor and capacitor pair, constituting the memory cells of DRAM.
ROM (Read Only Memory)
Read Only Memory is a memory type that has pre-recorded data set. The data stored in a ROM retains even when the computer is turned off. Here is brief on the types of ROM:
- Programmable ROM – This is the ROM type where the data is written after creating the memory chip. This is a non-volatile type of Memory.
- Erasable Programmable ROM (EPROM) – This is a non-volatile ROM type in which the data of memory chip is cleared or erased with the exposure to UV light of higher intensity.
- Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM (EEPROM) – The data of the type of non-volatile memory chip is electrically erasable with the help of field electron emission.
- Mask ROM – This is the ROM type in which data gets written during the memory chip’s manufacturing period.
Difference between RAM and ROM
| RAM | ROM |
| RAM is the volatile memory type capable of holding the data till there is a power supply. | ROM is a non-volatile memory type capable of retaining the data even when power is not supplied. |
| RAM’s data can be altered or retrieved. | ROM’s data can only be read. |
| This memory type stores the data that CPU process. | This memory type stores the instructions that are necessary during the computer’s bootstrap. |
| It is a high-speed memory unit. | ROM is much slower in operation than RAM. |
| CPU can easily access the data that RAM stores. | The CPU cannot easily access the data that ROM stores unless it gets transferred to RAM. |
| RAM has a larger size and more capacity. | ROM has a smaller size and lesser capacity. |
| RAM is used as a primary memory and CPU cache. | ROM is used as Microcontrollers and Firmware. |
| RAM is costly. | ROM is cheaper. |
