RAM vs ROM

WHAT IS IT?

RAM

(Random Access Memory)

ROM

(Read-Only Memory)

A Data storage that can be accessed randomly at any time, in any order and from any physical location.

A data storage that can not be easily altered or reprogrammed.

RAM and ROM are mounted on Gigabyte motherbord.

Differences

RAM

ROM

Def.

It is a hardware device that allows information to be stored and retrieved on a computer. Allowing quick access and manipulation.

It is a storage medium that is used with computers and other electronic devices.

RAM allows the computer to read data quickly to run applications. It allows reading and writing.

Use

ROM stores the program required to initially boot the computer. It only allows reading.

RAM is volatile i.e. its contents are lost when the device is powered off.

Volatility

It is non-volatile i.e. its contents are retained even when the device is powered off.

A RAM chip can store multiple gigabytes (GB) of data, ranging from 1 GB to 256 GB per chip.

Storage

A ROM chip stores several megabytes (MB) of data, typically 4 MB or 8 MB per chip.

The accessing speed of RAM is faster, it assists the processor to boost up the speed.

Speed

Speed is slower in comparison with RAM, ROM cannot boost up the processor speed.

Larger than ROM

Physical

size

Smaller than RAM chip.

2 types :

SRAM (Static RAM): It essentially uses latches to store charge.
DRAM (Dynamic RAM): DRAM makes use of capacitors to store bits in the form of charge.

3 types :

Types

PROM: It can be re-programmed by using a special device called a PROM programmer. Generally, a PROM can only be changed/updated once.
EPROM: can have its contents erased by ultraviolet light and then reprogrammed by an EPROM programmer.
EEPROM: EEPROMs are used to store a computer system's BIOS, and can be updated without returning the unit to the factory. In many cases, BIOS updates can be carried out by computer users wishing a BIOS update.

Both the read and write operations can be performed over the information that is stored in the RAM.

Working

type

Only allow the user to read the information. A user can not make any changes to the information.

The price of RAMs is comparatively high.

Cost

Comparatively low.

RAM vs ROM

WHAT IS IT?

RAM

(Random Access Memory)

ROM

(Read-Only Memory)

A Data storage that can be accessed randomly at any time, in any order and from any physical location.

A data storage that can not be easily altered or reprogrammed.

RAM and ROM are mounted on Gigabyte motherbord.

Differences

RAM

ROM

Def.

It is a hardware device that allows information to be stored and retrieved on a computer. Allowing quick access and manipulation.

It is a storage medium that is used with computers and other electronic devices.

RAM allows the computer to read data quickly to run applications. It allows reading and writing.

Use

ROM stores the program required to initially boot the computer. It only allows reading.

RAM is volatile i.e. its contents are lost when the device is powered off.

Volatility

It is non-volatile i.e. its contents are retained even when the device is powered off.

A RAM chip can store multiple gigabytes (GB) of data, ranging from 1 GB to 256 GB per chip.

Storage

A ROM chip stores several megabytes (MB) of data, typically 4 MB or 8 MB per chip.

The accessing speed of RAM is faster, it assists the processor to boost up the speed.

Speed

Speed is slower in comparison with RAM, ROM cannot boost up the processor speed.

Larger than ROM

Physical

size

Smaller than RAM chip.

2 types :

SRAM (Static RAM): It essentially uses latches to store charge.

DRAM (Dynamic RAM): DRAM makes use of capacitors to store bits in the form of charge.

3 types :

Types

PROM: It can be re-programmed by using a special device called a PROM programmer. Generally, a PROM can only be changed/updated once.

EPROM: can have its contents erased by ultraviolet light and then reprogrammed by an EPROM programmer.

EEPROM: EEPROMs are used to store a computer system's BIOS, and can be updated without returning the unit to the factory. In many cases, BIOS updates can be carried out by computer users wishing a BIOS update.

Both the read and write operations can be performed over the information that is stored in the RAM.

Working

type

Only allow the user to read the information. A user can not make any changes to the information.

The price of RAMs is comparatively high.

Cost

Comparatively low.