RAM and ROM are both using as internal memories in the computer system.
Difference between RAM and ROM
Now, here we will discuss some differences in between RAM and ROM with using of Comparison Chart in tabular form; show below
| Difference | RAM | ROM |
| Full Form | Random Access Memory | Read Only Memory |
| Memory Variants | Volatile | Non-volatile |
| Memory Storage | 1 – 256 single chip | 4 – 8MB single chip |
| Operation | Both ability Read and Write | Only Read |
| Speed | Fastest | Slow to RAM |
| Storage variants | Temporary | Permanent |
| Preferred as | Main Memory | Secondary memory |
| Data retention while getting power | Crashed stored data in RAM, due to failure of power | Data can be accessed when power turn off |
| Processor accessibility | Processor is able directly to access data in RAM | Processor cann’t directly access data in ROM |
| Price | High | Lesser to RAM |
| Different types of Memory | Two types of RAM: SRAM and DRAM | MROM, PROM, EPROM and EEPROM |
| Modification | Data can be modified | Cannot be modified |
| Size of memory’s types | Large than ROM (Read only memory) | Less than an inch in length |
| Usage | As CPU Cache and Primary memory | Used as Firmware by micro-controllers |
RAM (Random Access Memory) helps to store all programs and data, and them used by CPU in the real time. RAM is ability to perform both operation such as read and write. It is also known as temporary memory. This is because; all data get exist in the RAM until power gets turn off, when power gets turn off then all data will gets erase and can’t be restoring.
There are two types of RAM; like as –
Static RAM: SRAM needs the continuously flow of power to retain the data inside it, and it more costly to DRAM. SRAM is using as cache memory for the computer.
Dynamic RAM: DRAM requires being refreshing to retain all data that holds it. So, its speed is slow as well as cheaper compare to SRAM.
ROM (Read Only Memory): ROM stands for “Read Only Memory”. This memory is able to store data in permanently means, and it is non-volatile memory that means its data never destroy when power get turn off. It is programmable chip because in which stored all instructions that are most required when to start computer.
There are four types of ROM; below explain each one –
MROM: MROM stands for “Masked Read Only Memory“, and it is very first ROM was hard-wire devices. Masked ROMs consist pre-planned program of data otherwise instructions and it is cheaper as well.
PROM: PROM stands for “Programmable Read Only Memory“. On this PROM, data can be writing only one time, and it remains there forever. PROM is capable to retain their needed data when Computer is getting turn off. User purchases a empty PROM, and inserts the needed data with help of PROM program.
EPROM: EPROM stands for “Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory”, and in which stored data can delete by using of ultra-violet light for some time frame up to 40 minutes. The ultraviolet light clears its data, and now you can to reprogram the memory.
EEPROM: EEPROM stands for “Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory.” And, in EEPROM, all activities such as programming and erasing get perform by electrically. This EEPROM is able to reprogrammed and erased in more than ten thousand time.
Key Differences between RAM and ROM Memory
- RAM is capable to both operations like as Read/Write, whereas ROM is capable only read operation.
- RAM has ability to store data as temporarily nature. Because, it entire data get crash while getting turn off power, whereas ROM can store data lifelong.
- RAM is a volatile nature memory, whereas ROM is a nonvolatile memory.
- RAM’s speed has faster compared to ROM.
- RAM categorized as primary memory; where as ROM is categorized a secondary memory.
- RAM can be updating easily any time, whereas ROM’s data never updated.
- RAM has range from 64 MB to 4 GB, whereas ROM is smaller compare to RAM.
- RAM is expensive compare to ROM.
- RAM stands for Random Access Memory whereas; ROM stands for Read Only Memory.
- RAM is going to divide into two types into static and Dynamic RAM. Whereas ROM divides into MROM, PROM, EPROM and EEPROM.
