Difference between RAM and ROM

Memory is an important part of the Computer which is responsible for

storing data and information on a temporary or permanent basis. Memory
can be classified into two broad categories:
 Primary Memory
 Secondary Memory

What is Primary Memory?

Primary Memory is a type of Computer Memory that the Preprocessor
directly accesses. It is used to store data on which computer is currently
working. It has less storage than Secondary Memory. It is basically of two
types:
 Random Access Memory (RAM)
 Read Only Memory (ROM)

What is Secondary Memory?

Secondary Memory is a type of Computer Memory which is used to
permanently store the data and information. It has a larger data storage
capacity than Primary Memory. Secondary Memory is not directly
accessible from CPU. It is basically of four types:
 Hard Disk
 Compact Disc (CD)
 Digital Versatile Disk (DVD)
 Floppy Disk

Primary Memory is classified into two types: RAM and ROM. In this
article, we are going to discuss the differences between RAM and ROM

Random Access Memory RAM

Random Access Memory (RAM) is used to store the programs and data
being used by the CPU in real time. The data on the random access
memory can be read, written, and erased any number of times. RAM is a
hardware element where the data currently used is stored. It is a volatile
memory. It is also called as Main Memory or Primary Memory. This is
user’s memory. The software (program) as well as data files are stored on
the hard disk when the software or those files are opened. They get
expanded into RAM. It is the space where temporary data are
automatically stored until the user saves it into the secondary storage
devices.
Types of RAM
 Static RAM: Static RAM or SRAM stores a bit of data using the state of
a six-transistor memory cell.
 Dynamic RAM: Dynamic RAM or DRAM stores a bit of data using a
pair of transistors and capacitors which constitute a DRAM memory
cell.

Advantages of RAM
 Speed: RAM is much faster than other types of memory, such as hard
disk drives, making it ideal for storing and accessing data that needs to
be accessed quickly.
 Volatility: RAM is volatile memory, which means that it loses its
contents when power is turned off. This property allows RAM to be
easily reprogrammed and reused.
 Flexibility: RAM can be easily upgraded and expanded, allowing for
more memory to be added as needed.
Disadvantages of RAM
 Limited capacity: RAM has a limited capacity, which can limit the
amount of data that can be stored and accessed at any given time.
 Volatility: The volatile nature of RAM means that data must be saved
to a more permanent form of storage, such as a hard drive or SSD, to
prevent data loss.
 Cost: RAM can be relatively expensive, particularly for high-capacity
modules, which can make it difficult to scale memory as needed.

Read Only Memory ROM

Read Only Memory (ROM) is a type of memory where the data has been pre-
recorded. Data stored in ROM is retained even after the computer is turned off
i.e., non-volatile. ROM is primary non-volatile memory. It is generally used in
Embedded Parts, where the programming requires almost no changes. It is a
permanent CNO4 erasable memory gets initiated when the power is supplied to
the computer ROM is a memory chip fixed on the motherboard at the time of
manufacturing. It stores a program called BIOS (Basic Input/Output System). This
program checks the status of all the devices attached to the computer.
 Types of ROM
 Programmable ROM: It is a type of ROM where the data is written
after the memory chip has been created. It is non-volatile.
 Erasable Programmable ROM: It is a type of ROM where the data on
this non-volatile memory chip can be erased by exposing it to high-
intensity UV light.
 Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM: It is a type of ROM where
the data on this non-volatile memory chip can be electrically erased
using field electron emission.
 Mask ROM: It is a type of ROM in which the data is written during the
manufacturing of the memory chip.

Advantages of ROM
 Non-volatile: ROM is non-volatile memory, which means that it retains
its contents even when power is turned off. This property makes ROM
ideal for storing permanent data, such as firmware and system
software.
 Stability: ROM is stable and reliable, which makes it a good choice for
critical systems and applications.
 Security: ROM cannot be easily modified, which makes it less
susceptible to malicious attacks, such as viruses and malware.

Disadvantages of ROM
 Limited flexibility: ROM cannot be easily reprogrammed or updated,
which makes it difficult to modify or customize the contents of ROM.
 Limited capacity: ROM has a limited capacity, which can limit the
amount of data that can be stored and accessed at any given time.
 Cost: ROM can be relatively expensive to produce, particularly for
custom or specialized applications, which can make it less cost-
effective than other types of memory.

Random Access Read Only Memory

Difference Memory (RAM) (ROM)

Data- RAM is a volatile ROM is a non-volatile memory

 Random Access Read Only Memory
Difference Memory (RAM) (ROM)

memory that could

that the could retain the data
Retention store the data as long
even when the power is
as the power is
turned off.
supplied.

Read and write

Only read operations are
Read/Write operations are
supported.
supported.

Used to store the It is typically used to store

data that has to be firmware or microcode, which
Use is used to initialize and control
currently processed
by CPU temporarily. hardware components of the
computer.

It is a high-speed It is much slower than the

Speed
memory. RAM.

CPU can easily

CPU CPU cannot easily access
access data stored in
Interaction data stored in ROM.
RAM.

Large size with higher

Size and Small size with less capacity,
capacity, concerning
Capacity concerning RAM.
ROM.

CPU Cache , Primary

Used as/in Firmware, Micro-controllers.
memory.
 Random Access Read Only Memory
Difference Memory (RAM) (ROM)

The data stored is not as

The data stored is
Accessibility easily accessible as in the
easily accessible.
concerning RAM.

RAM is more costlier

Cost ROM is cheaper than RAM.
than ROM.

A RAM chip can store

A ROM chip can store multiple
Chip Size only a few gigabytes
megabytes (MB) of data.
(GB) of data.

Used for the temporary

Used to store firmware, BIOS,
storage of data currently
Function and other data that needs to be
being processed by the
retained.
CPU.