Introduction:

RAM stands for Random Access Memory. RAM is a type of computer system’s primary memory. RAM is used in the computer to store the parts of data and instructions that the computer is currently working on. RAM is non-volatile memory which means that its data is lost when the computer is turned off. RAM stores its data temporarily.

 

RAM is also called the computer’s main memory because the computer’s CPU can directly access all of the RAM’s memory cells. In modern computers, RAM is made of semiconductor material and is found in the form of ICs.

ROM:

Introduction:

ROM stands for Read Only Memory. It is also a type of computer’s primary memory. It is used to store computer instructions and parts of programs that do not need to be changed like the BIOS. Therefore, ROM is used to create computer firmware. Typically, data is stored in RAM during the manufacturing process. ROM is also a type of semiconductor memory and is built in the form of ICs.

ROM stores data permanently, thus it is a non-volatile memory which means it keeps the data even when the computer is turned off. A computer’s CPU can only read, but not change, data from the ROM’s memory cells.

Difference between RAM and ROM:

Full form RAM:

• stands for Random Access Memory.
• ROM stands for Read Only Memory.

Definition:

• RAM is a computer’s primary memory that stores the data and instructions that the CPU is currently working on.
• ROM is a computer’s primary memory that stores computer instructions and programs that do not need to be changed in the future like the BIOS.

Nature:

• RAM is a  volatile memory. Which means it stores data as long as the power is on.
• ROM is a non-volatile memory which means it stores data permanently even when the power is turned off.

Data Access:

• A computer’s CPU can read, write, or modify data on RAM.
• The CPU can only read data from ROM, but it can write or modify it.

Usage:

• A computer’s C Used RAM is used to store data that the CPU needs to process the current instruction.
• ROM is used to store data that is required to bootstrap the computer.

Types:

• There are two major types of RAM available – SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) and DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory).
• There are three types of ROM available – PROM (Programmable ROM), EPROM (Erasable PROM), and EEPROM (Electrically EPROM).

Speed:

• RAM speed is quite high.
• ROM is slower than RAM.

CPU Access:

The CPU can directly access data stored in RAM.

Data must be copied from ROM to RAM so that the CPU can access its data.

Capacity:

• RAM memory is large and high capacity. ROM is usually small and low capacity.
• RAM is used as CPU Cache is used as main memory. ROM is used as firmware by micro controllers.

Cost:

• RAM is expensive.
• ROM is not that expensive.