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Difference between RAM and ROM
Last Updated : 10 May, 2024
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Memory is an important part of the Computer which is responsible for the storage
of data and information on a temporary or permanent basis. Memory can be
classified into two broad categories:
1. Primary Memory
2. Secondary Memory
Primary Memory
Primary Memory is a type of Computer Memory which is directly accessed by the
Preprocessor. It is basically used to store data on which computer is currently
working. It has lesser storage than Secondary Memory. It is basically of two types:
1. Random Access Memory (RAM)
2. Read Only Memory (ROM)
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:
1. HardDisk
2. Compact Disc (CD)
3. Digital Versatile Disk (DVD)
4. Floppy Disk
Types of Memory
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
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
1. Static RAM: Static RAM or SRAM stores a bit of data using the state of a six-
transistor memory cell.
2. Dynamic RAM: Dynamic RAM or DRAM stores a bit of data using a pair of
transistors and capacitors which constitute a DRAM memory cell.
Types of Primary Memory
Read Only Memory

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. It is generally used in Embedded Parts, where the programming
requires almost no changes. It is also called as Secondary Memory. 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 Setup). This
program checks the status of all the devices attached to the computer.
Types of ROM
1. Programmable ROM: It is a type of ROM where the data is written after the
memory chip has been created. It is non-volatile.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Mask ROM: It is a type of ROM in which the data is written during the
manufacturing of the memory chip.
Difference between RAM and ROM
Random Access
Difference Memory (RAM) Read Only Memory (ROM)
RAM is a volatile memory

ROM is a non-volatile memory that
that could store the data as
Data-Retention the could retain the data even when
long as the power is
the power is turned off.
supplied.
Read and write operations

Read/Write Only read operations are supported.
are supported.
Used to store the data that It is typically used to store firmware

has to be currently or microcode, which is used to
Use
processed by CPU initialize and control hardware
temporarily. components of the computer.
Speed It is a high-speed memory. It is much slower than the RAM.
CPU can easily access data CPU cannot easily access data stored
CPU Interaction
stored in RAM. in ROM.
Size and Large size with higher Small size with less capacity,
Capacity capacity, concerning ROM. concerning RAM.
CPU Cache, Primary

Used as/in Firmware, Micro-controllers.
memory.
The data stored is easily The data stored is not as easily

Accessibility
accessible. accessible as in the concerning RAM.
RAM is more costlier than

Cost ROM is cheaper than RAM.
ROM.
Random Access
Difference Memory (RAM) Read Only Memory (ROM)
A RAM chip can store only

A ROM chip can store multiple
Chip Size a few gigabytes (GB) of
megabytes (MB) of data.
data.
Used for the temporary

storage of data currently Used to store firmware, BIOS, and
Function
being processed by the other data that needs to be retained.
CPU.
FAQs
1. What are the types of Random Access Memory (RAM)?
There are two types of RAM:
 Static RAM (SRAM)
 Dynamic RAM (DRAM)
2. What are the types of Read Only Memory (ROM)?
There are four types of RAM:
 Masked ROM (MROM)
 Programmable ROM (PROM)
 Erasable Programmable ROM (EPROM)
 Electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM)
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.
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.
Conclusion
In conclusion, RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory)
are two types of computer memory that are important and have different features.
RAM is high-speed, volatile memory used to store and process temporary data.
ROM, on the other hand, is non-volatile memory used to store lasting data like
firmware. RAM is more flexible, but it costs more, while ROM is more stable and
secure, but it doesn’t have as much freedom. Understanding the differences
between these two types of memory is important for running a computer and
managing files well.

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Difference between RAM and ROM

Last Updated : 10 May, 2024

Types of Primary Memory

Read Only Memory

RAM is a volatile memory

Read and write operations

Used to store the data that It is typically used to store firmware

Speed It is a high-speed memory. It is much slower than the RAM.

CPU Cache, Primary

The data stored is easily The data stored is not as easily

RAM is more costlier than

A RAM chip can store only

Used for the temporary

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