How is RAM different from ROM?

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Posted by Manvendra Parmar 5 years, 1 month ago

Gaurav Seth 5 years, 1 month ago

Following are the important differences between RAM and ROM.

1	Definition	RAM stands for Random Access Memory.	ROM stands for Read Only Memory.
2	Data Retention	RAM data is volatile. Data is present till power supply is present.	ROM data is permanent. Data remains even after power supply is not present.
3	Data Access	RAM data can be read, erased or modified.	ROM data is readonly.
4	Usage	RAM is used to store data that CPU needs for current instruction processing.	ROM is used to store data that in needed to bootstrap the computer.
5	Speed	RAM speed is quite high.	ROM speed is slower than RAM.
6	CPU Access	CPU can access data stored on RAM.	Data to be copied from ROM to RAM so that CPU can access its data.
7	Capacity	RAM memory is large and high capacity.	ROM is generally small and of low capacity.
8	Usage	RAM is used as CPU Cache, Primary Memory.	ROM is used as firmware by microcontrollers.
9	Cost	RAM is costly.	ROM is cheap.

Yogita Ingle 5 years, 1 month ago

RAM	ROM
Definition of RAM is Random Access Memory	Definition of ROM is Read only Memory
Random Access Memory (RAM) is expensive when compared to ROM	ROM is cheaper when compared to RAM.
The speed of Random Access Memory (RAM) is higher when compared to ROM	The speed of Read only Memory (ROM) is slower when compared to RAM.
Random Access Memory (RAM) has a higher capacity when compared to ROM	ROM has a lower capacity compared to RAM
Data in RAM can be modified, erased, or read.	Data in ROM can only be read, it cannot be modified or erased.
The data stored in RAM is used by the Central Processing Unit (CPU) to process current instructions	The data stored in ROM is used to bootstrap the computer.
Data stored on RAM can be accessed by the Central Processing Unit.	If the Central Processing Unit (CPU) needs to access the data on ROM, first the data must be transferred to RAM, and then the Central Processing Unit (CPU) will be able to access the data.
Data of RAM is very volatile, it will exist as long as there is no interruption in power.	Data present in Read Only Memory (ROM) is not volatile, it is permanent. Data will remain unchanged even when there is a disruption in the power supply.