What is the difference between RAM and ROM?

Antim Pandey
3 min readSep 25, 2021

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Do you know? What is the difference between RAM and ROM?

Mostly everyone stops defining their abbreviation, i.e., Random Access Memory (RAM) and Read-Only Memory (ROM).

Both RAM and ROM are the primary classification of the memory of any computer or smartphone. Both RAM and ROM differ in their features and are named based on them.

Both help store data in the device but different aspects and all those things we’ll see here in this article.

In this article, I’ll tell you about What is the difference between RAM and ROM. But before that, I will define each one elaborately.

So let’s move further to know more about the article.

What is RAM?

RAM stands for Random Access Memory which refers to the memory in which all the temporary data of the computer or device is stored.

The RAM is a short-time memory that stores the data in the computer until the computer is turned off; once you turn off your computer, the memory goes off automatically. It is just a temporary form of storage. RAM stores the data which the CPU need in real-time to perform specific tasks.

For Example: If you are opening a new window or another app and you turn off the system without shutting those apps, in this case, you shouldn’t expect that the next time when you switch on your computer, the app will still be running; it may get turned off.

The RAM is a volatile or temporary memory that gets deleted from the computer once you restart or shut down your computer.

What is the difference between RAM and ROM
What is the difference between RAM and ROM

What are the different types of RAM?

Usually, there are two types of RAM, namely;

  • Static RAM.
  • Dynamic RAM.

Static RAM:

Static RAM (SRAM) is a type of RAM that uses latching circuitry to store each bit. It is a volatile memory that requires a continuous power supply. If the power supply hinders, the data will be lost.

Dynamic RAM:

Dynamic RAM(DRAM) is a type of RAM that stores each bit of data in a memory cell which consists of a tiny capacitor and a transistor.

Both are based upon metal oxide semiconductor technology.

What are the characteristics of the RAM?

  • The data stored in the RAM can be erased if there is an interruption or no power supply.
  • The RAM is much faster. If you are opening an app and instantly, then the RAM is responsible for it. The ROM may take much time to open the same app.
  • The capacity and the size of the RAM are higher.

What is ROM?

ROM stands for Read-Only Memory, which refers to the memory in which the permanent data of the computer or phone is stored. ROM is a non-volatile memory that enables the system to store the data permanently.

The data stored in the ROM cannot be altered or modified after manufacturing the memory device.

For Example: When you switch off your computer, and again you start it, the computer gets automatically started by itself once you switch on the button. It is because of the data stored on your computer or phone and not deleted from your device. Read More

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Antim Pandey
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