Memory vs. Storage — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 14, 2024
Memory (RAM) is used for temporary data access and is faster, while storage holds data permanently and has a larger capacity.
Difference Between Memory and Storage
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Memory, also known as Random Access Memory (RAM), is a type of computer hardware that is used for storing data temporarily during the operation of software applications. It enables fast data access by the CPU, significantly speeding up the processing of tasks. Storage, on the other hand, refers to devices or media that store data permanently, such as hard drives, SSDs, and CDs, even when the power is turned off.
While memory is characterized by its speed and volatility, storage is defined by its persistence and larger capacity. Memory allows programs to load and execute quickly, providing a workspace for the CPU. Storage, whereas, holds data and programs long-term, allowing them to be retained and accessed as needed over time.
Memory is typically much faster than storage but comes in much smaller capacities and at a higher cost per gigabyte. This is because memory is designed to be accessed at high speeds to match the speed of the CPU. Storage, on the other hand, provides a cost-effective way to hold vast amounts of data despite its slower speeds.
The interaction between memory and storage is critical for computer performance. Memory serves as a temporary stage for data being used by the CPU, which reduces the time and energy needed to access data from slower storage. Conversely, data that needs to be kept over the long term is moved from memory to storage.
The choice between memory and storage does not come down to one replacing the other but understanding how they complement each other. Computers are designed with both to balance the speed of memory with the permanence and capacity of storage.
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Comparison Chart
Type of Data
Temporary, volatile
Permanent, non-volatile
Speed
High speed
Slower than memory
Capacity
Smaller (typically measured in GB)
Larger (typically measured in TB)
Cost
Higher cost per gigabyte
Lower cost per gigabyte
Primary Use
Quick data access and processing
Long-term data retention
Example Devices
DRAM, SRAM
Hard drives, solid-state drives, CDs
Compare with Definitions
Memory
Data in memory is lost when the device is turned off.
Unsaved work is lost if a computer shuts down unexpectedly.
Storage
Affects how much data a computer can hold.
Upgrading storage capacity is common for users needing more space for files.
Memory
Volatile storage used for temporary data during processing.
Running multiple applications simultaneously requires adequate RAM.
Storage
Non-volatile medium for keeping data long-term.
Photos and documents are saved on a hard drive or SSD.
Memory
Faster than permanent storage but more expensive.
Upgrading a computer’s RAM can significantly improve its responsiveness.
Storage
Capacity is typically much larger than memory.
Many computers feature storage ranging from 256 GB to several terabytes.
Memory
Measured in gigabytes and requires frequent refreshing.
Most modern computers have between 8 to 32 GB of RAM.
Storage
Essential for data retrieval and archiving.
External hard drives are often used for backing up important data.
Memory
Critical for system speed and performance.
More RAM allows a computer to handle more complex tasks at once.
Storage
The action or method of storing something for future use
The room lacked storage space
The chair can be folded flat for easy storage
Memory
Memory is the faculty of the brain by which data or information is encoded, stored, and retrieved when needed. It is the retention of information over time for the purpose of influencing future action.
Storage
The act of storing goods or the state of being stored.
Memory
The mental faculty of retaining and recalling past experience.
Storage
A space for storing goods.
Memory
The act or an instance of remembering; recollection
Spent the afternoon lost in memory.
Storage
The price charged for keeping goods stored.
Memory
All that a person can remember
It hasn't happened in my memory.
Storage
The charging or regenerating of a storage battery.
Memory
Something that is remembered
Pleasant childhood memories.
Storage
(Computers) The part of a computer that stores information for subsequent use or retrieval.
Memory
The fact of being remembered; remembrance
Dedicated to their parents' memory.
Storage
(uncountable) The act of storing goods; the state of being stored.
There's a lot of storage in the loft.
Memory
The period of time covered by the remembrance or recollection of a person or group of persons
Within the memory of humankind.
Storage
An object or place in which something is stored.
Memory
A circuit or device that stores digital data.
Storage
Any computer device, including such as a disk, on which data is stored for a longer term than main memory.
I′d recommend backing up these files to storage before reinstalling the operating system.
Memory
Capacity for storing information
Two gigabytes of memory.
Storage
(uncountable) The price charged for storing goods.
Memory
(Statistics) The set of past events affecting a given event in a stochastic process.
Storage
To put into storage; to store.
Memory
The capacity of a material, such as plastic or metal, to return to a previous shape after deformation.
Storage
The act of depositing in a store or warehouse for safe keeping; also, the safe keeping of goods in a warehouse.
Memory
(Immunology) The ability of the immune system to respond faster and more powerfully to subsequent exposure to an antigen.
Storage
Space for the safe keeping of goods.
Memory
(uncountable) The ability of the brain to record information or impressions with the facility of recalling them later at will.
Memory is a facility common to all animals.
Storage
The price changed for keeping goods in a store.
Memory
A record of a thing or an event stored and available for later use by the organism.
I have no memory of that event.
My wedding is one of my happiest memories.
Storage
The act of storing something
Memory
(computing) The part of a computer that stores variable executable code or data (RAM) or unalterable executable code or default data (ROM).
This data passes from the CPU to the memory.
Storage
A depository for goods;
Storehouses were built close to the docks
Memory
The time within which past events can be or are remembered.
In recent memory
In living memory
Storage
The commercial enterprise of storing goods and materials
Memory
Which returns to its original shape when heated
Memory metal
Memory plastic
Storage
(computer science) the process of storing information in a computer memory or on a magnetic tape or disk
Memory
(obsolete) A memorial.
Storage
An electronic memory device;
A memory and the CPU form the central part of a computer to which peripherals are attached
Memory
A term of venery for a social group of elephants, normally called a herd.
Storage
Depositing in a warehouse
Memory
The faculty of the mind by which it retains the knowledge of previous thoughts, impressions, or events.
Memory is the purveyor of reason.
Storage
Includes devices like SSDs which are faster than traditional hard drives.
SSDs are popular for their quick access times and reliability.
Memory
The reach and positiveness with which a person can remember; the strength and trustworthiness of one's power to reach and represent or to recall the past; as, his memory was never wrong.
Memory
The actual and distinct retention and recognition of past ideas in the mind; remembrance; as, in memory of youth; memories of foreign lands.
Memory
The time within which past events can be or are remembered; as, within the memory of man.
And what, before thy memory, was doneFrom the begining.
Memory
Something, or an aggregate of things, remembered; hence, character, conduct, etc., as preserved in remembrance, history, or tradition; posthumous fame; as, the war became only a memory.
The memory of the just is blessed.
That ever-living man of memory, Henry the Fifth.
The Nonconformists . . . have, as a body, always venerated her [Elizabeth's] memory.
Memory
A memorial.
These weeds are memories of those worser hours.
Memory
Something that is remembered;
Search as he would, the memory was lost
Memory
The cognitive processes whereby past experience is remembered;
He can do it from memory
He enjoyed remembering his father
Memory
The power of retaining and recalling past experience;
He had a good memory when he was younger
Memory
An electronic memory device;
A memory and the CPU form the central part of a computer to which peripherals are attached
Memory
The area of cognitive psychology that studies memory processes;
He taught a graduate course on learning and memory
Common Curiosities
Why is storage important in computers?
Storage is important because it holds data permanently, ensuring data is retained after the device is powered down.
How does memory speed affect computer performance?
Memory speed directly affects how quickly a computer can load and run applications, impacting overall system responsiveness.
What is the main function of memory in a computer?
The main function of memory, or RAM, is to store data temporarily to speed up processing and task execution.
What happens to the data in memory when the computer is turned off?
Data in memory is lost when the computer is turned off because RAM is volatile.
Which is more expensive, memory or storage?
Memory is generally more expensive per gigabyte than storage due to its higher speed and complexity.
What types of storage are there?
Common types include hard disk drives (HDDs), solid-state drives (SSDs), and optical discs like CDs and DVDs.
What is a good amount of memory for a gaming PC?
A gaming PC typically benefits from at least 16 GB of RAM for optimal performance.
Can you upgrade memory and storage?
Yes, both memory and storage can often be upgraded to improve performance and increase data capacity.
Is SSD a type of memory or storage?
SSD is a type of storage; it stores data permanently and retains it without power.
How do I know if I need more memory or storage?
If your computer is slow during tasks, more memory may help; if you're running out of space for files, you need more storage.
Why might someone choose SSD over HDD for storage?
SSDs are chosen over HDDs for faster data access speeds, less power consumption, and better durability.
What is the best way to back up data from memory?
The best way is to regularly save data from memory to a permanent storage device or cloud storage to prevent data loss.
How does virtual memory relate to physical memory?
Virtual memory extends physical memory onto storage devices, allowing for larger applications to run on systems with limited RAM.
Can data in storage be lost?
Data in storage can be lost due to physical damage, corruption, or failure but is generally secure under normal conditions.
How do memory and storage work together in a computer?
Memory handles current tasks by storing temporary data for quick access, while storage holds data long-term for future retrieval.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
