RAM vs. ROM — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 21, 2023
RAM (Random Access Memory) is volatile memory used for temporary data storage, while ROM (Read-Only Memory) is non-volatile, storing permanent data and instructions.
Difference Between RAM and ROM
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
RAM and ROM serve distinct functions in a computer system. RAM is vital for temporarily holding data that's actively being processed, allowing for quick read and write operations. Conversely, ROM stores firmware or software that boots up the system, with data in ROM being only readable and not easily writable.
The volatility of RAM means that its data is lost when power is turned off. This contrasts with ROM, whose data remains intact even without power. This permanence ensures that crucial software, like BIOS in computers, is always accessible upon startup.
While both RAM and ROM are essential, they differ in terms of capacity. Typically, computers come with larger RAM capacities (like 8GB or 16GB) to handle multiple applications. ROM, however, is generally smaller, only needing enough space to store boot-up software or firmware.
Speed is another distinguishing factor. RAM is designed for high-speed operations, facilitating the efficient functioning of applications and the operating system. ROM, while not as swift as RAM, doesn't require speed since it's primarily accessed during the system's initial boot-up.
When considering upgradability, RAM stands out. Computer users can often increase their RAM for enhanced performance. ROM, on the other hand, isn't typically upgradeable, but in instances where it can be updated (like a firmware update), the process is more complex than adding RAM.
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Comparison Chart
Purpose
Temporary data storage
Permanent data/instruction storage
Volatility
Volatile (loses data without power)
Non-volatile (retains data without power)
Capacity
Typically larger (e.g., 8GB, 16GB)
Generally smaller
Speed
High-speed for active operations
Slower, mainly accessed during boot-up
Upgradability
Often upgradeable
Rarely upgradeable, complex updates
Compare with Definitions
Ram
Volatile memory
Since RAM is volatile, unsaved work was lost during the power outage.
Rom
Non-volatile memory
ROM retains its data even after the device is powered off.
Ram
Enhances system performance
Gaming requires more RAM to run smoothly without lags.
Rom
Permanent instruction storage
The ROM contains the firmware that initializes the hardware components during boot-up.
Ram
Directly accessed by the CPU
The CPU fetches data from RAM as it's faster than accessing the hard drive.
Rom
Rarely updated
ROM updates, such as BIOS updates, are infrequent and must be done cautiously.
Ram
An uncastrated male sheep.
Rom
Contains boot-up software
The device checks the ROM first upon startup for essential instructions.
Ram
A battering ram.
Rom
Primarily read-only
You cannot easily write new data to the ROM, making it more secure.
Ram
The falling weight of a piledriving machine.
Rom
Digital memory hardware that allows fast access to permanently stored data but prevents addition to or modification of the data.
Ram
A hydraulic water-raising or lifting machine.
Rom
A Romani, especially a Romani man or boy.
Ram
Roughly force (something) into place
He rammed his stick into the ground
Rom
(proofreading) roman
Ram
(of a place) be very crowded
The club is rammed to the rafters every week
Rom
(computer science) memory whose contents can be accessed and read but cannot be changed
Ram
Digital memory hardware in which information can be accessed in any order with equal speed.
Ram
A male sheep.
Ram
A battering ram.
Ram
The weight that drops in a pile driver or steam hammer.
Ram
The plunger or piston of a force pump or hydraulic press.
Ram
A hydraulic ram.
Ram
A projection on the prow of a warship, used to batter or cut into enemy vessels.
Ram
A ship having such a projection.
Ram
Ram See Aries.
Ram
To strike or drive against with a heavy impact; butt
Rammed the door with a sledgehammer until it broke open.
Ram
To force or press into place.
Ram
To cram; stuff
Rammed the clothes into the suitcase.
Ram
To force passage or acceptance of
Rammed the project through the city council despite local opposition.
Ram
A male sheep, typically uncastrated.
Ram
A battering ram; a heavy object used for breaking through doors.
Ram
A warship intended to sink other ships by ramming them.
Ram
A reinforced section of the bow of a warship, intended to be used for ramming other ships.
Ram
A piston powered by hydraulic pressure.
Ram
An act of ramming.
Ram
A weight which strikes a blow, in a ramming device such as a pile driver, steam hammer, or stamp mill.
Ram
(ambitransitive) To collide with (an object), usually with the intention of damaging it or disabling its function.
The man, driving an SUV, then rammed the gate, according to police.
[http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2016/12/29/snatch-thieves-rammed-by-victim-accidentally/ Two snatch thieves who snatched a woman's bag experienced swift karma when their victim accidentally rammed into their motorcycle.]
Ram
(transitive) To strike (something) hard, especially with an implement.
To build a sturdy fence, you have to ram the posts deep into the ground.
Ram
(transitive) To seat a cartridge, projectile, or propellant charge in the breech of a firearm by pushing or striking.
After placing the cartridge in the musket, ram it down securely with the ramrod.
Ram
(transitive) To fill or compact by pounding or driving.
Rammed earth walls
Ram
(slang) To thrust during sexual intercourse.
Ram
(Northern England) rancid; offensive in smell or taste.
Ram
The male of the sheep and allied animals. In some parts of England a ram is called a tup.
Ram
Aries, the sign of the zodiac which the sun enters about the 21st of March.
Ram
An engine of war used for butting or battering.
Ram
A hydraulic ram. See under Hydraulic.
Ram
The weight which strikes the blow, in a pile driver, steam hammer, stamp mill, or the like.
Ram
The plunger of a hydraulic press.
Ram
To butt or strike against; to drive a ram against or through; to thrust or drive with violence; to force in; to drive together; to cram; as, to ram an enemy's vessel; to ram piles, cartridges, etc.
[They] rammed me in with foul shirts, and smocks, socks, foul stockings, greasy napkins.
Ram
To fill or compact by pounding or driving.
A ditch . . . was filled with some sound materials, and rammed to make the foundation solid.
Ram
The most common computer memory which can be used by programs to perform necessary tasks while the computer is on; an integrated circuit memory chip allows information to be stored or accessed in any order and all storage locations are equally accessible
Ram
(astrology) a person who is born while the sun is in Aries
Ram
The first sign of the zodiac which the sun enters at the vernal equinox; the sun is in this sign from about March 21 to April 19
Ram
A tool for driving or forcing something by impact
Ram
Uncastrated adult male sheep;
A British term is `tup'
Ram
Strike or drive against with a heavy impact;
Ram the gate with a sledgehammer
Pound on the door
Ram
Force into or from an action or state, either physically or metaphorically;
She rammed her mind into focus
He drives me mad
Ram
Undergo damage or destruction on impact;
The plane crashed into the ocean
The car crashed into the lamp post
Ram
Crowd or pack to capacity;
The theater was jampacked
Ram
Temporary storage unit
The computer's performance improved significantly after upgrading the RAM.
Ram
Allows quick data access
Multitasking is smoother with ample RAM, enabling swift data retrieval.
Common Curiosities
Why is RAM faster than ROM?
RAM is designed for swift read/write operations, whereas ROM speed isn't a priority since it's primarily accessed during boot-up.
What happens if RAM is removed from a powered-on computer?
The system will crash because RAM holds the active processes and data.
Can I upgrade both RAM and ROM?
RAM is typically upgradeable, while ROM isn't usually upgradeable.
What happens to unsaved data in RAM during a power outage?
It's lost, as RAM is volatile.
Is it true that more RAM improves computer performance?
Yes, more RAM often enhances multitasking and overall system responsiveness.
What do RAM and ROM stand for?
RAM stands for Random Access Memory; ROM stands for Read-Only Memory.
What data is stored in ROM?
ROM stores firmware or boot-up software, like BIOS in computers.
Which one is volatile, RAM or ROM?
RAM is volatile; ROM is non-volatile.
Can data in ROM be altered?
Typically, data in ROM is read-only, but certain ROM types can be updated with specific processes.
Why can't ROM be used like RAM in computers?
ROM is slower and isn't designed for frequent data read/write operations like RAM.
Do smartphones also have RAM and ROM?
Yes, smartphones use RAM for processing and ROM for permanent storage like the OS.
What would happen if ROM data gets corrupted?
The device might fail to boot up or operate correctly because ROM contains essential startup instructions.
Can a computer function without RAM?
No, RAM is essential for a computer to process data.
Why is ROM essential for a computer?
ROM stores crucial software that initializes the system during startup.
Is all ROM read-only?
Most ROM is read-only, but there are types, like EEPROM, that can be rewritten under specific conditions.
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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.
