Difference between RAM and ROM

BY RAGHAVARAPU MOUNIKA

Difference between RAM and ROM

RAM (Random Access Memory) andROM (Read Only Memory) are

two types of computer memories that are integrated in a computer
to modulate the processor, to accurately and rapidly access the
information stored in computer. Even though both the RAM and
ROM are meant for storage purpose, they vary in the style of usage,
i.e. ROM is used to stockpile the code for programs that are run
under the processor. RAM is used to clutch the temporary
information that is produced and used by the processor. The name
random access memory reflects that the user can instantaneously
access any area of the memory without referring the entire memory
space. The RAM memory is volatile in nature, i.e the memory
stored in the RAM is temporary and it will be lost when the power
gets switched off. In case ROM, it is non volatile and the
information stored in the ROM is permanent and will not be erased
off during the power off.
The following table highlights
the major difference between
the RAM memory and ROM
memory:
Options RAM ROM
Elaboration Random Access Memory Read Only memory
The processor cannot directly
access the information that is
In reference with the stored in the ROM. In order to
processor, the information access the ROM information,
Accessibility
stored in the RAM is easily first the information will be
accessed transferred into the RAM and
then it gets executed by the
processor
The ROM memory only allows
Both the read and write
the user to read the
operations can be performed
Working type information. User cannot make
over the information that is
any changes to the
stored in the RAM
information.
RAM memory is only used to ROM memory is used to store
Storage store the temporary permanent information and
information. cannot be deleted.
the accessing speed of RAM is Speed is slower in comparison
Speed faster, it assist the processor to with RAM, ROM cannot boost
boost up the speed up the processor speed
Electricity is not needed in
Electricity is needed in RAM to
Data preserving ROM to flow to preserving
flow to preserving information
information
The RAM is an chip, which is in
ROMs are generally the optical
the rectangle form and is
structure drivers, which are made of
inserted over the mother board
magnetic tapes.
of the computer
The price of RAMs are The price of ROMs are
Cost
comparatively high comparatively low
Physically size of RAM chip is Physically size of ROM chip is
Chip size
larger than ROM chip smaller than RAM chip.
Types The RAM memory is The ROM memory is
categorized into two types they categorized into three types,
 they are: PROM (Programmable
Read Only memory), EPROM
(Erasable Programmable Read
are the: Statistic RAM (SRAM)
Only memory) and EEPROM
and Dynamic RAM (DRAM)
(Electrically Erasable
Programmable Read Only
memory)

What is the difference between ROM and

RAM?
There is one major difference between a ROM and a RAM chip. A ROM
chip is non-volatile storage and does not require a constant source of
power to retain information stored on it. When power is lost or turned
off, a ROM chip will keep the information stored on it. In contrast, a
RAM chip is volatile and requires a constant source of power to retain
information. When power is lost or turned off, a RAM chip will lose the
information stored on it.
Other differences between a ROM and a RAM chip include:
 A ROM chip is used primarily in the start up process of a computer, whereas a
RAM chip is used in the normal operations of a computer after starting up and
loading the operating system.
 Writing data to a ROM chip is a slow process, whereas writing data to a RAM
chip is a faster process.
 A RAM chip can store multiple gigabytes (GB) of data, up to 16 GB or more
per chip. A ROM chip typically stores only several megabytes (MB) of data, up
to 4 MB or more per chip.

Computer ROM
A good example of ROM in the computer is the computer BIOS, a PROM chip
that stores the programming needed to begin the initial computer start up
process. Using a non-volatile storage is the only way to begin the start up
process for computers and other devices that use a similar start up process.
ROM chips are also used in gaming system cartridges, like the original
Nintendo, Gameboy, Sega Genesis, and a number of others. The game
cartridge stores the game programming on a ROM chip that is read by the
game console when the cartridge is inserted into the console.

The oldest ROM-type storage media can be dated back to 1932 with drum
memory. Today, ROM-type storage media is still used and continues to be
improved upon for better performance and storage capacity.
Computer RAM
RAM chips are also used in computers, as well as other devices, to store
information and run programs on the computer because RAM is one of the
fastest types of memory in your computer. For example, the Internet browser
you are using to read this page has been loaded into memory and is running
from memory. However, as mentioned earlier, any information stored in the
RAM chip is lost if the computer is turned off or loses power.