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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.
RAM vs. ROM — What's the Difference?

Difference Between RAM and ROM

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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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Author Spotlight

Written by
Tayyaba Rehman
Tayyaba 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.

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