ROM vs RAM: Understanding the Difference Between Two

Like LED displays, RAM and ROM are often required at the same time, and many asynchronous playback control systems in LED displays require memory for storage. The size of the memory determines the playback time of the video.

The purpose of this article is to clearly illustrate the difference between ROM vs RAM. After reading this, you will have a complete understanding of how they can improve your system performance.

What is ROM?

ROM stands for Read Only Memory. It is non-volatile memory, which means that you cannot change it. This data is stored permanently on the chip, and is used for performing critical tasks like booting up software. It also stores a program known as BIOS, which checks the status of all the devices connected to your computer.

When you turn on your computer, BIOS initializes all the hardware components. This initiates the boot process, thereafter loading the operating system. This is one of the primary purposes of ROM.

There are 4 types of ROM: PROM, EPROM, EEPROM and Flash ROM.

What is RAM?

RAM stands for Random Access Memory. It is volatile memory, which means that it is erased whenever the computer is rebooted. Each time you request a file, it is retrieved from the hard drive and temporarily stored on the RAM for quick access. When you shut your system down, this memory is erased and the process restarts.

Accessing data from RAM is faster than a hard drive. Therefore, each time you open a file, it first gets loaded into the RAM. The more RAM your computer has, the more files it can keep available.

There are two types of RAM: SRAM and DRAM. The most common type of RAM found in modern computers is DDR SDRAM. It has five generations, ranging from DDR1 to DDR5. Each new generation offers improvements in speed and efficiency.

ROM vs RAM: What are the Differences?

ROM and RAM have different tasks and functions to perform in a computer. For optimal speed and efficiency, it is necessary that your system have both of these in good condition. Let us compare ROM vs RAM and see how they complement each other.

Storage Method

ROM

ROM is hard wired memory that is written in the computer chip. It cannot be altered once the manufacturing is complete. It is non-volatile memory; hence, it cannot be erased. Likewise, it remains intact even when power goes off.

RAM

Ram is volatile memory. It is stored electronically in microchips that are inserted into memory slots. Since this data is stored electronically, it is cleared when the power goes off.

The Outcome

ROM is stored permanently on the chip in binary form, whereas RAM is stored electronically in transistors. Therefore, ROM is non-volatile, whereas RAM is volatile.

Read and Write Speed

ROM

ROM can only be read, not written. The speed at which data can be read from ROM is less than RAM, but greater than a hard-drive.

RAM

Since it is volatile memory, RAM can be read and written both. It is also faster than ROM. It is ideal for storing large amounts of files for quick read and write access.

The Outcome

RAM is quicker than ROM when it comes to read and write. Since this is electronic memory that is present in the CPU, it is quickly accessed. This makes it superior to both ROM and hard drive in terms of speed and accessibility.

Persistence

ROM

ROM can store data for a long time, and any data written into it can be accessed for a long time. Therefore, you do not have to worry about data loss due to accidents such as power loss, computer crash, server shutdown etc. It also provides security against cyber-attacks and database attacks.

RAM

The data stored in RAM is very easy to lose, so it is not suitable for long-term storage of data. Although data loss can be prevented using methods like caching, its primary purpose is to store data for immediate accessibility. Therefore, accidents such as power loss, computer crash, server shutdowns or cyber attacks can lead to data loss.

The Outcome

ROM is better at data persistence than RAM. This is because of its non-volatile and permanent nature. However, it must be mentioned that before the CPU can access data present in the ROM, it must first be transferred to the RAM.

Data Writing

ROM

ROM only supports read. It is permanent memory; therefore, it cannot be written. It stores software like BIOS and firmware instructions like UEFI. This is data that the computer needs in permanent form in order to initiate its startup process.

RAM

RAM supports both read and write. Data stored in the RAM is quickly accessed by your CPU. RAM supports quick read, write and erase operations upon its data. It requires a continuous power supply in order to maintain the stored information.

The Outcome

ROM is read only, whereas RAM is read and write both. Therefore, data writing can only be performed on RAM. In addition, sometime we use a USB flash drive, we can usually put the material and some debugging files into it, and then change its properties to readable properties, so that we have a read-only memory.

Capacity

ROM

The capacity of ROM is generally between 4-8 MB. This is significantly lesser than RAM. This is because ROM is meant to store essential software instructions, not bulky files. This data exists physically in the computer chip in the form of binary code. It is difficult to increase the size of ROM.

RAM

The capacity of RAM is generally between 1-256 GB. This is significantly more than ROM. This is because RAM is meant to store all kinds of data that the CPU needs to access too quickly. This includes bulky files and applications. Increasing the size of RAM is easy.

The Outcome

The size of RAM is much bigger than ROM. This is the result of its functionality. RAM is meant to provide the CPU with quick access to bulky files and applications, whereas ROM is meant to store critical programs.

Price

ROM

The cost of ROM is relatively cheap, since it is only meant to store data, not alter it. Its capacity and speed are also slower than RAM. In addition, your computer requires more RAM, since it handles files and applications. ROM handles the booting process and firmware commands, which require less memory. Hence, ROM is cheap.

RAM

Large RAM has become necessary in computers as the size of files and applications has increased. These days, even smartphones are coming with at least 8GB of RAM to support multitasking. Since the purpose and function of RAM is more complex than ROM, it is more expensive.

The Outcome

RAM is more expensive than ROM due to its size. Your computer requires 4-8 MB of ROM, but depending upon your tasks it could require as much as 32 GB of RAM. In addition, SRAM is faster than DRAM, but it is also more expensive. The latest DDR5 standard has decreased power consumption by half while doubling the bandwidth.

Conclusion

ROM and RAM are two important kinds of computer memory that serve important functions. While ROM is used for critical tasks like boot up and OS initialization, RAM is used for multitasking and making files accessible for your CPU. Many times we will use ROM and RAM at the same time, such as LED screen control and debugging, using PS to make pictures and so on. Understanding the role both play is crucial to keeping your device running in top shape.