What’s the difference between RAM and storage?
If you’re anything like me, the inner workings of a computer can sometimes seem like rocket science. In particular, the terms RAM and storage can be confusing. Both are essential components of a computer, but they serve very different functions.
RAM, or Random Access Memory, is a type of computer memory that stores data temporarily while a computer is running. It’s called ‘random access’ because data can be stored and retrieved in any order, unlike storage which maintains data in a specific order. RAM is essential for any computer task because it provides quick access to the data that the computer needs to run programs and applications.
On the other hand, storage, sometimes referred to as a hard drive or SSD (Solid State Drive), stores data permanently on a computer. Storage is where all of your files, documents, photos, videos, music, and programs are saved. When you save information on your computer, you’re actually saving it to the storage device, whether that be a hard drive or SSD.
Despite their differences, both RAM and storage are integral components that a computer needs to function correctly. Without RAM, your computer would have to continuously read data from storage devices, which would slow down your computer’s performance and create a poor user experience. Conversely, without storage, your computer would not be able to retain any information and would not be able to store programs or files.
Key Differences between RAM and Storage
Capacity
The most significant difference between RAM and storage is their capacity. RAM is generally smaller than storage and is responsible for handling temporary data. Most computers come with between 4-16GB of RAM, whereas storage capacity can go up to several TB’s.
Speed
RAM is much faster than storage because it’s meant to process data quickly. RAM speed is measured in MHz (megahertz) and is often displayed as a memory clock speed. In contrast, storage speed is measured in rpm (rotations per minute) for hard drives or Mbps (megabits per second) for SSD’s.
Price
RAM is typically more expensive than storage and increases in price as its capacity increases. In 2021, a 16GB DDR4 RAM stick can cost anywhere between $70-$120, whereas a 1TB hard drive can range from $35-$60 and an SSD can be up to triple the price.
Upgradability
RAM is easily upgradable in most computers, whereas storage upgrades are generally more complicated. To upgrade RAM, all you need to do is purchase the correct amount of RAM and install it into your computer’s RAM slots. Hard drives or SSD’s, on the other hand, require much more work to upgrade, typically involving backing up your data and reinstalling your operating system.
Volatility
Another critical difference between RAM and storage is their volatility level. RAM is volatile, meaning it loses its data when a computer is turned on. That’s why you sometimes experience issues with your laptop or computer freezing when you have too many tabs open or applications running. Storage, on the other hand, is non-volatile, meaning it retains its data even when a computer is turned off.
Uses For RAM and Storage
Now that we’ve looked at the differences between RAM and storage let’s explore their specific uses.
RAM
As we’ve previously noted, RAM stores data temporarily while a computer is running. When you open an application or program, it’s loaded into RAM, allowing for quick access to the data required to run the program. When you close an application or program, the data stored in RAM is cleared to free up space.
If you’re a gamer or someone who uses resource-heavy applications, you’ll need more RAM to avoid system lag or crashes. More RAM allows your computer to handle more applications running at once, giving you a better user experience.
Storage
Storage is where all of your files, documents, photos, videos, music, and programs are saved. Every time you save a file to your computer, it is stored on your storage device. When you open a file, it’s loaded from the storage device into RAM for processing.
If you’re someone who uses a lot of media, like photography or video, you’ll need more storage capacity to save all of your files. Similarly, if you’re a gamer, you’ll need a lot of storage for installing and running games.
SSD vs. Hard Drive
While we’ve referred to storage as a general term, it’s important to understand that storage can come in two different formats: Solid State Drives (SSDs) and Hard Disk Drives (HDDs).
The primary difference between the two is their storage format. HDD’s use rotating disks to store data, whereas SSD’s use NAND-based flash memory. This creates a significant difference in performance, with SSD’s being much faster than HDD’s.
To put this into perspective, loading up your favorite game could take minutes on an HDD, whereas it could take seconds on an SSD. SSD’s are also more durable than HDD’s, as they have no moving parts.
Despite their differences, there are pros and cons to both storage formats. SSD’s are faster but more expensive, while HDD’s are slower but more affordable.
In Conclusion
RAM and storage are essential components of any computer, but they serve vastly different functions. RAM stores data temporarily, while storage stores data permanently. RAM is much faster than storage and is primarily used for running applications and programs, while storage is used for data storage.
Now that you understand the differences between RAM and storage, you can make informed decisions when purchasing or upgrading your computer. Remember that both components are essential and should be included in any computer build.
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