What’s the Difference Between RAM and Storage?
As technology advances, so do the terms we use to describe it. Two of the most commonly used terms when it comes to computers are RAM and storage. But, what’s the difference between the two? Let’s find out.
RAM vs. Storage: The Basics
RAM stands for Random Access Memory, while storage is typically a hard drive, solid state drive (SSD), or USB flash drive that keeps your data safe on a more permanent basis. In short, RAM is a type of memory used for short-term storage, while storage holds your files, documents, photos, and other important data for as long as you need.
To put it simply, RAM is used for instant access to data while storage keeps all your important documents and data safe for whenever you need them.
What is RAM?
RAM is used for holding data that your computer is actively using. It is the temporary storage area needed by the CPU to store the data that it needs to access quickly. Your computer needs RAM to boot up, to run, and to work properly. Think of it as a desktop, everything you’re working on sits right there in front of you, easily accessible and you can switch between various things as and when you need them.
The more RAM you have, the more data you can store and access quickly. It’s sometimes referred to as “memory,” as it’s where the computer stores the active programs and data to make it easy to access for the CPU.
What is Storage?
Storage refers to the ability of the computer to store data, including system files, applications, documents, and media files, such as images, videos, and music. It includes any device or service that allows you to keep data for later use or permanent storage, such as a hard drive, solid-state drive (SSD), or USB flash drive.
Storage differs from RAM in that it can store data for a much longer time than RAM. For example, if you save a file to your hard drive or USB flash drive, it will remain there until you decide to delete it manually.
What are RAM and Storage Used for?
RAM is used for storing data that the computer is actively using to complete its tasks. The more RAM you have, the better the computer’s performance will be. This is because the CPU (Central Processing Unit) can access the data stored in the RAM much more quickly than it can access data stored in storage.
Storage is used for holding data that you want to keep for the long term. When you save a file to your storage device, it will remain there until you delete it or the device fails. This means you can back up important documents, photos, and other data to your storage device and access it whenever you need it.
What is the Capacity of RAM and Storage?
RAM and storage are measured differently. RAM is measured in gigabytes (GB) and is typically much smaller than storage. A typical home computer may have between 4GB to 16GB of RAM. In contrast, storage devices such as hard drives and SSDs are measured in terabytes (TB) and are often much larger. A 1TB hard drive is a common size for a desktop computer.
Can You Increase Your RAM and Storage?
Fortunately, you can upgrade both RAM and storage. Upgrading RAM is relatively straightforward with instructions easy to find online. The process usually involves removing the old RAM chip and replacing it with a larger one. Most laptops and desktop computers have an available slot for additional RAM. With some research and guidance, you can buy more RAM to upgrade your computer’s performance.
Upgrading storage can be a little more complicated than upgrading RAM. If you have a desktop computer, it’s usually easier to upgrade the internal hard drive to a larger one. Still, it does require more technical knowledge to do it yourself. If you have a laptop or other mobile device, upgrading storage may require external hard drives or additional SSD drives. Fortunately, many laptops and desktop computers come with easy-to-access compartments that allow you to switch out the internal hard drive or SSD drive yourself.
Which One is More Important?
Both RAM and storage are important to your computer’s performance.
RAM helps your computer to process data more quickly, resulting in faster load times and fewer delays. However, if you have too little storage, your computer may struggle to store all your important files and documents. A lack of storage can also result in slower load times and other performance issues.
So, while RAM is vital to your computer’s performance, storage is also important to ensure you can keep your files and documents safe for the long haul.
Final Thoughts
RAM and storage are two important components of any computer or mobile device. Both help to ensure that you have the resources you need to run applications, store data, and access your files quickly.
Remember:
– RAM is for instant access to data used by the CPU for processing. The more RAM you have, the better your computer will perform.
– Storage is for long-term storage of data, including documents, images, and videos. The more storage you have, the more files you can keep for later use.
So, next time someone asks you about RAM and storage, you’ll know exactly what to tell them!
Image Credit: Pexels