Why RAM is called volatile memory
Did you know what is volatile memory or non volatile memory? Why RAM is called volatile memory and a ROM is called a non volatile memory? If you are a gamer or interested in PC build or anything related to computer science you have come across these words.
So, today in this blog we will discuss what is volatile, non volatile memory some differentiation between the memory, Why RAM is called volatile memory, types of volatile memory and many more things will be discussed in this blog.
What is a volatile memory?
In simple words Volatile memory is a type of computer memory that stores the information when the computer is turned is on. But when the power is interrupted all the stored data quickly erased.
These volatile memory are used as a primary storage and are made faster than the hard drive (HDD) and Solid State Drive (SSD). The most common example of the Volatile memopry is Random Acess Memory (RAM).
What is a Non Volatile memory?
In simple words Non Volatile Memory is a memory which stores the information after the CPU is turned OFF. It is typically used for- Wikipedia
The best example of the non volatile memory is Read Only Memory (ROM), Erasable Programmable Memory (EPROM).
Types of Volatile Memory:
RAM (Random Access Memory):
The RAM is a type of computer memory that stores the information when the computer is turned is on and all data erased whenever the power is switched off. The CPU randomly accesses information written on a RAM. It’s a quick component of the memory system which has a low memory capacity on the other side of things. The cost of a RAM per unit size is much more than non-volatile memory.
These are the 2 best 8 GB RAM – 1. XPG ADATA GAMMIX D30
V-RAM:
V-RAM or Video RAM is used for displaying images and graphics in a complex way. It is particularly handy when we talk about games, 3D images, or high-quality video files. If you are a game lover you must know that V-RAM is the one that is responsible for your high-quality gaming experience.
Cache memory:
Cache memory is a types of volatile memory that work as an intermittent between the RAM and the CPU. It the fastest memory among all the volatile memories. The size is much smaller compared to RAM. Is 8GB RAM is enough for gaming. The speed of a cache memory increases when the data storage is more.
Hard Disk Drive cache:
Hard Disk Drive (HDD) cache is a kind of volatile memory that is embedded on a hard disk drive for speeding up the internal memory of the computer. It uses a small part of RAM for transferring information quickly to the microprocessor.
Solid State Drive cache:
SSD cache enhances system performance by rendering quick access of memory on Solid State Drive (SSD). It is very useful for the CPU in the sense that searching information on hard drives is no longer required as it is very time-consuming for the CPU.
Types of non-volatile memory
Hard disk drive (HDD):
The hard drive is what stores all your data. It houses the hard disk, where all your files and folders are physically located. It can hold over 100 GB of data. The data is stored on a stack of disks that are mounted inside a solid encasement and is stored on the hard drive magnetically, so it stays on the drive even after the power supply is turned off.
Solid state drive (SSD):
Solid state electronic devices are made up of solid components that do not move. Devices that use only solid state parts, such as television sets, speakers, and digital watches, are often referred to as solid state products.
Flash drives:
It is a small data storage device that uses flash memory and has a built-in USB connection. Flash drives are also very thin, often having a depth of less than a centimeter. Because of their small form factor, they are highly portable and can easily fit in a pocket or on a keychain (hence the name “keychain drive”).
Optical media:
Optical media typically does not have as fast of a seek time as hard drives but it has many other advantages. The discs are less likely to lose their data and have a longer shelf life around seven times longer than magnetic media. The discs are also more durable than hard drives and are much cheaper to produce. Optical media refers to discs that are read by a laser. Ex: CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs.
Read-Only Memory:
ROM is memory containing hardwired instructions that the computer uses when it boots up, before the system software loads. In PCs, the instructions are read from a small program in the ROM, called the BIOS (Basic Input or Output System).
Why RAM is called a volatile memory
So, volatile memory needs the power to keep data. After the computer is turned off once, the whole data is gone. RAM can store data or fast forward the processing speed until the computer is turned on. After turning off your computer it erases all the data and starts capturing data when you switch on it again. So that’s why RAM is called volatile memory and a hard disk is called non-volatile memory.
Types of RAM:
Static RAM:
SRAM (static RAM) is random access memory (RAM) that retains data bits in its memory as long as power is being supplied. Unlike dynamic RAM (DRAM), which stores bits in cells consisting of a capacitor and a transistor, SRAM does not have to be periodically refreshed. Static RAM provides faster access to data.
Dynamic RAM:
Dynamic random-access memory (dynamic RAM or DRAM) is a type of random-access semiconductor memory that stores each bit of data in a memory cell consisting of a tiny capacitor and a transistor, both typically based on metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) technology.
Why ROM is called non-volatile memory
ROM (Read-only memory) can store data whether there is system power off or on. It manually does not delete the files. if the memory is corrupt then only the files will be erased otherwise with your command only it will erase the files.
FAQ:
Q: Can RAM can cause stuttering?
Ans: Yes, RAM memory can cause stuttering, especially if your RAM is a slower speed or the amount of RAM you have is less than recommended for applications or games. This will be more apparent when running demanding processes like PC games.
Q: Which RAM is best for gaming in PC?
Ans: Currently, the best RAM for PC gaming is DDR4 RAM. The Speed is 3000MHz or higher for Intel and 3600MHz or higher for AMD.
Q: Is DRAM faster than SRAM?
Ans: SRAM is faster than DRAM because the CPU does not have to wait to access data from SRAM. SRAM chips utilise less power and are more complex to create, making it much more expensive than DRAM.
Q: where is the RAM is located in the CPU?
Ans: RAM is located on the motherboard of the computer adjacent to the CPU socket in DIMM slots that are installed side-by-side.
Q: Why RAM is called a volatile memory
Ans: RAM is called a volatile memory because it stores data when the system is on after it is off all the data get erased.
