Data stored in RAM can be written and accessed almost instantly, so it’s very fast-milliseconds fast. RAM is significantly faster than storage. Two of the primary differences between RAM and storage are speed and performance. Storage: How Do They Compare? Speed and Performance You can think of storage like a filing cabinet-a place next to your desk where you can retrieve information as needed. Compared with RAM, this type of storage is non-volatile, which means it retains information even when a device is powered off.

On the other hand, storage is used for long-term data retention, like a hard disk drive (HDD) or solid state drive (SSD). Using a desk with a handful of files is easy, but a desk that is covered with a bunch of stuff gets difficult to use. As you open more files, it is like covering your desk with more and more items. When you double-click on an app, open a document, or do much of anything, part of your “desk” is covered and can’t be used by anything else. You can think of it like a desk-it’s where your computer gets work done. RAM takes the form of computer chips-integrated circuits-that are either soldered directly onto the main logic board of your computer or installed in memory modules that go in sockets on your computer’s logic board. Volatile memory maintains data only while the device is powered on. RAM is volatile memory used by the computer’s processor to store and quickly access data that is actively being used or processed. Random access memory (RAM) and storage are both forms of computer memory, but they serve different functions. Understanding how both components work can help you understand what kind of computer you need, diagnose problems you’re having, and know when it’s time to consider upgrades. You might hear folks use the terms memory and storage interchangeably, but there are some important differences. If you’re unclear about the different types of memory in your computer, it makes pinpointing the cause of computer problems that much harder. And if you’ve ever left the house without your keys, you know memory is one of the most common human problems, too. Memory is a finite resource when it comes to both humans and computers-it’s one of the most common causes of computer issues. Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in 2016 and has since been updated in 20 with the latest information on RAM vs.

Memory image in computer