Difference between Random Access Memory (RAM) and Content Addressable Memory (CAM)
RAM:
Random Access Memory (RAM) is used to read and write. It is the part of primary memory and used in order to store running applications (programs) and program’s data for performing operation. It is mainly of two types: Dynamic RAM (or DRAM) and Static RAM (or SRAM).
CAM:
Content Addressable Memory (CAM) is also known as Associative Memory, in which the user supplies data word and associative memory searches its entire memory and if the data word is found, It returns the list of addresses where that data word was located.
The difference table is given below on the basis of their properties:
| S.NO | RAM Memory | Associative Memory(CAM) |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | RAM stands for Random Access Memory. | It stands for Content Addressable Memory. |
| 2. | In RAM, the user supplies a memory address and RAM returns data word stored at the address. | In associative memory, the user supplies data word and associative memory searches its entire memory. |
| 3. | The price of RAM is low as compared to Associative memory. | It is expensive than RAM. |
| 4. | It is used to store running applications(programs) and program’s data for performing operation. | It is widely used in database management system. |
| 5. | This is suitable for algorithm based search via PRAM. PRAM stands for Parallel-RAM. | This is suitable for parallel search. |
| 6. | If the data word is found, RAM returns the data word. | If the data word is found, It returns the list of addresses where that data word was located. |
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