A person novice to computers often is in confusion between Random Access Memory (RAM) and Hard Disk Drive (HDD). Here we draw comparisons between the two. Similarities between RAM and HDD :
- Both are used for storage of data.
- Both are physical components of the computer machine.
- Both RAM and HDD are measured in bytes
- Both RAM and HDD can affect the performance of a computer
- Both RAM and HDD can be upgraded
Differences between RAM and HDD :
S. No. | Parameter | RAM | HDD |
---|---|---|---|
1. | Full Form | RAM stands for Random Access Memory. | HDD stands for Hard Disk Drive. |
2. | Also known as | RAM is also known as primary memory. | HDD is also known as secondary memory. |
3. | Type of storage | The data is temporarily stored in this type of memory. | The data is permanently stored in this type of memory. |
4. | Components | RAM does not contains, mechanical parts, only electronical parts like transistors. | HDD contains moving mechanical parts, like the arm. |
5. | R/W Time | RAM has shorter R/W time. | HDD has longer R/W time. |
6. | Volatile | RAM is a volatile memory. That implies a constant power supply is required for maintaining the contents of the memory. | HDD is a non-volatile memory. That implies a constant power supply is not required for maintaining the contents of the memory cell. |
7. | Memory Access | In RAM each and every element takes same time to be accessed. | In HDD different elements take different time to be accessed. |
8. | Size | In a system the RAM is smaller than the HDD. | In a system the HDD is larger than the RAM. |
9. | Cost | RAM is costlier per unit storage. | HDD is cheaper per unit storage. |
10. | Noise | RAM does not produces noise. | HDD can produce noise due to mechanical movements. |
11. | Duration of Data | Data stored in RAM is temporary. It remembers as long as it has electricity, i.e. the power is on. | Data stored in HDD is permanent, i.e. it retains data even after shutdown. |
12. | Speed of Computer | Inadequate RAM slows down the speed of the computer. | HDD does not affect the speed of the computer. |
13. | Form |
There are two form factors of RAM-
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There are two form factors of HDD-
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14. | Usage | To increase the speed of the computer. | To increase the space for storing data or contents of the computer. |
15. | Clearing of memory | After running of particular program or application, the memory is cleared. | The memory is not cleared while in use or even after use by an application or program. |
16. | Speed | The speed of accessing data is faster than HDD. | The speed of accessing data in HDD is slower as compared to RAM. |
17. | Example of existence in different forms |
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