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Introduction
Have you ever wondered why your computer forgets everything when you turn it off, but your phone keeps your photos and apps even when the battery runs out? It's all about the type of memory they use. In this blog, we'll explore computer memory and discuss the differences between two important types: volatile and non-volatile memory.
Memory is like our brain for computers. It's where they store information, whether it's the programs we run, the files we save, or even the settings we adjust. But not all memory is created equal. Some types remember things only when the power is on, while others can hold onto data even when the power is off.
Volatile memory, like RAM (Random Access Memory), loses its data when power is turned off. It's fast but temporary, used for running programs and storing temporary information. Non-volatile memory, such as SSDs (Solid State Drives) or flash drives, retains data even without power, making it suitable for long-term storage of files and programs.
What is Volatile memory?
Volatile memory, as suggested by the term volatile, is a kind of memory that changes rapidly. It is also known as temporary memory, mainly because it is stored temporarily in our system. And the data stored in the volatile memory is deleted automatically after the system is turned off. So if the data is deleted automatically, then what is the use of this data? The data stored in volatile memory can be stored and accessed at high speed.
Two main types of volatile memory are Cache and RAM (Random Access Memory):
RAM is the computer's memory, where the data is stored while the computer is running so that the processor can access that data quickly.
The cache memory is used by computers to store those data which are used very frequently by the CPU so that it can be accessed quickly.
What is Non-Volatile memory?
Non-volatile memory is different from volatile memory in almost all aspects. Unlike volatile memory, they will remain stored even if the system shuts down. Since the data stored in non-volatile memory is retrievable even after the system shuts down, it is called permanent memory.
However, the read and write operations in the non-volatile memory are comparatively slower than the volatile memory. But vast amounts of data are stored in the non-volatile memory, contributing heavily to the system's overall capacity to store data. The data that is required by the user for a longer duration are stored in non-volatile memory. Some examples of volatile memory are ROM (Read Only Memory)
The two main types of NVM are flash memory and hard disk drives (HDDs):
Flash memory is a widely used storage technology. It is used in devices like memory cards and digital cameras. It is very small in size compared to conventional hard disks. The data in the flash drive can be electrically erased and reprogrammed.
Hard disk drives are non-volatile storage devices with very high storage capacity used by computers to store data.
Difference between Volatile and Non-Volatile memory
Parameter
Volatile Memory
Non-Volatile Memory
Definition
It is temporary memory which keeps the data stored in it as long as the system doesn’t turn off.
It is permanent memory which keeps the data stored until the user deletes it.
Speed
It is the fastest accessible memory in our computer system, and the user frequently uses stored data items.
It is a relatively slower memory when compared with volatile memory. And those data items are generally stored in non-volatile memory, which the user needs with them for a longer time.
Data Transfer
It can be done very easily.
In non-volatile memory, data can't be easily transferred compared to volatile memory.
Storage Capacity
Significantly less storage capacity compared to non-volatile memory.
Huge storage capacity compared to volatile memory.
Cost Efficiency
Volatile memory is expensive compared to non-volatile memory.
Non-Volatile memory is cheaper compared to non-volatile memory.
Type Of Operations
The process can perform both read and write operations in volatile memory.
The process can only perform read operations in non-volatile memory.
Data Permanency
Data stored is not permanent and remains until the system has a power supply.
Data stored is permanent and remains even after the system has been shut down.
Data Retention
A continuous and uninterrupted power supply is required to retain the data.
Data retention is not dependent upon the power supply.
Type Of Data
Those programs’ data are stored in volatile memory, which is currently in process by the CPU.
The data that needs to be accessed by the user for a longer time are stored in non-volatile memory.
Impact on system
The performance of the system is impacted by the volatile memory.
The storage capacity of the system is affected by the non-volatile.
Example
RAM and cache are examples of volatile memory.
ROM, hard disks, etc., are examples of non-volatile memory.
Advantages of Volatile Memory
Volatile memory power consumption is much less than a hard disk.
The read and write operations performed by volatile memory are very fast.
It enhances the system's performance by increasing our computer's speed.
Disadvantages of Volatile Memory
The storage capacity of volatile memory is very less and limited.
It needs a continuous power supply to retain the data that is stored in it.
They are not economical since they are much more costly than non-volatile memory.
Advantages of Non-Volatile Memory
A non-volatile memory such as flash memory has no mechanical parts, so they are more durable.
The energy requirements to work are also very low since no physical component is required, and they also don't need a constant power supply to retain data.
They are portable and can easily be carried from one place to another.
Disadvantages of Non-Volatile Memory
They can easily get damaged or even misplaced.
The time to rewrite the data is very large since every byte is processed individually.
The speed of read and write operations performed by volatile memory is very slow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the characteristics of volatile memory?
The characteristics of volatile memory are that it is temporary and lost once the system has lost its power supply. It has a smaller size. It's accessible very quickly, and it is very costly. RAM is a very common example of volatile memory.
What are the characteristics of non-volatile memory?
The characteristics of non-volatile memory are that it is permanent and does not depend upon the power supply to the system. It has a larger storage size compared to volatile memory. But access time is considerable. Data transfer is performed slowly.
Give Some examples of volatile and non-volatile memory.
Examples of volatile memory are RAM (Random Access Memory) and cache memory. ROM (Read Only Memory) and flash memory such as USB drives, SSD drives, and hard disks are examples of non-volatile memory.
Conclusion
Congrats, Ninja. You've learned what is volatile and non-volatile memory are and what the critical difference between volatile and nonvolatile memory. We have seen the types of volatile memory and non volatile memory. Lastly we have seen the advantage and disadvantages of both types of memory. I hope this article help in understating the difference between volatile and nonvolatile memory and other related concepts.
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