Difference Between Volatile Memory and Non-Volatile Memory

There are 2 types of computer memory: volatile and nonvolatile. The volatile memory stores data and programs that the CPU may require in real-time and deletes them when the machine is shut down. RAM and cache memory are kinds of volatile memory. On the contrary, non-volatile memory is static. It stays in a computer after the user has shut it off. HDD and ROM are nonvolatile memory types.

Following a quick introduction to volatile and non-volatile memory, we will examine the whole list and the distinction between volatile and non-volatile memory. Let's examine the differences between volatile memory and non-volatile memory in detail.

What is Volatile Memory?

It is the memory hardware that retrieves and saves data quickly. It is also known as short-term memory. The data in volatile memory is retained for as long as the system is capable, but when the system is shut off, the data in volatile memory is immediately erased. RAM (Random Access Memory) and Cache Memory are examples of volatile memory. Here, data retrieval and storage is affordable and quick.

Advantages:

• Data can be accessed quickly because it is fast.
• Second, it safeguards critical information by making it inaccessible when the machine is switched off.
• Lastly, volatile memory greatly facilitates data transmission due to its high speed.

Disadvantages:

• The amount of space in volatile memory is restricted.
• The major downside of volatile memory is its cost. These memories are costly as compared to secondary or non-volatile memory. Consequently, several individuals cannot afford it due to its high price.
• This memory's primary drawback is that it needs continual electric power to keep its data.

What is Non-Volatile Memory?

It is the memory that retains data or information even after the power is turned off. The most prevalent kind of non-volatile memory is ROM (Read Only Memory). Compared to volatile memory, it is not cost-effective and has a slower fetch/store speed, but it can store more data. All such data that must be kept for a lengthy period of time is saved in nonvolatile memory. Nonvolatile memory has a significant influence on the storage capacity of a system.

Advantages:

• Speed – Transfer rates for non-volatile storage are very quick. Non-volatile storage performs read/write operations faster than a regular hard disc drive.
• Drives - Still the most effective in terms of performance.
• Durability — There are no moving components in nonvolatile storage. It relies only on electrochemical processes and has no moving components, making it more robust.

Disadvantages:

• Cost — Flash memory is always more costly than standard hard disc drives on a per-gigabyte basis. This is often the case, since manufacturing costs for hard disc drives have been declining for a very long time. Consequently, small businesses often choose HDDs over other types of flash memory.
• Effectiveness — Many NAND devices store data efficiently using the Program/Erase process; nevertheless, this process ultimately degrades the flash drives. As a consequence, flash memory is incapable of handling severe write loads.
• Lifespan - Flash memory is more durable than a conventional hard disc drive, but does not have an indefinite lifespan. It continues to decrease when high voltages are placed across transistors. However, most flash memory will not be affected until 10,000 rewrites have been completed.

Volatile Memory vs. Non-Volatile Memory

Conclusion

In conclusion, volatile memory stores program data being processed in real-time by the CPU. A system keeps frequently accessed information and data in the device's volatile memory, while less frequently accessed information and data are stored in the device's nonvolatile memory. The non-volatile memory saves data from the fundamental booting procedure of every computer system's BIOS. It saves all data and media that must reside on the computer indefinitely or permanently.

We hope you like this article. We have begun with a quick overview of volatile memory and non-volatile memory. We also compared the benefits, drawbacks, and features of volatile memory vs. non-volatile memory. We have now compared volatile memory vs. non-volatile memory. Please let me know in the comment section if you have any trouble keeping up. Happy studying!

Related Questions

1. Why is ROM called non-volatile memory?

In computers, ROM stands for non-volatile memory. Therefore, the information is permanently saved on the chip. Instead of relying on an electric current to store data, the memory writes data to individual cells using binary code.

2. Is Eprom a volatile memory?

EEPROM is a non-volatile ROM that permits the erasure and reprogramming of individual bytes of data. Therefore, EEPROM chips are referred to as byte-erasable chips. EEPROM is often used in computers and other electrical devices to store tiny quantities of data.

3. Is CMOS a volatile memory?

It is referred to as non-volatile memory or NVRAM since it retains its state when the system loses power due to the CMOS battery.

4. Is SSD volatile memory?

An SSD, or solid-state drive, is a computer storage device. This nonvolatile storage medium uses solid-state flash memory to store permanent data. SSDs replace conventional hard disc drives (HDDs) in computers and perform the same fundamental tasks.