Differences between volatile and non-volatile memory

 

Vorolatile Storage vs Non-Volatile Stage

Volatile Storage

This is a type of computer memory that remains while there is power and the data is lost when power is switched off. A prime example of volatile memory is RAM. It is a type of primary storage. It allows the user to randomly access any part of the data regardless of its position in roughly the same time. This is not possible using other storage devices such as hard disks, CD’s etc. because they have physical constraints such rotation speeds, arm movements etc.

There are mainly two types of RAM available i.e. Static RAM (SRAM) and Dynamic RAM (DRAM).

Non-Volatile Storage

Non-Volatile is a type of computer memory that retains its data even when power is switched off. An example of non-volatile memory is ROM. It is read only memory. This memory cannot be changed, it can only be read as required. Since ROM is unchangeable memory, it is used by data and programs that are frequently required and seldom changed, like the system boot program.

Some differences about these are:

Volatility

Volatile storage only retains data as long as there is power. When the power is switched off, the data is lost. On, the other hand, non volatile storage retains data even if power is lost.

Speed

Volatile storage is much faster than non volatile storage and is used to temporarily store process information. Non volatile storage is used to store data long term.

Cost

Volatile storage is quite expensive as compared to non-volatile storage. So it is only available for a few MB’s to a few GB’s in computer systems. Non-volatile storage is much larger, reaching the size of TB’s for hard drives.

Read/ Write

Volatile storage is read and write storage while non-volatile storage is read only storage usually.

Usage

Volatile storage is used as the primary storage in a system as the data can be quickly accessed. Non volatile storage is used for backup and long term storage.

Sensitive Information

Volatile storage is more suitable to protect sensitive information than non-volatile storage. This is because the information becomes unavailable once power is switched off.

Type

RAM (Random Access Memory) is a type of volatile storage while ROM (Read Only Memory) is non-volatile storage.

 differences between volatile and non-volatile memory

S. No.	Volatile Memory	Non-Volatile Memory
1.	Volatile memory is the type of memory in which data is lost as it is powered-off.	Non-volatile memory is the type of memory in which data remains stored even if it is powered-off.
2.	Contents of Volatile memory are stored temporarily.	Contents of Non-volatile memory are stored permanently.
3.	It is faster than non-volatile memory.	It is slower than volatile memory.
4.	RAM(Random Access Memory) is an example of volatile memory.	ROM(Read Only Memory) is an example of non-volatile memory.
5.	In volatile memory, data can be easily transferred in comparison to non-volatile memory.	In non-volatile memory, data can not be easily transferred in comparison to volatile memory.
6.	In Volatile memory, process can read and write.	In Non-volatile memory, process can only read.
7.	Volatile memory generally has less storage capacity.	Non-volatile memory generally has more storage capacity than volatile memory.
8.	In volatile memory, the program’s data are stored which are currently in process by the CPU.	In non-volatile memory, any kind of data which has to be saved permanently are stored.
9.	Volatile memory is more costly per unit size.	Non-volatile memory is less costly per unit size.
10.	Volatile memory has a huge impact on the system’s performance.	Non-volatile memory has a huge impact on a system’s storage capacity.
11.	In volatile memory, processor has direct access to data.	In non-volatile memory, processor has no direct access to data.
12.	Volatile memory chips are generally kept on the memory slot.	Non-volatile memory chips are embedded on the motherboard.