Difference between Random Access Memory (RAM) and Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
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.
Differences between RAM and HDD :
| Parameter | RAM | HDD |
|---|---|---|
| Full Form | RAM stands for Random Access Memory. | HDD stands for Hard Disk Drive. |
| Also known as | RAM is also known as primary memory. | HDD is also known as secondary memory. |
| Components | RAM does not contains, mechanical parts, only electronical parts like transistors. | HDD contains moving mechanical parts, like the arm. |
| R/W Time | RAM has shorter R/W time. | HDD has longer R/W time. |
| Memory Access | In RAM each and every element takes same time to be accessed. | In HDD different elements take different time to be accessed. |
| Size | In a system the RAM is smaller than the HDD. | In a system the HDD is larger than the RAM. |
| Cost | RAM is costlier per unit storage. | HDD is cheaper per unit storage. |
| Noise | RAM does not produces noise. | HDD can produce noise due to mechanical movements. |
| 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. |
| Speed of Computer | Inadequate RAM slows down the speed of the computer. | HDD does not affect the speed of the computer. |
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