RAM vs Storage: Differences between Memory and Storage

You must have come across the words ‘memory’ and ‘storage’ often in computer terminology.  The terms memory and storage are used interchangeably and are often confused with each other. Is memory same as ram? Nope. In fact, they are quite different from each other and serve different purposes in the operation of your computer. 

Computer storage consists of long term data-retention, for example, hard disk drives (HDDs) and solid-state drives (SSDs), whereas computer memory also known as Random Access Memory (RAM) is when your data is temporarily stored. The main difference between memory and storage is that the main memory RAM is volatile in nature, while storage, i.e. external devices such as HDD and SSD offer permanent memory. 

When we compare memory vs storage, we see that RAM functions on data and program instructions that are actively being used. While the data files go missing as soon as you shut down the program, it supports live programs. However, on the other hand, Storage memory provides space for data programs to download in the system permanently; they can access data files and make backups to save data. 

This blog highlights the differences between RAM and storage, its uses and specifications. 

Differences between RAM and storage

Memory and storage are both indispensable hardware components of a high-end PC. Many people still wonder, “is ram and memory the same?” Here we will carry out a detailed comparison of memory vs storage. 

What is RAM?

The RAM is a vital component that temporarily stores data for quick access by the computer’s processor. RAM is made up of computer chips and holds data and program instructions that are actively being used. It is used to store and quickly access data which is being accessed real-time. Simply put, RAM is used for temporary memory wherein your computer stores data which it needs to retrieve quickly. If your computer is turned off, the memory in the pc disappears which indicates how temporary RAM is. 

The following provides a brief outline on the types of RAM and how much of it your device requires:

Types of RAM (Random Access Memory)

There are multiple types of RAM, each with their energy usage and differences in speed and capacity.

Types of RAM

By the late 1990s and early 2000s, the main types of RAM are: 

• SRAM (Static RAM)
  
• DRAM (Dynamic RAM) and
  
• SDRAM (Synchronous DRAM)

The most common one today is: 

• DDR-SDRAM (Double Data Rate SDRAM)

There are various iterations of the DDR-SDRAM which consist of the DDR2, DDR3, DDR4 and DDR5. DDR6 release date is expected in 2026.

The specifications of each of these generations are summarized in the table below: 

Other types of RAM consist of the VRAM (Video RAM) which is specialized for graphic cards and are optimized for rendering graphics in gaming, photo and video editing. The VRAM consists of the GDDR (Graphics DDR) with a bandwidth up to 72 Gbps. Some high-end GPUs use HBM (High Bandwidth Memory) and while they are fast, they are rare and expensive. 

How much RAM do you need?

For your computer to run faster, you’d need more RAM. You would need to upgrade your RAM if your device is old. The amount of RAM you use is dependent on the applications and programs you use and how many of them you have opened at the same time. When you purchase  a computer, you have several options of RAM capacity which include 4GB, 8GB, 16GB, 32 GB or even 64GB. Low-end devices usually come with 4G of RAM while High-end devices go up to 8GB or 16 GB of RAM. How much RAM capacity you need for each function of your computer is summed up below:

4GB

• Normal web browsing 
• Fundamental  app usage 

8GB

• Heavy multitasking
• Light gaming 
• Minimum GB for work computers.

16GB

• Normal type of gaming 
• Light video editing
• Minimum GB required for most programmers.

32GB

• High-end or hardcore gaming 
• Heavy video editing 
• Professional 3D design and for programming 

Key Characteristics of RAM

The points below showcase the key characteristics of computer memory:

• The RAM provides high speed data access for the CPU.
• When the computer powers off, the data in RAM is erased. 
• More RAM means smoother multitasking as well as better performance
• Common capacities range from 8GB to 32GB or more in modern computer systems
• RAM handles active tasks and calculations in a pc or other device. 

What is Storage?

Storage is used for long-term data retention, such as HDD or SSD. Storage is non-volatile, which means it retains information even when a device is switched off. It keeps your data, files, programs and operating system intact despite the device being turned off. A storage device for a computer allows the user to store and access the data and applications on a computer device. A computer device is a hardware device used to store digital data and applications in the form of images, video, audio and so on. There are two types of storage devices which are internal storage which  is part of the computer's hardware and external storage is a separate device that plugs into or is inserted into your computer. 

Types of Computer Storage

The computer storage unit  is divided into three parts which are the primary, secondary and tertiary storage. How the three differ from each other is explained in the table below:

Other types of storage include internal storage and external storage. Internal storage refers to the storage that is a built-in feature in your device such as SSDs and HDDs. On the contrary, external storage is what you attach to your device, for example, USBs, memory cards and external hard drives. 

How much storage do you need?

Storage capacity is measured in gigabytes or terabytes. Understanding how you use your computer is detrimental to how much storage your device requires. This is further explained in the pointers below:

• 256GB: If you use your computer for web browsing tasks which don’t require a lot of priority and don't plan to store a large amount of media on your device, then this amount of storage is more than enough.
• 512GB: This storage size is ideal if you use your computer for tasks that require larger programs as well as medium to large amounts of data.  
• 1TB: If you use your computer for creative tasks and a large number of videos or games which require storing a lot of  data, then 1TB of data storage would be important.  
• 1TB+: This amount is for  power users who plan to use their computer for quite large amounts of media storage, creation or development. The sizes range from 2GB to 16GB.

Key features of Computer Storage

The following points highlight the key features of computer storage:

• Data storage is permanent 
• It has much larger capacities (256GB to multiple Terabytes) than RAM 
• It involves slower data access
• Unlike the RAM, It retains data when powered off
• It acts like the computer’s long-term memory.

RAM vs Storage: Is RAM and storage the same?

RAM is a type of computer memory which consists of temporary storage whereas storage refers to parts of a computer wherein data is stored long-term. While both components deal with data, memory as well as storage,  there are some vital differences underlined in the table below:

Storage vs RAM

The table shows the difference when it comes to memory vs storage  in speed and performance, capacity, data retention and function. 

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the characteristics as well as the main differences between storage and memory have been discussed above. The difference between memory and storage lies in its operation and the purpose both components serve for your device. This blog offers a detailed comparison of ram vs storage. Random Access Memory (RAM) refers to the location of short-term or temporary data while storage refers to the storing and accessing of data on a long-term or permanent basis. Moreover, how much storage or RAM is required  depends on the capabilities of your computer or other device. Each RAM capacity works for different functions of your computer and each storage capacity is determined by how and what you are using your computer for. 

FAQs

Is memory the same as RAM?

Memory refers to any component that stores data while RAM is a type of memory that is used for the computer’s active processes or when the computer is running and is volatile in nature.

What is memory for computers?

In computer terminology, this refers to the physical storage wherein  data and instructions are kept until the computer processes them.

How to check memory and storage on Windows?

Open Task Manager and go to the performance tab to check details of memory as well as storage on Windows.

Why is storage important in a computer?

Storage is essential in a computer because it holds the operating system, software and files or documents that are needed for the system to perform and then store data.