Volatile vs Non-Volatile Memory | Simply Explained

Blog / Volatile vs Non-Volatile Memory | Simply Explained
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TL;DR Summary
  • Volatile memory is any memory that does not keep its data when loses power.
  • Non-volatile memory is any data storage that keeps its data even when it loses power.

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Computer Architecture•51

Operating Systems•58

Volatile Memory Volatile memory is any memory that does not retain its data when it loses power or the system is shut down.Common types of volatile memory include:
  • Random Access Memory (RAM):
    • Used to store data that the CPU needs quick access to while operating.
    • Examples: DRAM (Dynamic RAM), SRAM (Static RAM)
    • Usage: Runs everyday tasks, such as loading applications, browsing the internet, or editing a spreadsheet. Also allows quick switching among these tasks while remembering where you are in each.
  • Cache memory:
    • Stores frequently accessed data and instructions to speed up the data retrieval process.
    • Examples: L1 cache, L2 cache, L3 cache
    • Usage: Improves processing speed by providing the CPU with faster access to frequently used data and instructions, reducing the need to access slower main memory.
Non-Volatile Memory Non-Volatile memory on the other hand is is any memory that does not lose its data when it loses power or the system is shut down.Common types of non-volatile memory include:
  • Flash memory
    • Can be electronically erased and reprogrammed.
    • Examples: USB flash drives, solid-state drives (SSDs), memory cards.
    • Usage: It is widely used for storage and data transfer in consumer devices and enterprise systems.
  • Magnetic Storage
    • Data is stored magnetically and is persistent through power cycles.
    • Examples: Hard disk drives (HDDs) and magnetic tape drives.
    • Usage: Primarily used in data centers for mass storage solutions due to their large capacity and cost-effectiveness.
Non-Volatile Memory
Volatile vs non volatile memory key differences