We explain the difference between RAM and CPU with table. The debate over which is better RAM or CPU is always on the list of hot topics among technicians. Observing the significant differences between the two will help resolve the war of words once and for all.
The main difference between RAMs and CPU is that RAMs or Random Access Memory is short-term memory storage, while CPU or Central Processing Unit is the processor that performs all the functions by extracting the information. required from RAMs.
The RAMs stores all the data related to the functions that are currently working, while the CPU retrieves this information, processes it and returns it to the RAMs. In other words, if RAM is the oil tank of a car, CPU is the driver of the car. RAMs and CPUs work collaboratively for a successful running of the operating system.
What is RAM?
As the name suggests, RAMs is random access memory, that is, memory that can be accessed randomly or immediately. Newer computers typically have 2.5 to 4GB RAMs.
RAM stores memory that allows processors to access quickly while performing functions to run a program. The number of programs a computer can run at the same time depends on the capacity of the RAMs. RAM and CPU
RAM is of two main types:
- SRAM or Static Random Access Memory
- DRAM or dynamic random access memory
SRAM stored data statically and does not require updating the data from time to time to blank. It is a semiconductor-based memory that stores data in cross-coupled flip flops. It is faster than DRAM but loses its memory once it is turned off. This version of RAMs is also more expensive.
DRAM updates the stored data frequently, but your data is preserved even after the power goes out. This is also a semiconductor-based memory and stores data in memory cells on the transistors. They are inexpensive and are the most commonly used RAMs in computers, workstations, and servers.
What is the CPU?
The CPUs is the main component of a computer that performs its functions by processing the information it receives. By processing information, it allows a program or application to run.
A traditional CPUs generally consists of a single processor, but with the increasing demand for speed, the demand for faster processors was a need that could not be overlooked. And so the typical single-core processors were replaced by dual and quad-core processors. RAM and CPU
Technological advancements have now developed hexa-core and even octa-core processors that are installed on the latest machinery. However, a CPUs has two parts, the ALU or arithmetic logic unit and a CU or control unit.
The Control unit is responsible for decoding the instruction while the Arithmetic Logic Unit is the part that is in charge of executing the instruction. The result of this process is presented on the screen or done internally.
The CPUs has various types, architecture (32-bit and 64-bit), speed, and capabilities. CPUs are now developed by various companies like AMD, NVIDA, Motorola, Samsung, etc. But the first to develop the CPUss was Intel and it is still one of the best in the industry. RAM and CPU
Difference between RAM and CPU with table
The difference between RAMs and CPU is that RAMs is measured in the number of programs it can handle at a time, while CPU performance is measured by how quickly a program starts.
Comparison table between RAM and CPU
RAM CPU comparison parameter
| Acronym for | Random access memory | Central processing unit |
| Function | Stores memory for running programs | Process memory to run the program |
| Performance scale | Number of programs running at the same time | Launch speed of a program |
| Use in idle | 0.5 | 0.8-10% |
| Factors affecting performance | Memory, processing and bus speed, etc. | Cores, the higher the number of cores, the better its performance. |
Key differences between RAM and CPU
- The main difference between Ram and CPU is that RAM is a temporary memory storage unit, while CPU is the main processing unit in a computer. RAM and CPU
- RAM is responsible for the number of application programs that a computer can run at one time, while CPU is responsible for the startup speed of a program or application.
- RAM stands for Random Access Memory, while CPU stands for Central Processing Unit.
- RAM performance is determined by the memory space, processing speed, and bus speed of the computer, while the performance of a CPU is determined by the number of cores present.
- RAM usage when idle is roughly 50%, while CPU usage is 0.8% to 10%.
Final Thought
While the lengthy debate over replacing RAM or CPU would improve a computer’s performance is that both are equally important, the differences between the two are worth noting.
The main difference between RAM and CPU is that RAM is a short-term memory storage component, while CPU is the main driving unit of a computer. RAM and CPU
Another important difference between the two is that the CPUs also known as the processor performs the task of processing an instruction while the RAM is the unit that provides the information necessary to carry out the function.
The performance capacity of a RAMs is measured by the number of programs a computer can run at the same time, while the performance of a CPUs is measured by the speed at which a program is started. This is because the better the processor, the faster it can retrieve information from RAM.
However, RAM performance is limited by processor speed and motherboard bus speed, while CPUs speed is limited by the number of cores installed in the processor.
A RAMs uses 50% of its capacity when idle, while the CPUs uses 0.8-10% of its capacity in idle state. Although this result may vary, checking the Task Manager would give an accurate result of its performances.RAM and CPU
