Main Difference
The main difference between volatile and not volatile memory is that volatile memory loses its contents when power is turned off while in non-volatile memory there is no system of contents losing when the power is removed.
Comparison Chart
| Basis of Distinction | Volatile Memory | Non-Volatile Memory |
| Definition | Information is lost or naturally decays when electrical power is switched off or lost | Information once recorded remains without deterioration until deliberately changed; no external power is needed to retain the information |
| Data Storage | Store data for temporary time only | Store data permanently |
| Speed | Fast | Relatively slow |
| Effects | System performance | System storage |
| Access | Can be read from and written to by the processor and other devices | Data is prerecorded for read-only and can’t be modified or removed |
| Holding of Data | Hold data or programs that are currently being used by the processor | Contain a small startup program BIOS which is used to boot the computer |
| Storage Type | Primary | Secondary |
| Transfer of Data | No | Yes |
| Example | RAM | ROM |
Volatile Memory
Volatile memory that is also called as temporary memory is a kind of memory that holds the information till the computer or device is running on power but lost the stored memory when the power supply is interrupted or off. A typical example of volatile memory is RAM. The operating system loads the memory from RAM and once there is a sudden interruption in power or it is off everything wipe out from the RAN that is why we need to restart our system and wait for loading of OS to work further on the system. As compared to the non-volatile memory, it is very fast and takes the minimum tile to access the system files. Being the primary source of memory in the system it has several uses. In addition to being the fastest memory in the system, it can protect the sensitive information as it becomes unavailable once the power is uninterrupted or down. Volatile memory can be read from and written to by the processor and other devices. Transfer of data is not easy in case of volatile memory.
Non Volatile Memory
Non-volatile memory is a that type of digital memory that does not lose content due to interruption of power or when the power is lost. It has a continuous source of power and does not need to have its memory content periodically refreshed. This is also called as permanent memory because the system can retrieve the stored information even after the power is turned off and back on. The typical examples of non-volatile memory are ROM, flash memory, hard disk drives, optical discs, paper tape and much more. This kind of memory is used for the task of secondary storage or long term persistent storage. Most forms of non-volatile memory have limitations about not getting erased due to interruption of power and that make them suitable for use as primary usage. This memory costs more and delivers less performance because it takes the time to access this memory in the system.
Key Differences
- Volatile memory requires constant electricity or power supply to retain the information while non-volatile memory requires no electrical power to retain the information.
- Volatile memory is used for temporary retention of sensitive data or retention of data with RAM. Non-volatile memory us used for long term retention of data such as files and folders.
- Non-volatile storage exists in much larger capacities than volatile storage.
- Non-volatile storage is easy to share with others as compared to the volatile storage.
- It is easy to make the backup of the non-volatile memory as compared to the non-volatile memory.
- Volatile memory is faster as compared to non-volatile memory.
- Non-volatile memory affects the storage capacity of the system only while volatile memory affects the system performance only.
- Volatile memory is capable of reading as well as writing through its memory while non-volatile memory is capable of reading and can’t write through it.
- Volatile memory is used as a primary medium of storage to access the system files quickly. Non-volatile memory is typically used for the tasks of secondary storage or long term persistent storage.
- As compared to the non-volatile memory, volatile memory is suitable for protecting sensitive information as it becomes unavailable once the system shut down.
- Volatile memory costs less and delivers higher performance as compared to the non-volatile memory.
- The nonvolatile memory has worse write endurance as compared to the volatile memory.
- Nonvolatile memory can store data for a longer period and then carried anywhere while the volatile memory is not designed for that purpose.
- Volatile memory can be read from and written to by the processor and other devices. Non-volatile contain a small startup program BIOS which is used to boot the computer.