11 July 2021

CPU vs RAM | Difference between CPU and RAM

The primary distinction between RAM and CPU is that RAM is a short-term memory storage component, whereas the CPU is a computer's main driving unit. So here this article gives the difference between CPU vs RAM to better understand this topic.

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Definition of RAM:

RAM is an abbreviation for random access memory, and it is used to store the program and data that the CPU is using in real time. RAM data can be read, written, and erased an unlimited number of times. RAM is a hardware component that stores the data that is currently being used. It's called volatile memory.

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Definition of CPU:

CPU is an abbreviation for central processing unit, which is a device that serves as the brain of every embedded system. It is made up of an ALU, which is used to temporarily store data and perform calculations, and a control unit, which is responsible for instruction sequencing and branching. It also interacts with the computer's other units, such as memory, input, and output, in order to carry out the instructions received from the user.

CPU vs RAM | Difference between CPU and RAM:

  • RAM is an abbreviation for random access memory, and CPU is an abbreviation for the central processing unit.
  • RAM is busy, the CPU executes the instruction.
  • The CPU determines how fast the system is, while RAM determines how much data can be stored.
  • RAM is a number of programs running at a time, while the CPU is the speed of launching a program.
  • RAM has an impact on performance in terms of memory, processing speed, and bus speed, among other things, whereas the CPU has cores, and the more cores it has, the better its performance.
  • RAM is in charge of the number of programs or applications that a computer can run at the same time, whereas the CPU is in charge of the speed with which a program or application can be launched.
  • When idle, RAM usage is about 0.5 percent, while CPU usage ranges from 0.8 percent to 10%.
  • The CPU can only be replaced, whereas RAM can frequently be increased.
  • The CPU is proprietary to a single manufacturer, whereas RAM is not.
  • RAM stores memory programs that are currently running, while the CPU processes memory to execute the program.
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