What Is Volatile Storage Devices With Types, Examples, 3 Advantages, Disadvantages.

The volatile memory is the crucial and essential memory of any computer system that plays a vital role in computer startup or booting.

The volatile memory is more expensive compared to other memory.

The computer system consists of internal storage devices and external storage devices.

They both are used and utilized for the system’s better and enhanced performance.

In this article, we will learn What is Volatile Storage Devices With Types, Examples, Advantages, Disadvantages and Functions.

What is Volatile Storage Device?

Volatile memory or storage devices are those that are capable of temporarily storing or holding data and information.

The volatile memory tends to erase or lose data when there is no power or loss of electricity.

The primary example of volatile memory in computers and laptops is considered to be RAM [Random Access Memory].

This memory is essential for any computer system, which is responsible for the startup process and data and information sharing.

RAM also plays an essential role in computer startup and booting.

The RAM temporarily stores or holds data and information and later transfers it to the CPU for further processing and handling.

The RAM is further categorized into two distinct types.

Static RAM.
Dynamic RAM.

Volatile storage is considered to be faster memory compared to secondary or external memory.

What is Non-Volatile Storage Devices?

Non-volatile memory is considered a permanent storage memory.

They do not lose data and information even if there is no power supply; data is not erased when there is a power cut.

Some Examples of Non Volatile Memory are

ROM [Read Only Memory].
Hard Disk Drives
Pen Drives
Thumb Drives

Non-volatile memory is less expensive compared to volatile memory. They are capable of holding massive data almost permanently.

The system software and applications software is installed on hard disk drives, considered external storage devices.

This non-volatile memory is slow compared to volatile memory,

Different Types of Volatile Storage Devices and Non-Volatile Memory

#	Volatile Storage	Non-Volatile Memory
1	Random Access Memory [RAM].	Computer Hard Disk Drive.
2	SDRAM	Pen Drives.
3	DRAM	SSD {Solid State Drives}.
4	SRAM	Optical Disks.
5	EPROM	Cloud Storage
6	EDORAM	Pen Drives
7	DDR SDRAM	Thumb Drives

Examples of Volatile Memory and Storage Devices

Random Access Memory [RAM].
SDRAM
DRAM
SRAM
PROM
EPROM
EDORAM
DDR SDRAM

Advantages of Volatile Memory

They are compact and can be installed in less space.
They are faster memory compared to other memories.
Consumes less power compared to non-volatile memory.
System performance mainly depends on internal memory, also called “Volatile Memory”.
They can read and write data and information given to them for processing.

Disadvantages of Volatile Memory

They tend to lose data when the computer system is shut down, restarted, or even if there is a power failure.
They can store less amount of data and information.
They store data and information temporarily.
The data is refreshed frequently.
They are expensive.

7 Differences Between Volatile and Non-Volatile Memory or Storage Devices

#	Volatile	Non-Volatile
1	Volatile Memory is a memory that tends to lose data and information when there is no power or electricity.	Non Volatile Memory does not lose data and information when there is a power failure or when the computer system is shut down or restarted.
2	Read Only Memory is an example of volatile memory.	Hard Disk Drives are an example of non-volatile memory.
3	Volatile memory stores data temporarily.	Non Volatile memory stores data permanently.
4	They have less data storing capacity.	They have massive data storing capacity.
5	Volatile memory is usually installed on PCB [Printed Circuit Board], for example, Computer Motherboard.	Non–volatile memory can be connected to the motherboard [Hard Disk Drives].
6	They are faster compared to the non-volatile memory or storage devices.	They are slower than their counterparts.
7	They are called “Primary memory”.	They are called “Secondary Memory” or “External Memory”.

Different Types of Internal Memory

Read-Only Memory [ROM].
Random Access Memory [RAM].
SDRAM
DRAM
SRAM
PROM
EPROM
EDORAM
DDR SDRAM

Different Types of External Memory in Computer Systems

SDD [Solid State Drives]
Flash Drives
NAS [Network Attached Storage]
SAN [Storage Area Network]
Cloud Storage
Magnetic Tapes
Magnetic Disk
Hard-Disk
Floppy Disk
Zip Drives
Optical Disk
Pen Drives

Examples of Secondary Memory in Computer

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12 Differences Between Internal and External Memory

#	Internal Memory	External Memory
1	Volatile Memory.	Non- Volatile.
2	Internal Memory is also called “Primary Memory” or “Main Memory” or “Semiconductor Memory”.	External or secondary memory is also called “AUXILLARY MEMORY” and “PERMANENT MEMORY.”
3	They are installed internally.	They are attached using cables and wires.
4	Stores a small amount of data and information.	Capable of storing huge amounts of data and information.
5	They are faster compared to external memory.	They are slower than internal memory.
6	Examples of internal memory RAM (RANDOM ACCESS MEMORY) ROM (READ-ONLY MEMORY)	Examples of Secondary storage Computer Hard Disk Drive. Pen Drives. SSD {Solid State Drives}. Optical Disks. Cloud Storage
7	They are very important memory computer systems that can not boot if absent.	They are installed additionally for better storage capacity.
8	They directly interact with the central processing unit.	They do not directly interact with the CPU.
9	They are expensive.	They are cheaper.
10	The internal memory is faster, smaller, and lighter, consuming less power	They require more power than internal memory.
11	Every computer needs a primary memory to work correctly	The computer can function even if secondary memory is absent.
12	Their size is measured in MB and GB.	Their capacity is measured in GB and TB.

Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]

Why is RAM Volatile Memory?

RAM is volatile memory. The data and information are erased or lost when the user shutdown or restarts the computer system or even when there is a power failure.

Is Flash Memory Volatile?

Flash Memory is non-volatile memory.

Is SSD Volatile or Non-Volatile?

SSD is a non-volatile memory in nature.

Is Secondary Storage Volatile?

Secondary storage is also called auxiliary storage; it is a type of non-volatile memory used to store data and information and can be retrieved on request.

What are the 3 Types of Storage?

File Storage.
Block Storage.
Object Storage.

Is SSD a Non-Volatile Memory?

Solid-state storage is used as non-volatile memory, also known as NAND flash.

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