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The Difference Between Physical RAM and Virtual RAM: A Complete Guide

Both have different performance and way of working

illustration of various brands of physical RAM (pexels.com/Andrey Matveev)

You must already know that RAM (Random Access Memory) is an important component of every computer system. This component serves to store data when the computer is running.

The larger the RAM chip size installed, the faster and more responsive the computer will be. However, it turns out that there are two types of RAM, namely physical RAM and virtual RAM. Curious what the difference is? Check out the reviews on the difference between virtual and physical Next RAM, let’s go!

Also Read: Install Computer RAM with a Different Brand, What are the Risks?

1. Have different definitions and ways of working

RAM laptop (unsplash.com/Possessed Photography)

Physical RAM is a component hardware which is directly attached to motherboard computer or laptop. It is also known as main memory or primary memory. Physical RAM is unstable, meaning that its contents will be lost when the computer is turned off.

Virtual RAM, on the other hand, is a memory management technique that creates an idealized abstraction of the actual storage resources available on a computer. Virtual memory is a combination of active RAM and inactive memory on a DASD (Direct Access Storage Device) to form a large number of contiguous addresses. Virtual memory is an integral part of modern computer architecture and is used to give the user the illusion that there is a large amount of main memory.

2. Have different functions in the computer system

virtual RAM available on HDD (pexels.com/Markus Spiske)

Continue reading the article below

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Physical RAM is used to store data that is being used by the computer’s CPU (Central Processing Unit). When the computer needs to access data, it draws it from physical RAM. Virtual RAM, on the other hand, is used to increase the amount of memory available in the computer system.

When the computer runs out of physical RAM, it will use virtual RAM to temporarily store data. Virtual RAM is created using a portion of the space from hard drive so as if it were RAM. This allows the computer to continue running even when the physical RAM usage level is at its maximum.

Also Read: 5 Best RAM Recommendations for PC Gaming in 2023, Tough!

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2023-06-28 11:52:00
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