Processor Vs. RAM

With all the individual components inside of your computer case, you may find it difficult to distinguish one piece of hardware from another, such as a processor and RAM (Random Access Memory). These two items differ in some key ways.

Identifying the CPU

This is a CPU without its heatsink and fan

A processor (CPU, or Central Processing Unit), is square-shaped, and sits under a large piece of metal called a "heatsink." A large fan is usually installed on top of the heatsink.

Identfying RAM

RAM comes in rectangular "sticks" that one installs on the motherboard in rows near the processor. These sticks may have heatsinks on them and other fancy-looking devices, but they will almost never have fans attached.

CPU Metaphor

The CPU is like the brain of your computer. It makes very rapid calculations that determine your computer's behavior, from moving your mouse pointer around to starting an application.

RAM Metaphor

RAM is the short-term memory of your computer. The computer puts commonly-accessed information that is stored and retrieved rapidly in RAM, rather than just using your hard drive, which is the computer's long-term memory (and slower than RAM).

Commonalities

Neither your RAM nor your CPU have moving parts. Your CPU contains a memory storage area too (called a cache), although it's much smaller than your total RAM.

Differences

RAM does not generate nearly as much heat, which is why it doesn't feature large heatsinks or fans. It is also much easier to spend a lot more money on a CPU than on complementary sticks of RAM, especially when you factor in after-market cooling solutions.

References

• CPU Overview
• RAM Overview