Comparison of Dram Memory to CF Flash Storage
DRAM Memory is a form of volatile memory and an essential resource for modern computing. A CompactFlash, or CF card is a form of portable mass storage. To those less-than familiar with technical terms these may seem very similar to one another as both involve memory and data in some fashion. However, the two are both highly different systems, designed to fulfill entirely different roles.
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DRAM Memory
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A form of volatile memory, Dynamic Random Access Memory or DRAM is a system resource employed in virtually every modern computing system on Earth. DRAM is memory utilized by the computer's processor to access data and programs but stores no permanent data. This is because as volatile memory, DRAM has no data persistence and loses all data when power is lost. When a computer is given a task like starting up an image editing suite, the DRAM module provides the resources to access the information efficiently. Subsequently insufficient RAM for large tasks will result in slow-down and lag, and may even require a reboot if resources are sufficiently depleted.
CompactFlash
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CompactFlash is a mass storage medium, commonly employed as a memory card. Unlike DRAM, CF is used to store information permanently, and as a non-volatile form of memory maintains data even when there is no power source. These cards are portable and often used to transport data from one computer to another or as a storage medium for mobile devices.
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Purpose
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These two devices are very different from one another. While DRAM offers the system a supply of memory to work from during operation, the CF card's only function is to indiscriminately store data until it is intentionally deleted. A DRAM module will not increase your computer's ability to store information, regardless of how large it may be. Likewise, a CF card will never make your computer run faster or more efficiently.
Application
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DRAM is installed in many computerized devices, and can be found in most personal computers. This system is extremely widespread and a vital component in modern computing. CompactFlash is available for many platforms, and in some may even be the primary storage device in some systems such as digital cameras, smartphones or other mobile devices. However, it is rarely used as the primary storage system for desktop computers where larger capacities are required. The exception is the use of flash memory to create solid state hard drives, an alternative technology to traditional spindle-and-platter hard disk drives.
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References
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