Why does RAM memory disappear when power switches off, but HD/SSD memory stays intact regardless of power status?
In: Technology
HDD (hard disk dives) have a physical disk in them where data is stored. Sections of the disk are magnetized or demagnetized to store information. In terms of data storage, they are closer to CDs, DVDs, and blue rays than RAM and SSDs.
RAM uses traditional transistors and capacitors to function. Imagine a pushbutton switch. You press it to turn it on and when you let go, it turns back off. If you leave (ie you loose power) the switch turns off and there isn’t away to tell if the switch is off because it was supposed to be off, or because you left. the transistors in SSDs are more like light switches. There are two stable states, either up or down. If you’re flipping the switch and you walk away, it stays in the last position you put it.
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