When you buy through affiliate links in our content, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn 
Computer memory and storage play a pivotal role in our digital lives. They allow us to seamlessly multitask across multiple applications and browser tabs, but they can also lead to frustratingly sluggish performance.
When troubleshooting such issues, knowing the difference between RAM and storage, or SSD, can help identify the impact on the speed and performance of our devices. But comparing the hardware specifications on any laptop, tablet, or smartphone can be a daunting task for even the most tech-savvy.
Big tech loves an acronym, and although SSDs and RAM are both a type of computer memory, each has a very different purpose. So, join us in demystifying temporary and permanent storage.
Key Takeaways
- RAM offers short-term processing, and SDD provides long-term storage.
- SSD provides faster reboots and load times.
- RAM enables seamless multitasking.
- Typical SSD storage can be between 256GB – 2TB+.
- Most new devices provide between 8GB and 64GB RAM.
Understanding SSD vs. RAM: What’s the Difference?
- Memory is what your computer uses to store data temporarily.
- Storage is where you save files permanently.
Memory: What Is RAM?
Is RAM the same as memory? RAM is your device’s short-term memory which stores active data for quick access. This is often referred to as volatile storage because if you reboot or shut down your device, the memory is automatically cleared.
It’s also the unsung hero that helps you run multiple applications simultaneously and seamlessly multitask.
If you have many apps, documents, and browser tabs open at the same time, and your computer feels sluggish, a lack of available RAM is usually the reason why.
Storage: What Is SSD?
Like its predecessor, the hard disk drive (HDD), a solid-state drive (SSD) is a permanent storage drive for all your files.
This is also where you will store all your applications, documents, images, videos, etc. An SSD massively improves the speed and efficiency of accessing everything you need compared to older devices.
How much storage you need on your devices will depend on how many files you need to store on your device permanently.
For example, on your smartphone, your storage requirements are often determined by how many photos and videos you have accumulated over the years.
So, if you compare RAM vs. SSD storage, the key difference is the nature of the data handling, which is temporary, enabling users to perform tasks, or permanent, allowing them to keep data.
RAM vs. SSD: Side-by-Side Comparison
The difference between RAM vs. SSD speed is that RAM is faster for active tasks. So, if you regularly use the Adobe Creative Suite, for example, and apps such as Lightroom, Photoshop, and Premiere Pro, a combination of RAM and SSD will optimize the performance and storage capacity.
You will need higher RAM to keep the memory-hogging apps running alongside each other to avoid multitasking problems.
As you will be dealing with raw images and large video files, you will also need more SSD storage capacity than someone browsing the internet using the Safari browser.
| Criteria | SSD (Solid State Drive) | RAM (Random Access Memory) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | ??? Long-term data storage | ? Short-term data processing |
| Data Retention | ?? Keeps data when powered off | ?? Loses data when powered off |
| Speed Ranking | ?? Fast (2nd) | ?? Extremely Fast (1st) |
| Typical Capacity | ?? 256GB – 2TB+ | ?? 8GB – 64GB |
| Cost per GB | ?? Higher | ?? Lower |
| Impact on System | ?? Faster boot & load times | ??? Smoother multitasking |
| Upgrade Benefit | ?? More storage, faster file access | ?? Better overall performance |
| Lifespan Concern | ?? Limited write cycles | ? Gradual performance degradation |
| Physical Vulnerability | ??? Resistant to physical shock | ? Sensitive to static electricity |
| Role in Gaming | ?? Faster game loading | ??? Smoother gameplay, higher FPS |
How RAM & Storage Affect Your Computer’s Speed & Performance
RAM vs. SSD: Which is better? You’ll never give a correct answer to this as both parameters are crucial for your device’s effective work.
RAM Impact
Few things beat the feeling of using a new laptop, tablet, or smartphone for the first time. Everything seems to work super fast until around 18 months later, and suddenly, it feels like your device is beginning to struggle.
The problem is very seldom with the laptop itself and is more about the increasing demands on the RAM. As your needs evolve and applications improve, so do the requests for RAM. Even your operating system will have had numerous updates that might require more resources.
If you only have 8GB of RAM and your CPU is struggling to keep up with your requests for multiple applications and multitasking at the same time, it will quickly run out of resources and be forced to slow things down.
Sure, a reboot might clear the requests, and things will speed up again, but the problem will quickly return as you increase you open up more apps and Google Chrome browser tabs.
Therefore, sufficient and insufficient RAM significantly impact performance.
- Handle multiple tasks simultaneously
- Run memory-intensive applications smoothly
- Switch between programs quickly
- Slowdowns
- Freezes
- Reliance on virtual memory (using the slower storage drive)
SSD Impact
Remember when you used to switch on your PC and go make a coffee while a low-pitched whirring and sometimes whining noise came from the hard drive?
The good news is that replacing old-school hard drives with SDDs means that reboot times now take seconds rather than minutes.
This also means that opening files, folders, and applications is significantly faster than on older computers.
SSD vs. RAM Capacity Considerations
SSD Capacity
The best capacity will depend entirely on your unique storage needs.
- Generally, 256GB is a minimum for light users
- 512GB for average users
- 1-2TB is expensive but essential for power users, gamers, and professionals.
Choosing the suitable SSD capacity involves balancing your storage needs, performance requirements, and budget constraints.
A larger SSD ensures additional space for your operating system, essential programs, and files.
These drives perform best with 20-25% free space, making larger capacities easier to maintain. More free space also means less file fragmentation, helping to maintain speed over time.
RAM Capacity
- For light users, 8GB of RAM is often considered the standard for web browsing, social media use, document editing, and light multitasking.
- However, for more demanding tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, or running virtual machines, 16GB or more becomes necessary.
- Gamers and power users often benefit from 32GB or even 64GB of RAM, especially when streaming or running multiple resource-intensive applications.
The right amount of RAM also future-proofs your system as software becomes more memory-hungry.
Synergy Between SSD & RAM
SSD and RAM are crucial for optimal computer performance, as they serve complementary roles in a balanced system.
RAM provides short-term, volatile memory for active tasks, while SSD offers long-term, non-volatile storage for files and programs. Their synergy creates a performance hierarchy (RAM > SSD > HDD) that significantly enhances overall system efficiency.
RAM handles immediate data processing, while SSD quickly loads stored data into RAM when needed, improving multitasking capabilities and reducing reliance on slower virtual memory.
This combination accelerates boot and load times, enhances gaming performance, supports content creation, and facilitates smooth database operations.
SSDs ensure responsive file system operations, while RAM enables instant application switching, collectively delivering a smooth user experience.
Remember, the key difference between computer memory vs. storage is that memory handles tasks while storage retains data.
The Bottom Line
When purchasing a new laptop, you must think beyond your needs today. We know that AI-driven operating systems and application updates will continue to ask for more from your SSD and RAM.
With an increase in resource-hungry features, getting the best spec you can afford could help you avoid running into sluggish performance issues in 18 months.
