Which type of memory is classified as volatile?

Volatile memory is designed to lose its stored information when the power is turned off. This characteristic distinguishes it from non-volatile memory, which retains data even without power. Small Outline DIMMs (SO-DIMMs) are a type of memory module commonly used in laptops, and they specifically refer to RAM (Random Access Memory). RAM is inherently volatile, requiring a constant power supply to maintain the stored data. When the device is powered down, all data in the RAM is lost.

In contrast, Hard Disk Drives (HDDs), Read-Only Memory (ROM), and Flash Memory are classified as non-volatile memories. HDDs store data on magnetic disks and retain this information when powered off. ROM is a type of memory that contains permanent data—programmed during manufacturing—and is not meant to change under normal operation. Flash Memory is a type of non-volatile storage that retains information without power, commonly used in USB drives and solid-state drives (SSDs). Understanding the differences between these types of memory is crucial for recognizing how data storage works in computing devices.