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Difference Between Register and Memory
Both Register and Memory are types of storing elements used in computing and digital systems for the storage of data. Although both have similar functions, they are absolutely different from each other. In this article, we will cover all those differences, but before that let’s have a basic overview of registers and computer memory.
What is a Register?
A register is a most elementary data-storing device that is implemented onto the processor chip itself. It is a small, high−speed storage area within a computer's processor or central processing unit (CPU). The processor can directly access the data stored in registers. For this reason, registers are primarily used for storing those instructions or operands on which the CPU is currently working. Registers allow the processor to quickly access and manipulate the stored information.
Registers have very high access speed, thus the CPU can access the register cells within its one clock cycle. The storage capacity of a register is expressed in terms of Bits such as 16bit register, 32bit register, and so on. The number of register Bits provide information about the speed and power of the processor.
What is Memory?
Memory is again a data storage device used to store data, instructions, computer programs, etc. Unlike registers, which are small and temporary, memory is typically larger and more long−term in nature.
Based on the accessibility to the CPU, memories are classified into two types namely primary memory and secondary memory. The primary memory is the internal memory of the system whose data can be directly accessed by the processor at higher speed, whereas the secondary memory is one whose data is accessed by the CPU through the primary memory.
We may also classify the memory on the basis of its nature, i.e. volatile memory and non−volatile memory. The volatile memory stores data temporarily, whereas the non−volatile memory stores data permanently.
Difference between Register and Memory
The following table highlights all the significant differences between a register and a memory −
| S. No. | Register | Memory |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Registers hold operands or instructions that CPU would be currently processing. | Memory holds instructions and the data about the currently executing program required by the CPU. |
| 2. | They contain small amounts of data− 32bits to 64bits. | Memory can range from some GB (Giga bytes) to TB (Tera bytes). |
| 3. | CPU can operate on the contents of the register at the rate of more than one operation during one clock cycle. | The CPU accesses memory at a slower rate in comparison to memory access in a register. |
| 4. | There are many types of registers− Accumulator register, Program counter, Instruction register, Address register. | There are different types of memory− RAM, ROM. |
| 5. | They can be controlled, i.e. information can be stored and retrieved from them. | The memory can’t be controlled. |
| 6. | It is quick in comparison to memory. | RAM is slow in comparison to registers. |
Conclusion
The most significant difference that you should note here is that registers are used to quickly access and manipulate data, while memory is used to store data and instructions for longer periods of time.
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