SLC S23 Week5 || Computer Repair - Memory (ROM)

I hope you are all are good and enjoying your life . This week I am excited to take part in the Steemit Learning Challenge and share my thoughts on Read Only Memory (ROM). As someone who loves learning about computer I find it interesting how different part work together to make computer run.

At first I only knew about RAM because it help in running application. But later I learned that ROM is just as important. Without ROM an computer can not start because it stores important instruction need for booting up.

source

I still remember when I opened my old Pentium 4 PC and saw small ROM chip on the mother board. Back then I didn’t know much about it but now after building my own PC I understand how ROM helps in starting the system and storing BIOS setting.

In this post I will explain what ROM is its type how it is different from RAM and why it is important. I will also shared my own experiences with computer hardware.

Understanding ROM:

Differences Between ROM & RAM:

Feature	ROM	RAM
Definition	Stores pre set data that can not be modified	Allow both reading and writing of data
User Writing Capability	No	Yes
User Reading Capability	Yes	Yes
Speed	Slowers	Faster
Data Retention	Keeps data even when power is off (non-volatile)	Loses data when powers is off (volatile)
Common Uses	Stores BIOS and essential system firmware	Temporary storage for active processes
Picture	source	souyrce

Why is ROM Non Volatile?

ROM is non volatile because its data is permanently written during manufacturing or through special programming method (like PROM EPROM EEPROM). Unlike RAM it does not need a continuous power supply to keep its data. This makes it Perfect for storing essential system instructions.

Primary Uses of ROM:

Booting the Computer: It store the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) which help start up the computer.
Embedded System: Used in microcontroller calculators and appliances where fixed instructions are needed.
Firmware Storage: Holds Permanent software for hardware like printer gaming consoles and routers.
Security & Stability: ROM data can not be change by normal user making it reliable for critical function.

Types of ROM:

Comparison of EPROM EEPROM and Flash Memory

Feature	EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM)	EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM)	Flash Memory
Full Name	Erasable Programable Read Only Memory	Electricaly Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory	Flash Memory
How Its Erased	UV Light	Electricity	Electricity
Erasing Process	Entire chip erased at once	Can erase selecte byte	Can erase blocks of memory
Writing Speed	Slow	Slow	Fast
Rewriting Capability	Limited	More flexible	High
Common Uses	Older microcontroller BIOS in old PCs	Modern microcontrollers smart card	USB drive SSDs memory card smartphones

Key Differences & Uses

EPROM:

• Erased using ultraviolet (UV) light through a transparent window on the chip.
• Once erased new data can be written.
• Used in older microcontrollers and early BIOS chips.

EEPROM:

• Can be erased electronically (no need for UV light).
• Supports byte-level erasing meaning specific data can be modified Without Clearing every thing.
• Used in modern microcontrollers smart cards and RFID tags.

Flash Memory:

• A more advanced form of EEPROM but erases blocks of memory instead of individual bytes.
• Faster and more efficient than EEPROM.
• Used in USB drives SSDs memory cards smartphone and digital cameras.

flash memory is the most useful today because it is fast has a high storage capacity and is use in almost every device we use daily like smarts phone and SSD Understanding these differences helps me appreciated how data is store in different devices

BIOS and CMOS Relationship:

As you know that my motherboard is H310M PRO-VDH PLUS I have learn that BIOS and CMOS work together to manage my system setting. understanding their relationship helps me troubleshoot and optimized my PC efficiently.

BIOS vs. CMOS How They Work on My Motherboard

Feature	BIOS (Basic Input/Output System)	CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor)
Storage Type	Stored in Flash Memory (ROM)	Stored in small CMOS chip (volatile memory)
Function	Initializes hardware & boot OS	Stores BIOS setting like time boot order and voltage setting
Power Dependency	No power needed (Non Volatile)	Needs power from CMOS battery (Volatile)
Data Loss on Power Off?	No	Yes if battery dies

How This Relates to My H310M PRO VDH PLUS

BIOS in Flash Memory: My motherboard’s BIOS firmware is store in Flash Memory so even if my PC is turn off the BIOS remains intact.

CMOS for Settings Storage: When I customize my boot order or overclock settings in the BIOS these change are saved in CMOS memory. If my CMOS batery runs out my settings reset to default.

CMOS Battery Importance: If my PC suddenly forgets the date/time or resets BIOS setting after shutdown I know my CMOS battery might need replacing.

CMOS is like my BIOS settings short term memory while BIOS in ROM is the long-term brain that keeps my motherboard running smoothly. Without CMOS I would have to set up my BIOS configurations every time I power on my PC something I definitely don’t want to do

Checking Your Computer’s BIOS/UEFI Information

Checking My Computer BIOS/UEFI Information

To check my BIOS/UEFI version I used System Information Tool which is one of the easiest ways to acces system detail without restarting the computer.

Process:

1. Pressed Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Typed msinfo32 and pressed Enter to open the system Information Window.

1. In the System Summary section I look for the following detail
   • BIOS Version/Date
   • BIOS Mode
   • Baseboard Manufacturers
   • Baseboard Product

Results:

• BIOS Version/Date: American Megatrend Inc. 1.60 10/15/2020
• BIOS Mode: UEFI
• Baseboard Manufacturer: Micro-Star International Co. Ltd.
• Baseboard Product: H310M PRO-VDH PLUS (MS-7C09)
• SMBIOS version: 2.8

Task: Locating and Identifying Your ROM Chip

Based on my inspection of my MSI H310M PRO-VDH PLUS motherboard I successfully locate the ROM chip which stores the BIOS/UEFI firmwared.

ROM Chip Location:

The ROM chip is positioned near the CMOS battery and chipset area. However in my case it is covered with a plastic cover and I am not going to remove it. The cover likely serves as protection against dust and accidental damage ensuring the stablity of the firmware storage.

Importance of the ROM Chip:

• It contains the BIOS/UEFI firmware essential for booting and initializing System hardware.
• Since it is non-volatile memory the firmware remains intact evens when the system is powered off.
• The chip allows for BIOS updates Which improved hardware compatibility and system stability.

By identifying its location I now have better understanding of where the firmware is store on my motherboard even though I won’t be removing the protective cover.