When you proceed to buy a MacBook, you will likely see something like '512GB SSD storage', with SSD suggesting the kind of your Mac hard drive, 512GB the capacity. Storage is your hard drive where data such as videos and images is permanently stored for future access. The purpose of memory is to provide users instant access to files and applications.Ĭlick on the Apple logo > About this Mac (make sure Overview is selected) to check your Mac memory. If the memory is loose or damaged, your MacBook may continue beeping 3 times. Unlike virtual memory, RAM represents a hardware device used for temporary data storage, consisting of memory chips in the form of modules placed on the motherboard in the memory slots. Note: The word 'memory' used in the following paragraph means RAM. When people talk about the memory of a Mac, they typically mean RAM. Memory, also called primary storage, main memory, or physical memory, has two types - the volatile RAM (random-access memory) and non-volatile ROM (read-only memory). How much memory and storage do you need on a MacBook? Difference between Memory and Storage on a Mac This article will help you understand their differences and how to choose them when buying a Mac. It is totally fine if you don't know the computer terminology. The truth is that they may sound like synonyms, but a computer technician won't agree.

Or that you heard of or read about people discussing memory and storage but think, 'hmm, aren't they supposed to be the same thing?' Perhaps you want to buy a new Macbook and see the perimeters of memory and storage, such as MacBook Air: 8GB memory, 256GB SSD storage or MacBook Pro: 8GB RAM, 512 SSD storage.

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