NVRAM
Technology & Computing abbreviation · Computer Hardware
| Stands for | Non-volatile random-access memory |
|---|---|
| Categories | Technology & Computing |
NVRAM stands for Non-volatile random-access memory, a computer hardware abbreviation.
Memory that keeps its contents without power, used in computers and network devices to store firmware settings such as boot order, startup disk, time zone and display configuration. Several technologies, from battery-backed RAM to flash, serve this role.
Example: If an Intel Mac picks the wrong startup disk, reset the NVRAM with Option-Command-P-R.
Usage notes
On Macs, NVRAM (formerly PRAM, parameter RAM) stores volume, resolution and recent kernel-panic data. Apple silicon Macs check and reset it automatically when needed. Cisco routers store their startup configuration in NVRAM, and UEFI firmware stores boot entries and Secure Boot variables in it. Emerging non-volatile memory technologies include MRAM and ReRAM.
Related abbreviations
More computer hardware abbreviations
- NAS – Network-attached storage
- NGFF – Next Generation Form Factor
- NIC – Network interface card
- NPU – Neural processing unit
- NUC – Next Unit of Computing
- NVMe – Non-Volatile Memory Express
- OC – Overclocking
- ODD – Optical disc drive
- ODM – Original design manufacturer
- OTG – USB On-The-Go
- PATA – Parallel ATA
- PCI – Peripheral Component Interconnect