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RAM Types: SRAM vs DRAM Guide

RAM is the internal memory of the CPU that temporarily stores data, programs and results. It is read/write memory that erases data when power is turned off. RAM comes in two types - static RAM (SRAM) and dynamic RAM (DRAM). SRAM retains data as long as power is supplied but is more expensive, while DRAM must be continually refreshed to maintain data but is cheaper and smaller.

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96 views2 pages

RAM Types: SRAM vs DRAM Guide

RAM is the internal memory of the CPU that temporarily stores data, programs and results. It is read/write memory that erases data when power is turned off. RAM comes in two types - static RAM (SRAM) and dynamic RAM (DRAM). SRAM retains data as long as power is supplied but is more expensive, while DRAM must be continually refreshed to maintain data but is cheaper and smaller.

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6/23/2021 Random Access Memory - Tutorialspoint

Random Access Memory

RAM (Random Access Memory) is the internal memory of the CPU for storing data, program, and
program result. It is a read/write memory which stores data until the machine is working. As soon
as the machine is switched off, data is erased.
Access time in RAM is independent of the address, that
is, each storage location inside the memory is as easy to
reach as other locations and takes the same amount of
time. Data in the RAM can be accessed randomly but it
is very expensive.
RAM is volatile, i.e. data stored in it is lost when we
switch off the computer or if there is a power failure.
Hence, a backup Uninterruptible Power System (UPS) is
often used with computers. RAM is small, both in terms
of its physical size and in the amount of data it can hold.
RAM is of two types −
Static RAM (SRAM)
Dynamic RAM (DRAM)

Static RAM (SRAM)

The word static indicates that the memory retains its contents as long as power is being supplied.
However, data is lost when the power gets down due to volatile nature. SRAM chips use a matrix of
6-transistors and no capacitors. Transistors do not require power to prevent leakage, so SRAM
need not be refreshed on a regular basis.
There is extra space in the matrix, hence SRAM uses more chips than DRAM for the same amount
of storage space, making the manufacturing costs higher. SRAM is thus used as cache memory
and has very fast access.

Characteristic of Static RAM

Long life
No need to refresh
Faster
Used as cache memory
Large size
Expensive
https://www.tutorialspoint.com/computer_fundamentals/computer_ram.htm 1/2
6/23/2021 Random Access Memory - Tutorialspoint

High power consumption

Dynamic RAM (DRAM)


DRAM, unlike SRAM, must be continually refreshed in order to maintain the data. This is done by
placing the memory on a refresh circuit that rewrites the data several hundred times per second.
DRAM is used for most system memory as it is cheap and small. All DRAMs are made up of
memory cells, which are composed of one capacitor and one transistor.

Characteristics of Dynamic RAM

Short data lifetime


Needs to be refreshed continuously
Slower as compared to SRAM
Used as RAM
Smaller in size
Less expensive
Less power consumption

https://www.tutorialspoint.com/computer_fundamentals/computer_ram.htm 2/2

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