SRAM vs DRAM: Know the Difference

Details

Before learning about SDRAM and DRAM first, we need to understand about the RAM

What is RAM?

The information stored in this type of memory is lost when the power supply to the PC or laptop is switched off. The information stored in RAM can be checked with the help of BIOS. It is generally known as the main memory or temporary memory or cache memory or volatile memory of the computer system. The full form of RAM is Random Access Memory.

There are mainly two types of RAM

  1. SRAM
  2. DRAM.

In this tutorial, you will learn:

What is SRAM?

SRAM image

SRAM is a type of semiconductor memory that uses Bistable latching circuitry to store each bit. In this type of RAM, data is stored using the six transistor memory cell. Static RAM is mostly used as a cache memory for the processor (CPU).

SRAM is relatively faster than other RAM types, such as DRAM. It also consumes less power. The full form of SRAM is Static Random Access Memory.

What is DRAM?

DRAM image

It is a type of RAM which allows you to stores each bit of data in a separate capacitor within a particular integrated circuit.

It is a standard computer memory of any modern desktop computer. The full form of DRAM is Dynamic Random Access Memory.

DRAM is constructed using capacitors and a few transistors. In this type of RAM, the capacitor is used for storing the data where bit value, which signifies that the capacitor is charged and a bit value 0, which means that the capacitor is discharged.

KEY DIFFERENCES:

  • SRAM has lower access time, and is faster whereas DRAM has a higher access time and is slower compared to SRAM.
  • SRAM users transistors and latches while DRAM uses capacitors and very few transistors.
  • L2 and L3 CPU cache units are some general applications of a SRAM while the DRAM is mostly found as the main memory in computers.
  • SRAM offers low packaging density while DRAM offers a high packaging density.
  • SRAM is in the form of on-chip memory, but DRAM has the characteristics of off-chip memory.

Characteristics of SRAM

Here, are important characteristics of SRAM

Characteristics of DRAM

Here, are important characteristics of DRAM

Difference between SRAM and DRAM

Here, are differences between SRAM vs. DRAM

SRAM DRAM
SRAM has lower access time, which is faster compared to DRAM. DRAM has a higher access time. It is slower than SRAM.
SRAM is costlier than DRAM. DRAM cost is lesser compared to SRAM.
SRAM needs a constant power supply, which means it consumes more power. DRAM requires reduced power consumption as the information stored in the capacitor.
SRAM offers low packaging density. DRAM offers a high packaging density.
Uses transistors and latches. Uses capacitors and very few transistors.
L2 and L3 CPU cache units are some general application of an SRAM. The DRAM is mostly found as the main memory in computers.
The storage capacity of SRAM is 1MB to 16MB. The storage capacity of DRAM is 1 GB to 16GB.
SRAM is in the form of on-chip memory. DRAM has the characteristics of off-chip memory.
The SRAM is widely used on the processor or lodged between the main memory and processor of your computer. The DRAM is placed on the motherboard.
SRAM is of a smaller size. DRAM is available in larger storage capacity.
This type of RAM works on the principle of changing the direction of current through switches. This type of RAM works on holding the charges.

Advantage of SRAM

Here, are pros/benefits of using SRAM:

Advantages of DRAM

Here, are pros/benefits of DRAM:

Disadvantage of SRAM

Here, are drawbacks/cons of using DRAM

Disadvantages of DRAM

Here, are cons/drawbacks of using DRAM:

 

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