AGRI Grovestudies
DRAM stands for “dynamic random access memory,”
SRAM stands for Static Random Access Memory.
Feature DIFFERENCE
DRAM
SRAM
Cost
Cheaper
More expensive
Performance
On-chip memory with minimal access time; can run at the speed of the host microprocessor.
Use case
Main memory
Level 1 and Level 2 microprocessor caches.
Density
Less density per cell (1 transistor per chip) but can pack more cells into space
Denser (6 transistors per chip) but can fit fewer cells into space.
Power
Generally higher: Capacitors leak power thanks to imperfect insulation, requiring regular power refreshes.
Generally lower: No charge leakage since it changes direction of current through switches instead of leaking power through the capacitor. However, this depends on the application environment and SRAM can consume as much or more power as DRAM.
Storage capacity
Larger: Connects directly to CPU bus, volatile storage measured in GBs
Smaller: Acts as cache; storage measured in MBs
Volatility
Volatile: Must have active power supply plus frequent charges while active.
Volatile: Does not require additional charges while it is receiving power, but eventually loses data without it.
Physical placement
Motherboard
Processors or between processor and main memory
