SRAM vs DRAM – Difference between SRAM and DRAM Suraj Kumar The Crazy Programmer

RAM is an essential part of any computing device, and it’s a short abbreviation of random access memory. That means it will lose the data if there is no power supply to the device. Hence, it is also called volatile memory or the temporary memory of the device. It mainly has two types, SRAM and DRAM, and both have some pros and cons for the users. DRAM means dynamic random access memory, and SRAM regards static random access memory. Both work as the semiconductor and integrated with the integrated chip.

Some devices provide an agile user experience to the users. Hence if you belong to an IT background or have an interest, you should know the crucial differences between DRAM and SRAM. So, to know about these two types of ram, read this comprehensive comparison article on SRAM and DRAM.

What is SRAM?

SRAM is the semiconductor device that keeps the data or the bits with the help of a bistable latching circuit system. Mostly these rams contain six transistor cells and function as the cache memory of the computer processor. It works if there is a constant supply of power, and it also does not require refresh so it can remember the stored data within it. Because of it, the data is stored as intact, and this RAM is referred to as static random access memory. Also, SRAMs are faster than DRAM because they do not require any data refreshing. These rams are also cost-efficient and more affordable than the DRAM.

Advantages of Using SRAM

• SRAM contains faster speed than the DRAM, which allows faster data access operations.
• It is used when the speed is a priority for the volatile memory.
• Also, these memories are power efficient and consume less power supply.

Disadvantages of Using SRAM

• SRAM is good in terms of speed, but it is a costly deal.
• Also, they contain less storage space compared to DRAM.
• It has a complex design structure that makes it complex to understand.
• Reduced density of memory is another disadvantage of SRAM.
• It will lose the data when it does not get power.

What is DRAM?

DRAM is the short abbreviation of dynamic random access memory that is a type of semiconductor. It stores every bit of data in a distinct capacitor by creating space within the integrated circuit. Most of the current and modern desktop devices use DRAM as the memory option. This semiconductor device stores the data in the one capacitor where it serves it as units. It requires a refresh after some time so it can update it with the available data. Also, it gradually loses the data, and when the power does not, it will ultimately lose the data. As it is required to refresh hence these semiconductor devices are called dynamic random access memory.

Advantages of Using DRAM

• These rams are cheaper as compared to static rams.
• Also, it carries high storage space; hence it can be used in large devices that require ample ram space.
• DRAMs are designed with a simple structure and also do not require refreshing it.
• Because it does not need to refresh hence it accesses the data fast.
• To keep the memory function more straightforward, it requires a logic system.

Disadvantages of Using DRAM

• DRAM is slower as compared to the SRAM; hence users get a bit of delayed experience.
• When there is not any power connection, then it will lose the data.
• Also, these rams are not power-efficient and consume more power than SRAM.

Difference between SRAM and DRAM

You have understood some basic information about the DRAM and SRAM. So to know more, let’s understand some differences between these two types of rams.

• SRAM exists within the chipset of the computer, but DRAM presents off-chip or outside of the chipset.
• SRAM comparatively has a smaller storage size compared to the DRAM semiconductors.
• SRAM is an ideal device for cache memory, whereas DRAM is helpful as the device’s main memory.
• The design of the DRAM is more straightforward than the SRAM when it comes to structuring.
• SRAM uses a single block of memory with six capacitors. However, DRAM needs only one capacitor with one block of memory.
• SRAM is also power-efficient, but DRAM consumes high power.

Still, these are some other key differences between SRAM and DRAM, which we will understand with the help of this comparison table.

	SRAM	DRAM
Meaning	It is the type of random access memory that utilizes the bistable latching circuitry to make it functional. It is static by its nature and does not require it to refresh from time to time.	It is also a random access memory, but it holds the data within the capacitors in bits. Also, it needs to refresh after some time which makes it DRAM.
Cache Memory and Main Memory	SRAM is mainly used as a cache memory of computer devices such as L3 and L2 cache in the CPU.	It is used as the primary memory of computing devices such as DDR3, DDR4, and DDR5.
Memory Size	The memory size of SRAM can be up to 16MB.	However, the memory size of the DRAM can be up to 2GB in smartphones and tablets. However, the storage size in computer and laptop devices can be up to 16GB.
Position of Device	It primarily exists within the computer processor of the device.	It exists mostly outside and within the motherboard of the computer device.
Cost-Effectiveness	SRAMs are a costly deal because these semiconductor devices are more costly than DRAMs.	Although, these rams are affordable and also less expensive than the SRAM.
Problems Of Charge Loss	These semiconductor devices do not lose their charge or power.	However, in DRAM, there is the possibility that power can be lost due to its dynamic functionality.
Construction	The construction of SRAM is more challenging than the construction of DRAM because it needs about six transistors.	The construction of DRAM is straightforward compared to SRAM because it requires only one transistor.

Conclusion

DRAM and SRAM are both types of memory or ram, but both provide different functionalities. DRAM is used as the main memory, whereas SRAM is used as the cache memory. SRAM is complex to design but also utilizes less power.

However, DRAM is simple to design but also charges high electric power. So, both the semiconductor devices have some pros and cons that we analyzed in this article. I hope now you have clear information about the SRAM and DRAM of the computer devices.

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