What Is DRAM Memory? Dynamic Random-Access Memory Explained

Updated on Dec 08, 2023 | by Kent

PAGE CONTENT:

What Is DRAM Memory?
How Does DRAM Work?
Types of DRAM Memory
Advantages and Disadvantages of DRAM
DRAM VS SRAM

Memory is a crucial property when buying a laptop or computer, allowing users to keep their data safe and enabling the processor to run smoothly. You may be familiar with RAM (Random Access Memory), a well-known memory type that plays a vital role in a computer's performance.

This blog provides an overview of DRAM, a type of extended RAM that enhances a device's performance, highlighting its features and importance in boosting working experience. (Note: I assumed the "one paragraph shortly" meant a single paragraph, but if you meant a shorter paragraph, please let me know and I'll adjust accordingly)

What Is Dram Memory?

DRAM memory is a cost-effective type of RAM that enables computers to run smoothly, used widely in various devices including personal computers and workstations.

dram memory

The primary purpose of this type of RAM is to access any computer section instantly after getting instructions, allowing users to experience fast processing and beyond expectation working.

How Does DRAM Work?

DRAM is a type of semiconductor used in computers to store data in the form of bits, with its manufacturing process being crucial to understanding how it works.

A storage device is designed by arranging bits in a two-dimensional grid. When used for storing purposes, it saves data as bits. Each memory cell contains a capacitor and transistor at both ends.

dram column decoder

When saving data, a charge is sent to a DRAM cell, activating a transistor, and to prevent leaks, the cell must maintain a consistent electronic charge. This efficient method is why semiconductor storage devices, like DRAM, are becoming increasingly popular.

The main reason behind the effectiveness of these molecules is their ability to respond to signals precisely. They can instruct cells to either accept or reject a charge, making them crucial in various cellular processes.

Types of DRAM Memory

One of the most used types of semiconductor memory, it is available in different types. Here we have enlisted the five most common types of DRAM memory with a brief overview.

Synchronous DRAM

The synchronous DRAM (SDRAM) is a highly efficient type of DRAM that has gained popularity due to its ability to synchronize memory speed with the CPU clock cycle, allowing the processor to execute multiple instructions simultaneously and process them efficiently.

Rambus DRAM

The older type of DRAM designed for a specific purpose, allowing for higher graphics and multiple games on a computer.

Fast Page Mode DRAM

FPM DRAM is a semiconductor device that offers high performance, making it ideal for applications where quick page searching is required, such as in memory-intensive tasks. It allows for fast data access and processing, making it a top choice for users seeking efficient performance.

Extended Data Out DRAM

This DRAM enhances the processing for the RAM to read memory from microprocessors, effectively speeding up the retrieval of specific memory sections from the processor.

Error Correction Code DRAM

DRAM will help you detect corrupted files and data, ensuring your safety. It will also identify and fix errors in your device's processor, keeping it running smoothly.

Advantages and Disadvantages of DRAM

DRAM memory has advantages such as high speed and low power consumption, but also disadvantages like high cost, limited capacity, and susceptibility to data loss due to power failure.

Advantages of DRAM

Boost Processing Speed

DRAM is a type of RAM that enables computers to process data much faster than ordinary RAM, allowing for quick access and extraction of data from the processor within milliseconds.

Higher Storage Density

Unlike RAM, DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) allows you to save data in bits, not bytes, making it more efficient and higher density in terms of storage. This means you can maximize storage limits after installing DRAM on your device.

Cost-Effective

DRAM is cheaper than RAM or SRAM, allowing you to save a lot of data with a small investment.

Disadvantages of DRAM

Consume More Power

DRAM is faster than standard RAM, but it consumes more power to search the memory or hard disk installed on a device.

Heat The Device

The device's high power consumption leads to excessive heat generation, causing the computer to overheat within a short period, potentially rendering it unusable.

Volatile In Nature

RAM is a volatile memory type, meaning it loses data if it stops working. DRAM, a type of RAM, also has this characteristic, making it less reliable than other storage devices like HDD or SSD.

DRAMv.s SRAM

SRAM is a type of RAM that uses latching circuits to store data, avoiding loss of information. However, it is also volatile, meaning data is lost if power is interrupted without saving.

sram vs dram

Image credit-storagepartsdirect

Understanding the working of DRAM and its efficiency requires learning about the differences between DRAM and SRAM. DRAM and SRAM have distinct characteristics, with DRAM being a type of memory that uses capacitors to store data, whereas SRAM uses flip-flops. The main difference lies in their access times, with SRAM being faster due to its ability to access data directly, whereas DRAM requires a refresh cycle to maintain data integrity.

DRAM takes lesser space as compared to SRAM.
SRAM has more number of elements per bit than DRAM.
SRAM is faster in reading and exploring the processor as compared to DRAM because it is located closer to the processor and has faster access times. This allows for quicker execution of instructions and improved overall system performance.
DRAM reads multiple-byte page level while SRAM reads a single-byte page level.
SRAM uses current flow in one direction, whereas DRAM relies on holding a charge in a storage cell.

Final Words

The sections above provide an in-depth look at DRAM memory, its functioning, and how it differs from other types. With this comprehensive guide, you should now have a solid understanding of this volatile memory type. Before installing DRAM, ensure your computer is compatible and ready to accept this type of memory by conducting a thorough examination.