Difference Between Static Ram and Dynamic Ram (Comparison)

Do you want to know what is the difference between Static RAM and Dynamic RAM? And why SRAM is faster than DRAM? Here’s the SRAM vs DRAM comparison.

RAM or random access memory is a type of memory used in your computer system which is highly volatile and requires constant power to retain the data stores in it. There are two kinds of RAM namely, Static RAM and Dynamic RAM.

And if you want to know the difference between Static RAM and Dynamic RAM or need a very clear comparison between SRAM vs DRAM then this is the perfect guide for you.

In today’s guide, we will explain to you what is Static RAM and what is Dynamic RAM? And what are the actual differences between these two RAMs? So without any further ado, let’s jump in and learn right away.

(Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links and images. I earn advertising/referral fees if you make a purchase by clicking them. There is no extra cost to you. See our full disclosure here. )

In our previous guide, we talked about how much virtual memory you should set for 8GB of RAM, how to change virtual memory in Windows 10 and how to increase Windows 10 virtual memory. You can check out the step by step guide from here. It will provide you a clear idea on what is the recommended virtual memory size for 16GB ram or 8GB ram in Windows 10 systems.

Do you know? How to Fix Your computer is low on memory Error in Windows 10

Table of Contents:

What is Static RAM (SRAM)?

Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) is a type of RAM that holds data in a static form. In simple words, it retains data bits in its memory as long as power is being supplied. SRAM uses CMOS technology which requires 6 to 8 transistors to function correctly. It is faster than DRAM and consumers a lower amount of power than DRAM.

The data can safely be stores to Static RAM as long as the power supplied to it is constant. The memory can’t be refreshed when a program is running. SRAM is used to create speed-sensitive cache which requires very little time to access the stored data.

The capacity of the Static random access memory is quite low and it’s relatively more expensive. The data stored on SRAM is stored in Flip Flop manner which doesn’t require constant refreshing and data can be accessed by the computer as and when required making SRAM more efficient.

You might also like to know: How to Change Virtual Memory in Windows 10

What is Dynamic RAM (DRAM)?

Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) is a type of semiconductor memory that can retain its contents only for a very brief period (in milliseconds) and must, therefore, be continually refreshed by reading its contents at short intervals. It is typically used for the data or program code needed by a computer processor to function.

DRAM similar to SRAM is also a type of random access memory that is composed of Capacitors and 3 to 4 Transistors. The capacitors store data bit with Value 1 which signifies that the capacitor is charged whereas when the capacitor stores data bit value 0, it signifies that the capacitor is discharged.

The capacitors leak the data continually when constant power is supplied thus changing the state of the capacitor from charged to discharged i.e 1 to 0 to ensure that the data stored on it stays put. Data is leaked even when there is a constant supply of power and hence the data stored can be read and rewritten easily. The DRAM is typically less expensive and also available in higher capacities.

You might also like: What is Pagefile and How to Disable Page File in Windows 10?

What is the Difference Between Static RAM and Dynamic RAM?

Static RAM is generally used to create the speed-sensitive cache on a CPU or in a Server where the speed of data access is highly crucial. Similarly, Dynamic RAM is used as a system random access memory in much larger capacities to help save on cost.

	SRAM (Static RAM)	DRAM (Dynamic RAM)
Location:	On the Chip	Off the Chip
Quantities:	Available in small Quantities usually in MBs	Available in large Quantities usually in GBs
Usage:	Typically as main memory in Phones, PCs, Laptops et al.	Typically in CPUs as L2 or L3 Cache
Price:	Relatively Expensive	Relatively cheaper
Power Consumption:	Consumer Higher amount of power	Consumers Lower amount of Power
Time to Access:	Can be accessed very quickly	Needs a longer time to access
Construction:	Highly Complex	Relatively Simple

These are some of the key differences between SRAM and DRAM. Now let’s move ahead and find out why Static RAM is faster than Dynamic RAM.

You might also like: What is the Difference Between FAT32 and NTFS and exFAT?

Why SRAM is Faster than DRAM?

Static RAM holds the data as long as stable power is supplied to the module whereas Dynamic RAM refreshes data even when power is supplied to the module because it constantly leaks data and needs to be refreshed before the previous data is lost.

This refresh on the Dynamic random access memory (DRAM) module causes it to be slower than SRAM which is much faster since no data bit is leaked from the module at any given point unless power is cut to the module. Static random access memory (SRAM) is typically used for L2 or L3 Cache in CPUs for frequent and fast access.

Typically, SRAM takes only 10 nanoseconds to retrieve data which DRAM requires 60 nanoseconds to retrieve.

Conclusions

We hope we were able to show you the differences between Static RAM and Dynamic RAM and answer your questions such as what is SRAM and what is DRAM? and why Static random access memory is faster than Dynamic random access memory?

Our short little guide here should help you clarify the basic concepts of these two random access memory and if you need any more help then feel free to ask for it using the comment section below and we will try our level best to help you.

You may also be interested in checking out: