SDRAM vs SRAM

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Hi,

I watched the video, studied the notes and googled it. I just wondering if someone could break it down for me? Any comments help, appreciate it.

Bryan,

SDRAM = Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory
SRAM = Static Random Access Memory

Both technologies are electronic memory used within PCs and other computing devices (e.g. routers and switches, etc).

Anytime you see the word Dynamic with RAM, this means that memory is only retained as long as there is a electricity to the RAM itself. This type of RAM isn't "storing" the information but merely holding a pattern on the chip itself. Take for example, if you were draw on your mirror after showering, the mirror retains the drawing as long as the steam on mirror is there. The synchronous idea comes from the fact that the RAM will operate along with the databus speeds of the motherboard instead of being RAM that operates at its own speed.

Static RAM is a special type of RAM that actaully "stores" data in specified locations on the chip itself in registers. This means that the RAM can actually hold information between restarts of the device. You may also hear the term NVRAM (Non-Volatile RAM) and even CPU Cache Memory since both are considered SRAM chips. This is much more expensive but a higher performance ram on systems (PCs) normally you see them in small amounts compared to any type of DRAM.

Let us know if you need any more additional help.

Cordially,
Ronnie Wong
Host, ITProTV

Hello Folks, A fellow subscriber has pointed out the following about where I'm not exactly correct on differentiating DRAM and SRAM. Thanks for pointing this out!

"Case in point is Ronnie's recent response to the SDRAM vs SRAM question in the CompTIA forum. (Specifically, DRAM requires refreshing, SRAM does not, but both are volatile.)" 

On SRAM it also requires electricity and doesn't need to be refreshed. I wasn't clear enough and I called it something else which was NVRAM. Here I was equating, in my mind, the NVRAM of a router which is battery powered and can be maintained between reboots. But here I was incorrect in my post. Please take note.

Cordially,
Ronnie Wong
Host, ITProTV