Difference between Static RAM & Dynamic RAM

SRAM DRAM

1. Stores bits in memory cells 1. Memory cells are composed of

composed of flip flops. capacitors and transistors.

2. Each cell which can store a 2. Each cell requires a capacitor

single bit requires six (which stores bit as charge) & a

transistors. transistor.

3. Does not need to be refreshed 3. Needs to be refreshed every

periodically as flips flops retain few milliseconds to retain data

the data. because the charge of the

4. Faster access time compared to capacitor leaks.

DRAM, therefore used as caches 4. Slower access time compared to

mostly. SRAM as it cannot be read while

5. Low density/less memory per being refreshed.

chip due to more circuitry 5. High chip density/more memory

required for a single cell. per chip compared to SRAM due

6. More power consumption than to less circuitry for a single cell.

DRAM because of low chip 6. Less power consumption than

density. SRAM because of simple

7. More costly in terms of cost per circuitry.

bit compared to DRAM due to 7. Less costly than SRAM because

low chip density. of high chip density and

therefore used as main memory

in PCs.