How does DRAM differ from SRAM?

Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) and Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) serve different purposes in computing due to their underlying architectural differences. The correct choice highlights that DRAM stores data in a capacitor, while SRAM uses flip-flops for data storage.

In DRAM, each bit of data is stored in a paired capacitor and transistor. The capacitor must be regularly refreshed to maintain the stored data because it leaks charge over time. This characteristic allows DRAM to achieve a higher density than SRAM, meaning more memory can be packed into a smaller physical space, making it an economical choice for systems requiring large amounts of memory, such as in main system RAM.

In contrast, SRAM uses a set of flip-flops, which are stable, memory-circuit configurations that can hold data as long as power is supplied. This structure allows SRAM to provide faster access times and greater robustness against data loss due to its non-volatile nature, unlike DRAM which must be refreshed constantly.

Consequently, the distinction in the methods of data storage—capacitors in DRAM versus flip-flops in SRAM—defines their performance characteristics and area of application. DRAM tends to be slower than SRAM but more affordable at a larger scale, making it suitable for typical volatile