The summarized overview of different DRAM chips is shown in the table below:
|
Type |
Where Used |
Description and Facts |
|
DRAM Dynamic Random Access Memory |
Main System Memory and Video Memory |
DRAM is the most common type of computer memory. DRAMs are used mostly in main memory systems. DRAM is volatile and slow, but inexpensive. DRAM is used for memory read and writes and the data must be refreshed after each transfer. |
|
FPM DRAM Fast Page Mode DRAM |
Main System Memory and Video Memory |
FPM is also commonly used as the main system memory. As microprocessor speeds advanced, more memory throughput was required, resulting in the development of the Fast Page Mode DRAM. FPM DRAM is similar to regular DRAM but faster. |
|
EDO RAM Extended Data Output RAM |
Main System Memory and Video Memory |
EDO is an improvement on the FPM design. Depending on the type of system and the software applications, EDO can provide approximately a 3% performance gain over FPM DRAM if a secondary (L2) cache is in the system, and approximately a 10% to 12% performance gain if the L2 cache is not present. |
|
SDRAM Synchronous DRAM |
Main System Memory and Video Memory |
Synchronous DRAM is a new memory with improved performance, simpler design, and faster transfer rates than standard DRAM |
|
SRAM Static RAM |
Cache Memory |
SRAM is an extremely fast device that does not require periodic refreshing. SRAM is used primarily in cache memories. SRAM is faster, bigger, and generates more heat than DRAM. It is also more expensive than DRAM |
|
EDRAM Enhanced DRAM |
Cache Memory |
EDRAM is positioned as a high-performance specialty memory that combines DRAM and SRAM caches on one chip |
|
VRAM Video RAM |
Video Memory |
VRAM, specialized RAM for video, offers higher performance than DRAM. VRAM is dual ported, which allows simultaneous reads and writes of data. It requires a larger package than DRAM, and is more expensive than DRAM, too. |
|
WRAM Windows RAM |
Video Memory |
WRAM technology evolved from its predecessor, VRAM. Named after its ability to offer full-motion video, WRAM comes in a smaller package than VRAM. It has added intelligence that makes it perform up to 50% faster than VRAM |
|
RDRAM RAMBUS DRAM |
Video Memory . |
Future generation of DRAM with performance increases of up to 20 fold over standard DRAM. With costs just over 10% of standard DRAM, it is gaining acceptance in the industry |