RAM vs DRAM Explained: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters
RAM vs. DRAM: What’s the Real Difference? Let’s talk tech—specifically, computer memory. You’ve probably heard the terms RAM and DRAM thrown around like they’re the same thing. And truthfully, most people use them interchangeably. But if you want to understand how your laptop juggles 10 Chrome tabs and a Zoom call without breaking a sweat, it helps to know the difference. This post breaks it down in simple terms: what RAM and DRAM are, why your devices need them, and why your phone slows to a crawl when memory gets tight. What Is RAM? RAM—Random Access Memory—is your computer’s short-term memory. It temporarily stores the data and instructions your CPU needs right now . Think of it as your digital workspace: the bigger the desk, the more tools you can spread out without clutter. When your RAM is full, your system starts panicking. It tries to swap data with your hard drive (slower storage), and that’s when things lag. A spinning cursor. A frozen tab. A mild existential crisis. DRAM: Th...
