RAM

RAM stands for Random Access Memory. This is an example of Volatile Memory, the contents are lost when the computer is restarted or power is lost. RAM is read and write, therefore information can be written by one program and read by another or by input/output devices.

The time it takes for the RAM to read and write the information depends on the speed of the sticks. There are speeds such as: 1600 MHz, 1866,2133 and 2400. The typical brands of RAM are: Corsair, Crucial, Patriot and Kingston.

There are 2 types of RAM, SRAM(Static RAM) and DRAM (Dynamic RAM) see below.

SRAM
Static RAM "A bit of data is stored using the state of six transistor memory cells"

This is faster and uses less power than DRAM but also costs more to buy and produce. This is why it is typically used in Cache for processors or graphics cards. SRAM is more expensive because the storage capacity of SRAM chips is much less than DRAM chips, this means that SRAM memory is more expensive per bit of data. SRAM is mainly used for Cache in CPU's and GPU's.

DRAM
Dynamic RAM. The cells in DRAM store a high or low charge of 1 or 0, a program or component read the charges and use it to perform tasks or use it to understand what is stored. DRAM is the standard type of RAM in a computer. DRAM needs to be refreshed regularly to keep the data stored, the memory in the cells fades away if it isn't regularly "recharged", hence the name Dynamic.