DRAM
Technology & Computing abbreviation · Computer Hardware
| Stands for | Dynamic random-access memory |
|---|---|
| Categories | Technology & Computing |
DRAM stands for Dynamic random-access memory, a computer hardware abbreviation.
Most common type of computer main memory, storing each bit as a charge in a tiny capacitor that must be refreshed many times per second. DDR4, DDR5, LPDDR and GDDR are all forms of DRAM.
Example: DRAM prices spiked as factories shifted capacity to high-bandwidth memory for AI chips.
Usage notes
Robert Dennard invented the one-transistor DRAM cell at IBM in 1966, and the Intel 1103 of 1970 was the first commercially successful DRAM chip. "Dynamic" refers to the constant refreshing, unlike static RAM. Samsung, SK hynix and Micron make the large majority of the world's DRAM. Motherboards often label a memory-error indicator light "DRAM".
Related abbreviations
More computer hardware abbreviations
- dGPU – Discrete graphics processing unit
- DIMM – Dual inline memory module
- DLSS – Deep Learning Super Sampling
- DMA – Direct memory access
- DP – DisplayPort
- dpi – Dots per inch
- DVD-R – Digital Versatile Disc Recordable
- DVD-ROM – Digital Versatile Disc Read-Only Memory
- DVI – Digital Visual Interface
- ECC – Error-correcting code memory
- EEPROM – Electrically erasable programmable read-only memory
- eGPU – External graphics processing unit