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DRAM, or Dynamic Random Access Memory, is a common type of volatile computer memory that temporarily stores data for fast access by the CPU. Because it's "dynamic," the memory cells must be periodically refreshed to maintain the data, and all data is lost when the power is turned off. Its key advantages are high density and affordability, making it the standard for main memory in most computers and devices.

Key characteristics of DRAM

Volatile: Data is only maintained while the device is powered. When the power is cut, the data is erased.

Dynamic refreshing: Each memory cell is a capacitor that stores an electrical charge. Since the charge leaks over time, the system must periodically refresh the cells to keep the data.

High density and affordability: DRAM can store a large amount of data in a small physical space and is less expensive to produce than other types of RAM, such as SRAM.

Random access: Any location in the memory can be read or written to in approximately the same amount of time.

Organized structure: DRAM is organized into rows and columns, which allows the system to access data more quickly by activating specific rows and columns to retrieve information.