Digital Forensic Certification Practice Exam

What type of memory is considered volatile and requires power to retain data, often included in SSDs?

1. Flash memory

2. SRAM

3. DRAM

4. EEPROM

The correct answer is: DRAM

The correct choice is based on the characteristic of certain types of memory, specifically DRAM, which is classified as volatile memory. Volatile memory loses its stored information when the power is turned off. DRAM (Dynamic Random-Access Memory) requires continuous power to maintain the information it stores, making it essential for temporary data storage while the system is operational. This feature is critical in many computing environments, including those utilizing solid-state drives (SSDs), where data needs to be accessed quickly and frequently. While flash memory is also important in SSDs, it is non-volatile, meaning it retains data even when power is removed. SRAM (Static Random-Access Memory) is another type of volatile memory, but it is not typically included in SSD architectures. EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) is non-volatile as well and is primarily used for storing firmware and small amounts of data that must be preserved without power. Understanding the nature of DRAM as volatile memory helps to clarify its role within digital systems, specifically illustrating the importance of power to retain essential data during operations.