Which type of memory is volatile, requires power to retain data, and is included in an SSD for improved performance?

The correct choice is DRAM, which stands for Dynamic Random Access Memory. DRAM is a type of volatile memory that loses its data when the power is turned off. It requires a constant power supply to retain any stored information, making it essential for temporary data storage while a device is powered on.

In solid-state drives (SSDs), DRAM serves as a cache to improve the overall performance of the drive. It allows for faster access times for frequently used data and speeds up read/write operations by temporarily storing data that can be quickly retrieved. This capability is particularly beneficial for tasks that require fast data processing, as it enables the SSD to operate more efficiently.

In contrast, flash memory, which is non-volatile, retains data even without power, making it the primary storage medium in SSDs. ROM (Read-Only Memory) is also non-volatile and is typically used to store firmware. Cache memory is temporary storage used to speed up access to frequently accessed data but can often refer to various levels of CPU cache and may not be limited to DRAM.