Random Access Memory (RAM) is considered a short term memory of a computer. It has certain data that is stored in it which is frequently accessed by the user and brings it to use at great speed for the user.
RAM is the memory of a computer that can be read and changed at any time. It is indeed fascinating to note that, the contents can be read and changed at the relatively same speed. The performance of RAM impacts the computer’s performance largely. The complaints of the system being slow or sluggish are all because of RAM.
The computer systems have upgraded with new RAMs these days. Keeping the performance and reliability in mind, these upgradations have happened. Incidentally, there are many types of RAMs available in the market. Every RAM has its advantages and disadvantages over the other.
The two types of RAMs DDR3 and DDR4 are good upgradations of RAMs compared to their earlier versions. Though the functionality of these two remains the same, there are differences that can be easily cited between the two.
DDR3 vs DDR4 RAM
The main difference between a DDR3 and DDR4 is the data transfer rates between the two, DDR3 transfers data at the rates between 800MT/s to 2133MT/s while the minimum speed of DDR4 is 2133MT/s and can transfer up to 4266MT/s
Comparison Table Between DDR3 and DDR4 RAM (in Tabular Form)
| Parameter of Comparison | DDR3 | DDR4 |
|---|---|---|
| Clock Speed | DDR3 is comparatively slower than DDR4. Clock speed is between 800MT/s to 2133MT/s | DDR4 is faster than DDR3. Clock speed is between 2133MT/s to 4266MT/s |
| Power consumption | DDR3 consumes more power for its operations. | DDR4 consumes less power for its operations. |
| Memory Space | DDR3 has a maximum memory capacity of 16GB | DDR4 has no limit for maximum memory capacity. |
| Latency | DDR3 has lower latency | DDR4 has more latency than DDR4 |
| Content Refresh | IN DDR3, auto-refresh and self-refresh are performed to refresh its content. | In DDR4, self-refresh is performed to refresh its content. |
What is DDR3 RAM?
DDR3 is abbreviated as Double Data rate 3 is a Dynamic Random Access Memory with high bandwidth. It came into existence in the year 2007. Before DDR3, DDR and DDR2 were available in the market. DDR3 is functionally advanced than the previous 2.
DDR3 is not forward compatible as well as backward compatible because of signaling voltages and timings.
The benefit of DDR3 over its predecessors is that it transfers data twice the speed of DDR and DDR2. When DDR2 transfers data at the speed of 3200MBps, DDR3 transfers data at the rate of 6400MBps, It certainly enables higher bandwidth or peak data rates.
The company Samsung played a major role in developing and standardizing DDR3. After launch, DDR3 did not see any remarkable sales as well until 2010.
DDR3, when compared to DDR2, uses less power consumption. Latency is also more than DDR2. DDR3 memory modules are different from DDR an DDR2, the gap between the pin slots are wider. It was suggested by experts to check with the memory on the computer before installing DDR3.
The prefetch buffer of DDR3 is also twice of DDR2. DDR3 is 8-burst deep while DDR2 was 4-burst deep.
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What is DDR4 RAM?
DDR4 is abbreviated as Double Data rate 4 is a Dynamic Random Access Memory with high bandwidth than DDR3. It came into existence in the year 2014. DDR4 is not compatible with any earlier RAM due to different signaling voltage. The reason can be attributed to the physical interface as well.
The primary advantage of DDR4 is it has higher module density and also consumes very less power. The data rate transfer is also faster when compared to its earlier versions.
The power consumption increases with speed, this is physics. DDR4 can transfer at higher speeds at low voltage without unnecessary cooling requirements. DDR4 operates at a voltage of 1.2V maximum. It operates at a frequency between 800 MHz and 1600MHz.
The latency of DDR4 is far more than any of its DDR family. DDR4 memory is slightly different physically too, it was introduced as a 288-pin dual memory module.
DDR4 refreshes its content only by self-refresh and this also consumes less power. DDR4 is flexible, it allows for expansion with multiple processors that can be added to the existing ones to improve the computational performance. DDR4 is well suited for high-speed games.
DDR4 offers greater DIMM capabilities. They have much higher chip density than any of its counterparts.
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Main Differences Between DDR3 and DDR4 RAM
Conclusion
RAM is one of the most important aspects of a computer. It completely determines the performance of the computer single headedly. The sluggish and slow issues with the processor are also connected to the RAM.
More importantly, the RAM may get heated invariably if put into a lot of use. DDR4 always stands ahead of DDR3 with its high transfer rates and low power consumption attributes. DDR3 is not that sophisticated than DDR4. It has more versatility on saving the battery and being flexible with multiple processors too.
The considerations one has to make while selecting a RAM is many, but the major aspect is speed and power. Even today, people are confused about selecting the RAM for their computers. The best one is the highly efficient gadget with low power consumption will be a wise choice.
References
Last update on 2022-06-13 / Amazon Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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