Random Access Memory or RAM has always been an important factor while purchasing a computer. Being directly related to the computer’s performance everyone wants that their computer should have the latest technology RAM. However, people who are not tech savvy end up buying computer without giving consideration to RAM.
RAM is an important hardware device of computer system which temporarily holds the data for further processing. With faster processing times RAM definitely has an edge over other storage hardware.
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However, the conventional RAM types were slow and so further improvements were still needed, so, Double Data Rate (DDR) RAM was introduced over standard SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory). DDR RAM doubles the rate of data transfer of SDRAM by transferring two chunks of data per clock cycle.
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Also, these DDR RAMs were further improved with time with newer versions known as DDR2, DDR3 and DDR4.
Today we are going to discuss the basic differences between the most recent RAM types: DDR3 and DDR4. So, let’s start:
Hardware Difference Between DDR3 & DDR4 RAM
DDR3 RAM is quite popular for its performance and power consumption from long time. However, with technology refinement DDR4 RAM came into existence with more improved features. Physically DDR3 RAM has 240 pins to perform, whereas DDR4 RAM came with 288 pins which helps to increase in the bandwidth capacity. Size of both RAM are same but due to difference in the connection pin count, pin size is reduced to 0.85 mm in DDR4 RAM, which was 1.0mm in DDR3. Also, height of DDR4 RAM was increased as compared DDR3 RAM.
Difference In Power Consumption
The amount of power consumption by RAM proves to be an important prerequisite before purchasing it. A RAM which consumes less power is always preferred over the one which has a high-power consumption. Comparing DDR3 and DDR4, the latter consumes less power. For example, if DDR3 consumes 1.5 volts, DDR4 will take 1.2 volts to complete the same task. Though this looks like a small difference, but if installed on large number of desktops under a server will save good money.
Difference In Performance
Performance of RAM depends on the speed of read/write function it can perform, it is also known as clock speed. The clock speed of DDR4 RAM is much higher than the DDR3 RAM. As per the current details the clock speed of DDR3 RAM ranges between 1333Mhz to 2133Mhz. On the other hand, DDR4 RAM has the minimum value of 2133Mhz with no maximum value defined till date. This difference in performance level makes DDR4 RAM the first choice for people planning to buy a new computer.
Compatibility Factor
Talking about the compatibility, RAM ports do not support its predecessor or successor RAM. Therefore, DDR4 RAM will not work on the port of DDR3 RAM and vice versa. It is the sole duty of motherboard manufacturers to mention the information about the supported RAM type on their system. Therefore, if you are planning to upgrade the RAM to a new version on your present motherboard, then it is not possible.
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Considering the benefits of DDR4 over DDR3, one must definitely must opt for DDR4 while purchasing a new computer. However, owing to the compatibility issues and cost factor it is not recommended to upgrade your RAM to DDR4 from DDR3 on the old system.