What do you know about DDR3 vs DDR4 RAM? If you spend time with people who have a solid technical understanding of the computer field, you will hear the terms DDR3 and DDR4 when communicating. DDR3 and DDR4 are two different types of RAM that can be installed on a computer.
While DDR3 is an older technology, DDR4 is a more recent version that offers additional advantages. So, what exactly is the difference between DDR3 and DDR4 memory? Let’s have a look and see.
In this post, we will examine the differences between DDR3 and DDR4 RAM and determine the fundamental differences between the two.
What is RAM?
RAM is Random Access Memory. It is undoubtedly one of the most critical components of your computer system. Although the RAM provides temporary storage, this information can be accessed and written at any time.
In other words, the faster your RAM is, the more excellent performance you will have because it will be able to process more data in less time.
The Differences of DDR3 vs DDR4 RAM
| Parameters | DDR3 RAM | DDR4 RAM |
|---|---|---|
| Stands for | Double Data Rate Version 3 | Double Data Rate Version 4 |
| Introduced in | 2007 | 2014 |
| Cost | Less compared to DDR4 RAM | Prices of DDR4 RAM are generally higher |
| Speed | DDR3 RAM is slower compared to DDR4 | The speed on DDR4 is higher compared to DDR3 |
| Power Consumption | It consumes more power than DDR4 | It consumes less power than DDR3 |
| Interface | 240-pin interface | 288-pin interface |
| Clock Speed | 400MHz to 1066MHz | 1066MHz to 2133MHz |
| Latency | DDR3 has lower latency | DDR4 has more latency compared to DDR4 |
| Backward Compatibility | Backward compatible with older generations of RAMs | Not backward compatible with older generations of RAM |
| Voltage | Operates on 1.50 V volatge | Operates on 1.20 V voltage |
| Capacity | Maximum memory size is up to 16GB | DDR4 RAM has no upper limit to memory size |
Interface: DDR3 vs DDR4 RAM
When DDR3 RAM was launched in 2007, manufacturers created motherboards with 240-pin ports; however, contemporary DDR4 RAM has a 288-pin interface. Therefore it cannot replace DDR3 RAM.
The Factor of Cost
DDR4 RAM is the latest RAM, and as a result, it is being employed in every growing technology these days, including quantum computing. DDR4 RAM is utilized in various devices, including smartphones, tablets, PCs, and laptops.
As a result, DDR3 RAM has become entirely obsolete, which is why DDR3 RAM is far less expensive than DDR4 RAM. Stores that sell DDR3 RAM modules are hard to come by these days because everyone has switched to DDR4 RAM.
Latency and the Speed of the Clock
The latency and clock speed of DDR3 vs DDR4 RAM. The performance capabilities are determined by two fundamental parameters: speed and latency (the time between two things).
The clock speed of the RAM has a direct impact on the performance and cost of the memory storage device. The RAM is the memory that resides between the hard disk and CPU. This device stores all of the critical readable data, and hence the faster its clock speed, the quicker it can read and write data.
Latency is defined as the amount of time it takes for your RAM to read and write data that it is currently storing. Latency in random access memory (RAM) is often measured in nanoseconds.
In an ideal situation, a RAM should have low latency, which indicates that it should take less time to retrieve the data. However, this is only one aspect of the situation. In general, higher clock speeds correspond to lesser latency.
DDR3 RAM runs at the CL11 speed, taking 13.75 nanoseconds to execute a read operation. DDR4 works on CL15, which takes 14.06 nanoseconds to complete the same task, resulting in a latency difference of around 2 percent.
Refresh Algorithm
RAM should be available for reading and writing at all times. RAMs have refresh mechanisms built in to ensure that they do not go idle while performing their functions.
When DDR3 RAM was first introduced, it used two refresh methods: the auto-refresh(AR) and the self-refresh(SR) algorithms. It alternates between the two modes depending on the situation.
DDR4 memory, on the other hand, relies only on the auto-refresh algorithm to ensure that no data is left unprocessed on the memory bus.
Electricity Consumption
How about the electricity consumption of DDR3 vs DDR4 RAM? DDR3 RAM operates at a voltage of 1.50V, whereas DDR4 RAM operates at a value of 1.20V. This represents a difference of approximately 15W.
It doesn’t make much of a difference for the average user because their computer may only have one or two RAM sticks installed. However, when it comes to servers that include thousands of RAM modules, a little 15W variation in power use can significantly affect the overall power consumption.
Additionally, RAMs with lower voltage are more efficient in terms of computer performance (How to Fix Runtime Broker High CPU Usage in Windows).
Capacity
The memory capacity of DDR3 RAM can range from 512MB to 16GB, depending on the model. This is where DDR4 RAM earns a resounding victory. There isn’t any upper limit to the amount of data that can be stored in DDR4 RAM. Some people have even gone as far as to employ 128GB of DDR4 RAM. As a result, when it comes to capacity, DDR4 is unquestionably superior.
The conclusion is that if you are in the market for RAM, DDR4 is an obvious choice.
It is up to date and can be found in all current gadgets. When compared to DDR3, it is significantly faster and more efficient in every way. DDR3 has its advantages, but DDR4 is the way to go moving ahead. In a nutshell, this concludes our DDR3 vs DDR4 RAM comparison. So, what do you think about DDR3 vs DDR4 RAM? Which one is better? Leave your comment below!
