HomeKnowledge BaseDDR3 vs. DDR4: Must Know Key Differences

DDR3 vs. DDR4: Must Know Key Differences

The world of computer hardware is an ever-changing, ever-expanding one. The need for faster and more power-efficient devices has led to the development of newer technologies such as DDR4 RAM. However, there are many differences between these two types of memory that most people don’t know about. This article will discuss some key points that make DDR4 RAM so much better than its predecessor, DDR3.

DDR Memory Explained

DDR stands for Double Data Rate. This type of memory has two sets of data lines and transfers information on the rising and falling edge of a clock signal, doubling the effective bandwidth. DDR is synchronous DRAM, which requires a constant, low-latency supply from either an external source or self-generated by the chip itself.

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As its name implies, DDR RAM was introduced at a time of ever-increasing speeds and densities in computer parts. Its most noticeable use is seen in PCs that have been made since 2003 or so. DDR technology has also helped facilitate video cards with higher bandwidth requirements due to the increased pixel count.

What is DDR3 RAM?

Crucial 8Gb Ddr3L Ram

DDR3 RAM refers to the third generation of so-called Double Data Rate Random Access Memory, a type of computer memory specifically designed to provide high bandwidth and low latency. A DDR3 RAM module typically consists of several DRAM chips on an integrated circuit board (IC) and can also include other components such as buffer chips. The advantage of DDR3 is that it’s more affordable than competing types and faster and more energy-efficient.

What is DDR4 RAM?

Adata 8Gb Ddr4 Ram

The new DDR4 RAM is an improvement over DDR3 RAM and is a type of memory that consists of capacitors that store data. It is the fourth generation of Double Data Rate Random Access Memory. The DDR4 RAM is a type of Random Access Memory with low latency in its data transfer rates. This type of RAM is suitable for large amounts of data. DDR4 Memory will initially store data by voltage. This is because it lacks the easy-to-get ‘electrons.’ However, the DDR4 has more density and more capacity than LPDDR3 and other types of RAM.

What are the Differences Between DDR3 and DDR4 RAM?

The DDR4 RAM has the following difference from the DDR3 RAM:

  • The DDR4 RAM has a latency of only 15 nanoseconds and takes 13 nanoseconds to access data. The DDR3 RAM takes 50 nanoseconds. Low latency is important because it can affect things such as Internet gaming performance or graphics processing efficiency during video editing operations.
  • DDR4 memory runs at 2133MHz compared to the 933MHz of DDR3. Higher speed data transfer rates. Data can be stored and retrieved with increased efficiency, which results in better performance.
  • It uses less power than the 3rd Generation, allowing more energy savings.
  • It differs from the 3rd Generation in that it’s built with higher density and smaller sizes.
  • DDR3 has a maximum of 16 GB of memory. DDR4 can be any size, including unlimited.
  • DDR3 is cheaper than DDR4. The cost of DDR4 is more expensive than that of DDR3.
  • DDR4 has Lower power consumption at an idle state allows for less heat production and a cooler system overall.

The Benefits of Upgrading from DDR3 to DDR4 RAM

The benefits of upgrading from DDR3 to DDR4 RAM are the following:

The main benefits of upgrading from DDR3 to DDR4 RAM are – better performance, improved power management, and lower power consumption. There are also a variety of benefits that come with having a higher frequency memory. These include better-overclocking ability and more headroom for future upgrades.

The performance gains between the two types of RAM are not dramatic. However, it is significant enough to warrant an upgrade for PC enthusiasts and gamers who need every last bit of power they can get to run their games at max settings without lag or slowdown.

The Drawbacks of Upgrading from DDR3 to DDR4 RAM

I think the path of doubling the RAM from DDR3 to DDR4 is a good decision. This upgrade will make the computer faster and have more memory capacity for multitasking. The drawback of upgrading from DDR3 to DD4 RAM is that it is not easy or cheap to do this, which can be an issue for people on a budget. Other drawbacks of upgrading from DDR3 to DDR4 RAM are that you might not be able to add more DDR3 RAM because it won’t work with the new motherboard. Another thing is that the new computers don’t have slots for DDR3 or PCI, so they’re expensive to buy a new motherboard for.

Conclusion

DDR4 RAM is a new type of memory that stores data more quickly and with less power than DDR3 RAM. It’s also cheaper to manufacture, which means it might cost you less in the long run if you decide to upgrade your computer or laptop. The only drawback? You’ll need a motherboard with an available slot for DDR4 RAM, so not all computers can be upgraded this way–but many laptops are compatible!

If you’re considering upgrading from DDR3 to DD4 Ram on your own computer or laptop, you might want to consider the cost of upgrading and how fast your computer needs to be in order for it to make a difference.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is DDR3 Still Good in 2021?

DDR3 is still good in 2021 for most of the basic work. The reason why DDR4 was developed was that the older DDR3 was fairly dated, and people wanted something more up-to-date. If you are not going to do any high-end task, it became more of a preference choice between which RAM to buy rather than better.

Is DDR3 still being made?

Yes, DDR3 RAM is still being made but in very few quantities.

Can you run a PC without RAM?

No, you can’t run a PC without RAM. You need to have all the components for it to work, and one of them is memory.

How do I know if my RAM is DDR3 and DDR4 Physically?

You will know if your ram is DDR3 or DDR4 by looking for the number on the chip. If there is a number that is higher than “3” followed by “DDR,” then it means that your computer has the newer type of RAM. If you have a lower number, you have the older type of RAM, which is not as fast and not as efficient as the DDR4 Ram.

What Happens if you put DDR3 in a DDR4 slot?

It’s important to know which version of RAM supports your computer. You cannot put DDR3 RAM in a DDR4 slot because they differ physically, and the slots are made differently so that they won’t fit at all.


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Mehul Boricha
Mehul Boricha
Mehul Boricha is the driving force behind Tech Arrival. He is a computer and smartphone geek from Junagadh, Gujarat, India. He is a Software Engineer by Education & a Blogger by Passion. Apart from technology geek, his free time is dedicated to cybersecurity research, server optimization, and contributing to open-source projects.

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