What is DDR SDRAM?

Synchronous Dynamic RAM (SDRAM) ensures that data between the CPU and the memory remains in sync. Whereas, in Double Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic Random-Access Memory (DDR SDRAM) processes two transfers in one clock cycle. The RAMS, with time and increasing need for storage, has evolved from DDR, DDR2 to DDR3, DDR4, and the latest DDR5. Each of these DDR RAMs comes with enhanced and better performance and capacity than the previous models. The RAMs used for the servers comes in all forms and sizes. But it is necessary to ensure that the RAM selected is compatible with the system as DDR4 RAM cannot be inserted in the slot that supports DDR3 RAM, similarly, DDR3 cannot be used in the slot that supports DDR4 RAM.

DDR3 Memory

DDR3 RAM has been around since 2007. It consists of better and advanced features as compared to DDR and DDR2. One of the most important features of DDR3 SDRAM is its ability to transfer data at twice the speed and around eight times the speed of the internal memory arrays which helps the drive to achieve higher bandwidth and higher data rates. Moreover, DDR3 SDRAM is compatible with a wide range of different series of processors ranging from LGA1366 socket to LGA1151 followed by AMD’s AM3/AM3+ and FM1/2/2+. this drive, however, runs at a lower voltage around 1.5 V with frequencies ranging from 400 to 1067 MHz. Also, DDR3 Memory can support DIMM’s capacity of around 16GB.

DDR4 Memory

DDR4 SDRAM was released in 2014, but it became popular in 2017 as DDR3 has taken over the market in the RAM market. But around 2020, the sales of DDR4 RAM grew around 80% worldwide. DDR4 memory as compared to DDR3 has a better and higher module density and requires a minimum voltage of around 1.2 V with frequencies between 800 to 1600 MHz followed by the DIMM storage capacity of 64GB.

DDR5 Memory

DDR5 RAM is the latest SDRAM, which was released in  2020. The first-ever DDR5 SDRAM chip was released by SK Hynix. DDR5 SDRAM is designed in a way that it consumes less power and can operate at a minimum voltage of around 1.1 V, and provides higher performance followed by strong data integration for the latest computers. Further, DDR5 memory also consists of advanced features such as Decision Feedback Equalization (DFE) which allows scalable I/O speed for higher bandwidth of around 4.8GB/s.

Difference Between DDR3, DDR4, and DDR5 RAM

DDR SDRAM, with every new generation, comes with advanced features and enhanced performance. The drives may not look much different from each other but certain differences set every drive apart from one another, for instance, the modules of DDR4 are thicker than DDR3. Also, these drives tend to move the notch closer to the middle during the iteration process from DDR3 to DDR4. However, in DDR5 drives, the notch is closest to the middle, even if it is still towards one side.

Features	DDR3	DDR4	DDR5
Release Date	2007	2014	2020
Clock Rate	400–1066 MHz	800–1600 MHz	2400–3600 MHz
Voltage	1.5 V	1.2 V	1.1 V
Transfer Rate	800–2133 MT/s	1600–3200 MT/s	4800–7200 MT/s
Bandwidth	6400–17066 MB/s	12800–25600 MB/s	38400–57600 MB/s
Max Data Rate	1.6 Gbps	3.2Gbps	6.4Gbps
Channels	1	1	2
DIMM Pins	240 (R, LR, U); 204 (SODIMM)	288 (R, LR, U); 260 (SODIMM)	288 (R, LR, U); 260 (SODIMM)
DIMM Types	RDIMM, LRDIMM, UDIMM, SODIMM	RDIMM, LRDIMM, UDIMM, SODIMM	RDIMM, LRDIMM, UDIMM, SODIMM

Where can I find DDR3, DDR4, and DDR5 online?

Is your system running out of space? Get the best SDRAM memory to enhance your system’s performance. We have a wide variety of DDR Memory in different storage capacities, and data transfer speeds from top brands including Kingston, Crucial, Dell, Hynix, HP, Samsung, IBM, Micron and more. If you’re still unsure about the right memory for your system, you can always reach out to our memory experts to make the right selection.

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