DDR3 vs DDR4 RAM – Difference and Comparison

What is DDR3 RAM?

DDR3 RAM (Double Data Rate 3 Random Access Memory) is a computer memory used in personal computers, laptops, and other electronic devices. It is an essential part of the system’s hardware and is used to store data while the computer operates temporarily. DDR3 RAM is the third generation of the DDR type of memory and is the most widely used type of RAM.

DDR3 RAM operates at a higher frequency than DDR2 RAM and can transfer data at higher speeds. It is also more efficient than its predecessor and consumes less power. The increased speed and efficiency allow for better system performance, which is especially important for gaming and multimedia applications.

DDR3 RAM has a higher data transfer rate than DDR2 RAM and higher capacity. The most common capacities of DDR3 RAM are 2GB, 4GB, 8GB, 16GB, and 32 GB. DDR3 RAM is available at several different speeds, from 800MHz to 2800MHz. The higher the frequency is, the faster the RAM is.

DDR3 RAM also has a low voltage requirement, which makes it an ideal choice for laptop computers. It is also more reliable than DDR2 RAM and can handle more operations without causing overheating or other issues. Overall, DDR3 RAM is an excellent choice for any system, as it provides improved performance and reliability at an affordable cost.

What is DDR4 RAM?

DDR4 RAM (Random Access Memory) is the latest generation of computer memory, and it’s the successor to DDR3 RAM. It is the primary memory used in computers today and is essential for the smooth running of a computer.

Unlike older types of RAM, DDR4 RAM is constructed with a smaller form factor, allowing more memory to be packed into a single module and making it more efficient. It is also faster, with a maximum transfer rate of 3200 MT/s.

DDR4 RAM is also more energy-efficient, helping to reduce the energy costs associated with running a computer, and can extend the life of the hardware.

DDR4 RAM is also more reliable, with error-correction features that can quickly detect and correct memory errors helping to ensure that the data stored in memory is always accurate and free from corruption.

DDR4 RAM is the current standard for computer memory and offers many advantages over its predecessors. It is faster, more efficient, and more reliable, making it the ideal choice for modern computers.

Difference Between DDR3 RAM and DDR4 RAM

  1. DDR3 RAM operates at speeds of 800-2133 MT/s (million transfers per second), whereas DDR4 RAM runs at speeds of 2133-4266 MT/s.
  2. DDR3 RAM consumes roughly 1.5 volts of power, whereas DDR4 RAM consumes roughly 1.2 volts, resulting in a 20% power saving.
  3. DDR3 RAM comes in capacities of 4GB, 8GB, and 16GB, while DDR4 RAM comes in capacities of 4GB, 8GB, 16GB, and 32 GB.
  4. DDR3 RAM is cheaper than DDR4 RAM.
  5. DDR3 RAM has slightly higher latency than DDR4 RAM.

Comparison Between DDR3 RAM and DDR4 RAM

Parameters of comparisonDDR3 RAMDDR4 RAM
SpeedDDR3 RAM speed is limited to 1600 MHzDDR4 RAM speed can range between 2133 MHz to 4266 MHz
BandwidthDDR3 RAM bandwidth is up to 17GB/sDDR4 RAM bandwidth is up to 25.6GB/s
Operating voltageDDR3 RAM requires 1.5VDDR4 RAM requires 1.2V  
CompatibilityDDR3 RAM is not compatible with DDR4 RAM motherboardsDDR4 RAM is compatible with DDR4 RAM motherboards
Error CorrectionDDR3 RAM does not have an Error Correction featureDDR4 RAM has an Error Correction feature

References

  1. PERFOMANCE TESTING OF DDR4 AND DDR3 MEMORY CARDS (elibrary.ru)
  2. Best DDR4 RAM for Z270 – Computer Station Nation