Double Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory allows for high transfer rates and fast performance. DDR4 outperforms all it’s predecessors DDR3, DDR2, DDR and of course SDR SDRAM in all areas; clock speed, performance, bus speed and throughput. It’s data transfer rate range is from 17 to 21.3 GB/s compared to the previous versions that perform between 0.8 – 14.9 GB/s.
You can have one of the best computers, but if your RAM isn’t fast enough your computer will be slow and will not be able to handle some of the more demanding tasks.
Differences between DDR3 and DDR4
SDRAM, DDR and DDR2 are older versions of RAM. Today computers mostly use DDR4 and DDR3. Although it is not obviously noticeable that DDR4 is much faster than DDR3 there are other differences that will dictate which one your computer needs.
Increased speed of transfer in DDR4 over DDR3 allows for bigger bandwidth where DDR4 has the speed of 21.3 GB/s and DDR3 at 12.8GB/s. If your motherboard requires DDR3 you can not use DDR4 in the DDR3 slot. They are physically different and DDR4 will not fit in the DDR3 slot. DDR4 operates at a lower voltage than DDR3. DDR4 runs at 1.2 volts and DDR3 at 1.5V.
If your motherboard does not require DDR3, you might as well go with DDR4 as it has become standard and the price difference is not massive.
DDR4 Form Factors:
LRDIMM – Load-Reduced Dual Inline Memory Module is used in servers. It reduces and minimizes the load on the server memory BUS and increases memory speed. LRDIMM is a registered memory. This means it has a buffer between the memory and memory controller.
See LRDIMM products in our store
RDIMM – Registered Dual Inline Memory Module is also used in servers. It has a buffer between the memory and memory controller lessening the electrical load on the memory controller. RDIMMs are generally faster than LRDIMMs, however LRDIMMs have a higher capacity. One is not better than the other really, but if you need to run a server at 32GB capacity most of the time then LRDIMM may be a better fit, and if you do not need that capacity RDIMM will be a good and a cheaper option.
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SODIMM – Small-Outline Dual Inline Memory Module is a small computer expansion card for RAM. It is half the size of DIMMs and it is used in notebooks and laptops.
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UDIMM – Unregistered Dual Line Memory Module is used for laptops and desktops. UDIMM is an unbuffered memory. It will run faster than RDIMM and it will cost less, but will not be as stable as RDIMM.
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What Is ECC and non ECC Memory
ECC Memory stands for Error Correcting Code. Memory with ECC has one extra chip on the module so you will see an uneven number of chips on ECC memory and an even number of chips on non-ECC memory. The extra chip on the ECC memory module is dedicated to detecting and correcting memory errors thus protecting data from possible corruption. It is also less prone to crashes and slightly slower and more expensive than non-ECC memory. However ECC memory is important for Businesses, Financial industry, Cloud Services and other organizations where it is crucial to prevent data corruption or loss. Non-ECC memory is mostly used in personal devices such as desktops, laptops, tables and cellphones. Although ECC memory is essential in servers supporting enterprise environments, some personal devices like laptops and desktops support ECC memory as well.
