DDR3 vs DDR4 – Difference Between Them

By : Nathaniel Brooks Nathaniel Brooks
Hours Updated

Key Difference between DDR3 and DDR4

  • DDR3 RAM is backward compatible with the older RAM generations, while DDR4 RAM is not backward compatible with the older generation’s RAM.
  • DDR3 RAM has a 240-pin interface. On the contrary, DDR4 RAM has a 288-pin interface.
  • The clock speed of DDR3 varies from 800 MHz to 2133 MHz, while the clock speed of DDR4 is 2133 MHz.
  • DDR4 consumes less power and is faster in comparison with DDR3

Difference Between DDR3 and DDR4
Difference Between DDR3 and DDR4

Here, I have analyzed the difference between DDR3 and DDR4 and will comprehensively evaluate their pros and cons.

What is RAM?

RAM is the memory of a computer that can be read and changed at any time. The information stored in this type of memory is lost when the power supply to the PC or laptop is switched off. It is known as the main memory, temporary memory, cache memory, or volatile memory of the computer system. The full form of RAM is Random Access Memory.

What is DDR3?

DDR3 is an essential type of 3rd generation SDRAM utilized for system memory. This type of RAM is capable of transferring data from one location to another at a higher speed. The full form of DDR3 RAM is Double Data Rate.

What is DDR4?

DDR4 RAM is the latest variant of RAM, which is widely used in the next generation of computing. Courtesy of the decreased voltage and increased transfer rates of DDR4 can offer optimum efficiency and higher speed. The full form of DDR4 SDRAM is Double Data Rate Fourth Generation Synchronous Dynamic Random-Access Memory.

Difference between DDR3 and DDR4

Here is my explanation of the differences between DDR3 and DDR4 RAM:

Difference between DDR3 and DDR4
DDR3 vs DDR4
Parameters DDR3 DDR4
Full Form DDR3 RAM stands for Double Data Rate version 3. DDR4 RAM stands for Double Data Rate version 4.
Release Date DDR3 RAM was introduced in 2007. DDR4 was released in 2014.
Price The cost of DDR3 is less than that of DDR4. DDR4 cost is higher or more than DDR3.
Power Consumption DDR3 consumes less power than DDR2 but more than DDR4. DDR4 consumes less power than DDR3.
Speed The speed of DDR3 is slow in comparison to DDR4. DDR4 speed is faster than DDR3.
Memory Size (Maximum) DDR3 maximum memory size is 16GB. DDR4 has no maximum limit or capability.
Clock Speed The clock speed of DDR3 varies from 400 MHz to 1066MHz. The clock speed of DDR4 varied from 1066 to 2133MHz.
Latency DDR3 has lower latency than DDR4. DDR4 has more latency than DDR3.
Type of Refresh Auto-refresh and self-refresh are performed for content. Only self-refresh is performed for content.
Type of Memory DDR3 RAM includes ECC memory, which compresses extra data byte lanes. DDR4 RAM offers computing capabilities on different platforms like smartphones, tablets, PCs, laptops, etc.
Voltage DDR3 RAM works on 1.50 V voltage DDR3 RAM works on 1.20 V voltage.
Interface DDR3 RAM has a 240-pin interface. DDR4 RAM has a 288-pin interface.
Older Generation Compatibility This type of DDR RAM is backward compatible with older RAM generations. This type of DDR RAM is not backward compatible with the older generation’s RAM.
Overall Demand Decade-old demand for DDR3 RAM is waning. The demand for DDR4 RAM is on a constant rise because of its implementation of emerging technologies.

RELATED ARTICLES

Features of DDR3

From what I have seen, the important features of DDR3 SDRAM include:

  • Data transfer rate: 800 to 1600 MT/s (mega transfers per Second)
  • Operating voltage: 1.8 V
  • Lower signaling standard Reduced power x8 prefetch
  • Dynamic ODT for improved write signaling
  • Fly-by architecture
  • Read/Write Levelling
  • Driver calibration
  • Device reset
  • DIMM address mirroring
  • Improved device pinout

Features of DDR 4

Here are some important features of the DDR4 SDRAM type, from my own experience:

  • Lower signaling standard
  • Reduced power x8 Prefetch
  • Dynamic ODT for improved write signaling
  • Fly-by architecture
  • Read/Write Levelling
  • Driver calibration
  • Device Reset
  • DIMM address mirroring
  • Improved device pinout
  • Data transfer rate: 2133 to 3200 MT/s

Advantages of DDR3

Based on my extensive use, here are the pros of using DDR3.

  • DDR3 transfers data at a higher rate, as much as 6400MBps
  • It enables higher bandwidth or peak data rates.
  • DDR3 uses less power consumption.
  • DDR3 offers better latency compared to DDR2.

Advantages of DDR4

In my work with DDR4, I’ve observed the following benefits:

  • DDR4 offers a higher module density and also consumes very little power.
  • DDR4 is well suited for high-speed games.
  • DDR4 offers greater DIMM capabilities.
  • The data transfer rate is faster when compared with its earlier versions.
  • DDR4 can transfer at higher speeds at very low voltage without any cooling requirements.
  • The latency of DDR4 is better than that of any other DDR version.
  • DDR4 refreshes its content only by self-refresh, so it also consumes less power.

Performance Comparison of DDR3 vs DDR4

Standard Time in Market Internal Rate Bus Clock(MHZ) Perfectch Data rate(MT/s) Tranfer rate(GB/s) Voltage
DDR3 2007 133-200 533-800 8n 1066-1600 8.5-14.9 1.35/1.5
DDR 4 2014 133-200 1066-1600 8n 2133-3200 17-21.3 1.2

How to Choose Between DDR3 and DDR4

In my years of handling various memory types, DDR4 stands out as the better investment for anyone looking to boost their system’s performance and energy management over DDR3.