DDR3 vs DDR4: Must Know Differences

Lawrence WilliamsByLawrence Williams Hours Updated

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 or temporary Memory or 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 used widely 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.

KEY DIFFERENCES:

  • DDR4 consumes less power and faster in comparison with DDR3
  • 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.

Features of DDR3

Following are the important features of DDR3 SDRAM:

  • 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 important features of DDR4 SDRAM type:

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

DDR3 vs. DDR4 RAM

Here are the difference between DDR3 and DDR4 RAM:

DDR3 DDR4
DDR3 RAM stands for Double Data Rate version 3. DDR4 RAM stands for Double Data Rate version 4.
DDR3 RAM was introduced in 2007. DDR4 was reading released in 2014.
The cost of DDR3 is lesser than DDR4. DDR4 cost is higher or more than DDR3.
DDR3 consumes less power than DDR2 but more than DDR4. DDR4 consumes less power than DDR3.
The speed of DDR3 is slow in comparison to DDR4. DDR4 speed is faster than DDR3.
DDR3 maximum memory size is 16 GB. DDR4 has no maximum limit or capability.
The clock speed of DDR3 varies from 400 MHz to 1066 MHz. The clock speed of DDR4 varied from 1066 to 2133 MHz.
DDR3 has lower latency than DDR4. DDR4 has more latency than DDR3.
DDR3 has lower latency DDR4 has more latency than DDR3
Auto-refresh and self-refresh are performed for content. Only self-refresh is performed for a content.
DDR3 RAM includes ECC memory, which compresses extra data byte lanes. DDR4 RAM offers computing capabilities on different platforms like smartphones, tablets, PC, laptops, etc.
DDR3 RAM works on 1.50 V voltage DDR3 RAM works on 1.20 V voltage.
DDR3 RAM has a 240-pin interface. DDR4 RAM has a 288-pin interface.
This type of DDR RAM is backward compatible with the older RAM generations. This type of DDR RAM is not backward compatible with the older generation’s RAM.
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.

Advantages of DDR3

Here are pros/benefits 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 batter latency compares with DDR2.

Advantages of DDR4

Here are pros/benefits of DDR4:

  • DDR4 offers higher module density and also consumes very less power.
  • DDR4 is well suited for high-speed games.
  • DDR4 offers greater DIMM capabilities.
  • The data rate transfer 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 any other DDR versions.
  • DDR4 refreshes its content only by self-refresh, so it also consumes less power.

Performance Comparison of RAM Types

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

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