DDR Memory

SDRAM is synchronous, and therefore relies on a clock to synchronize signals, creating predictable orderly cycles of data fetches and writes. However, SDRAM transfers data on one edge of the clock. DDR SDRAM means that this type of SDRAM fetches data on both the leading edge and the falling edge of the clock signal that regulates it, thus the name “Double Data Rate.” Prior to DDR, RAM would fetch data only once per clock cycle. Synchronous data lends itself to faster operation when coordinating memory fetches with the processor’s requirements.


Many people refer to a processor’s RAM as simply “DDR”, using the terms interchangeably because DDR is so widely used as CPU RAM and has been since the late 1990s. DDR is not flash memory like the kind that is used for Solid State Drives (SSDs), Secure Digital (SD) cards, or Universal Serial Bus (USB) drives. DDR memory is volatile, which means that it loses everything once power is removed.

DDR1 Vs DDR2 Vs DDR3 Vs DDR4:

DDR1 RAM

Launched in 2000, it did not start to be used until almost 2002. It operated at 2.5V and 2.6V, and its maximum density was 128 Mb (so there were no modules with more than 1 GB) with a speed of 266 MT/s (100-200 MHz).


DDR2 RAM

Released around 2004, it ran at 1.8 volts, 28% less than DDR1. Its maximum density was doubled to 256 Mb (2 GB per module). Logically, the maximum speed also multiplied, reaching 533 MHz.


DDR3 RAM

This release occurred in 2007, and XMP profiles were implemented here. To begin with, the memory modules operated at 1.5V and 1.65V, with base speeds of 1066 MHz, and the density reached up to 8 GB’s per module.

• (XMP or Extreme Memory Profiles, is an Intel technology that allows you to change multiple memory settings by simply selecting a different profile, taking advantage of higher than standard memory speeds)


DDR4 RAM

This did not arrive until 2014, but today it is the most widespread. The voltage is reduced to 1.05 and 1.2V, although many modules operate at 1.35V. The speed has been notably increased, and each time faster memories are released from the factory, but its base began at 2133 MHz. Currently, there are already 32 GB modules, but this is also being expanded little by little.


Standard

Operating Voltage

Associated RAM Clock Rates

DDR SDRAM (2000)

DDR2 SDRAM  (2003)

DDR3 SDRAM  (2007)

DDR4 SDRAM  (2014)

2.6 V, 2.5 V

1.8 V, 1.55 V

1.5 V, 1.35 V

1.2 V

100 – 200 MHz

200 – 400 MHz

400 MHz – 1066 MHz

1066 – 1600 MHz

Physical Differences

Although these four types of memory are DIMM formatted and can look very similar in appearance (in fact, they are all 133.35mm long). There are fundamental physical differences whereby you cannot plug a DDR1 RAM module into a DDR2 socket.


All modules have an opening in the area of the contacts that will prevent them from being connected to the sockets of another generation.


Finally, it should be noted that in each generation, the number of contact pins has changed as follows:

  • DDR1: 184-pin (DIMM), 200-pin (SO-DIMM), and 172-pin (micro DIMM).

  • DDR2: 240-pin (DIMM), 200-pin (SO-DIMM), and 214-pin (micro DIMM).

  • DDR3: 240 pins (DIMM), 204 pins (SO-DIMM), and 214 pins (micro DIMM).

  • DDR4: 288-pin (DIMM), 256-pin (SO-DIMM). DDR4 micro DIMMs no longer exist.

RAM Differences in Performance

The largest difference from generation to generation of RAM has been the performance. As technology has advanced and improved, we have generally seen doubling for each release.


DDR5 SDRAM is the next standard proposed to double the speed of DDR4 SDRAM. According to the JEDEC Solid State Technology Association, the standard-bearer for DDR SDRAM, “The JEDEC DDR5 standard is currently in development in JEDEC’s JC-42 Committee for Solid State Memories. JEDEC DDR5 will offer improved performance with greater power efficiency as compared to previous generation DRAM technologies. As planned, DDR5 will provide double the bandwidth and density over DDR4, along with delivering improved channel efficiency.”