DDR4 and DDR3 are types of RAM (random access memory) used in computers. DDR4 is the newer generation of DDR RAM, offering improvements over the older DDR3 standard. There are several key differences that make DDR4 superior to DDR3:
Faster Speeds
One of the main advantages of DDR4 over DDR3 is that it can operate at higher frequencies. While DDR3 typically runs at speeds of 800-2133 MT/s, DDR4 can achieve speeds between 2133-4266 MT/s. This results in lower latency and improved data transfer rates.
Higher clock speeds allow DDR4 modules to transfer data much faster than DDR3. This speed boost provides better performance for data-intensive tasks, such as high-resolution video editing, 3D rendering, and gaming.
Higher Density Modules
DDR4 modules can store more data in a smaller space, thanks to greater density. While DDR3 modules are limited to a maximum of 8Gb (gigabit) chips, DDR4 modules can contain up to 16Gb chips. This allows a DDR4 DIMM to offer up to 64GB, compared to just 16GB for an unbuffered DDR3 DIMM.
Higher density modules mean DDR4 systems can pack more RAM capacity into the same amount of space. This is especially useful for smaller systems where space is limited, like laptops.
Improved Power Efficiency
Compared to DDR3, DDR4 operates at lower voltages while delivering the same power. DDR4 only requires 1.2 volts, versus 1.5 volts for DDR3. This drop in voltage makes DDR4 more energy efficient, reducing power consumption and heat output.
Lower power draw is especially beneficial for mobile devices, allowing them to preserve battery life. But it offers advantages for desktop PCs too, running cooler and saving on electricity costs.
Advanced Features
DDR4 introduces several new features that are not available with DDR3 technology:
- Bank grouping – Improves memory performance by allowing each bank group to operate independently.
- Command/address parity – Error checking for better reliability and stability.
- CRC error checking – Better verification of data transfers.
- Temperature reporting – Modules can report temperature data to the memory controller for thermal management.
These advanced capabilities give DDR4 some extra functionality over previous DDR versions. While not necessarily vital, these features provide helpful improvements in certain applications.
Current and Future Proof
Since DDR4 is the newest generation of DDR RAM, it’s better optimized for current system architectures. Intel’s 6th generation Core processors were the first to adopt DDR4. Today, most new processors and motherboards designed in the last 5 years utilize DDR4.
Choosing DDR4 allows your system to achieve maximum compatibility and performance with modern platforms. It also future proofs your system, ensuring support for next-gen CPUs and technology advances down the road.
Meanwhile, DDR3 is now outdated technology that offers limited upgradability. As processors and platforms continue transitioning to DDR4 exclusively, DDR3 will become obsolete.
Summary of DDR4 Advantages
Here is a quick summary of the key advantages DDR4 holds over DDR3:
| DDR4 Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Faster speeds | DDR4 supports higher memory clock speeds, reducing latency. |
| Higher density | DDR4 modules pack more memory capacity into the same space. |
| More energy efficient | DDR4 operates at lower voltages, cutting power needs. |
| Advanced features | DDR4 introduces new enhancements for performance, reliability and thermals. |
| Current & future proof | DDR4 works with the latest processors and will be viable longer than DDR3. |
Real-World Performance Differences
Synthetic benchmarks clearly demonstrate the performance gaps between DDR4 and DDR3. But do these differences translate into noticeable real-world improvements?
For average everyday computing, DDR4’s advantages are less substantial. Simple web browsing, office work, and streaming media don’t tax memory bandwidth enough to reveal significant gains.
However, DDR4 does provide tangible boosts to frame rates in gaming and quicker completion times for workstation tasks involving large datasets. The larger memory capacities available with DDR4 also allow keeping more applications and browser tabs open simultaneously.
For professional creative applications, especially video and photo manipulation, DDR4’s extra bandwidth can shave seconds or even minutes off processing jobs. Similarly, video encoding and rendering tasks see marked improvements with DDR4’s increased throughput.
In essence, for standard home and office needs, DDR4 and DDR3 offer broadly similar experiences. But DDR4 provides bigger performance dividends when stepping up to more demanding computing workflows and multitasking.
When is DDR3 Still a Viable Option?
Despite DDR4’s advantages, DDR3 remains a solid choice for less intensive workloads. Many budget office PCs and basic home laptops continue to ship with DDR3 RAM.
Opting for DDR3 instead of DDR4 can make sense when building a lower-end gaming rig or multimedia PC for casual use. Since DDR3 modules cost noticeably less than DDR4, you can allocate more of your build budget towards the processor or graphics card.
DDR3 also remains a good option for upgrading older systems that don’t support DDR4. Replacing or adding RAM can extend the useful lifespan of previous generation PCs.
However, for any new PC build, especially mid-range and high-end configs intended for gaming or content creation, DDR4 is now the default choice. The price difference between DDR4 and DDR3 has narrowed considerably in recent years too.
Is it Possible to Use DDR3 RAM in a DDR4 System?
Unfortunately, no. DDR3 and DDR4 modules are not interchangeable due to differences in physical design and communication protocols. Plugging DDR3 RAM into a motherboard designed for DDR4 will not work.
While DDR3 and DDR4 sticks look similar, DDR4 has an extra notch cut into the PCB to prevent accidental insertion into incompatible boards. The pins are also arranged differently between the two standards.
Some Skylake Pentium and Celeron processors can utilize special motherboards wired for both DDR3L and DDR4. But this is not common, and performance will suffer from mismatched memory.
Attempting to mix RAM technologies risks damaging components or preventing the system from POSTing. For guaranteed stability and performance, always match the RAM type to your processor and motherboard.
DDR4 vs. DDR3 Price Comparison
Initially after its introduction, DDR4 carried a significant price premium over DDR3 due to limited manufacturing scale and demand. However, as DDR4 adoption grew, economies of scale brought pricing down closer to DDR3 levels.
Here is a current breakdown of DDR4 vs. DDR3 module pricing for home builds:
| RAM Type | Speed | Module Density | Kit Size | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DDR4 | 3200 MHz | 8GB | 2 x 8GB (16GB) | $60 |
| DDR4 | 3600 MHz | 16GB | 2 x 16GB (32GB) | $120 |
| DDR3 | 1600 MHz | 4GB | 1 x 4GB (4GB) | $15 |
| DDR3 | 1866 MHz | 8GB | 2 x 4GB (8GB) | $30 |
As the table shows, DDR3 remains cheaper for basic system configs. But with 16GB now considered the standard for new gaming builds and power rigs, DDR4 delivers better value at higher capacities.
The cost differential between DDR4 and DDR3 is minor enough that opting for DDR4 usually makes more sense, even on budget builds. Its advantages outweigh the small premium over entry-level DDR3 kits.
Conclusion
DDR4 memory delivers noticeable gains over DDR3 in terms of bandwidth, efficiency, capacity, and features. While DDR3 still powers plenty of entry-level systems, DDR4 is now the standard for new PC builds.
With its higher frequencies, increased density, lower power draw, and advanced capabilities, DDR4 simply outperforms DDR3 overall. DDR4 also offers more future-proofing to maximize the lifespan of your system.
For the majority of new PC builds, especially mid-range and high-end configs intended for gaming, content creation or data-heavy workflows, DDR4 is now the sensible choice. While DDR3 remains adequate for very basic needs, opting for DDR4 ensures your rig won’t be hobbled by outdated memory.