DDR3 vs DDR4 SDRAM Memory
If you’re building a new PC or upgrading an existing one, one of the most important considerations you’ll have to make is which type of memory you should use. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the differences between DDR3 and DDR4 SDRAM memory, and hopefully help you make an informed decision.
Performance
DDR3 and DDR4 are both SDRAM (synchronous dynamic random access memory) types that are used in modern computers. DDR3 was first introduced in 2007 while DDR4 came out in 2014. DDR4 memory has a higher clock speed than DDR3, which means that it can transfer more data per second. This extra speed translates into better performance, particularly when it comes to demanding applications like video editing, gaming, and 3D rendering.
To give you an idea of how much of a performance boost you can expect from DDR4, let's look at some numbers. A standard DDR3 module has a speed of 1600MHz, while DDR4 can reach up to 3200MHz. This means that DDR4 can theoretically be twice as fast as DDR3. However, real-world tests show that the performance boost is usually around 10-15%, which is still significant.
Power consumption
Another advantage of DDR4 memory is that it consumes less power than DDR3. This is due to the fact that DDR4 operates at a lower voltage (1.2 volts) compared to DDR3 (1.5 volts). While the power savings may not be massive, it can add up over time and reduce your electricity bill.
Price
One of the biggest considerations when upgrading memory is the cost. DDR4 is generally more expensive than DDR3, although prices have come down in recent years. Depending on where you live and where you buy your memory, you can expect to pay around 30-50% more for DDR4 than DDR3.
Conclusion
So, which type of memory should you choose? If you’re building a new PC or upgrading from an older machine, we would recommend going for DDR4. It offers better performance and power efficiency, which can be particularly helpful if you’re running demanding applications. However, if you need to upgrade an existing system that uses DDR3 memory, it might not be worth the additional cost to switch to DDR4.
Whatever you choose, make sure to check your computer’s manual to see which type of memory is compatible before you make a purchase. And, as always, shop around to find the best deals.