What you need to know about DDR4 memory

[Brink]

Most computer technologies only last a short time before they are replaced by something new, but DDR RAM is one of the few that tends to last a while before being replaced. The original DDR SDRAM was launched in 2000 and lasted three years before being replaced in 2003 by DDR2 SDRAM.

DDR2 lasted another four years before being replaced in 2007 with DDR3 SDRAM. Since then, it has been seven years without a new revision of DDR RAM, but DDR4 has finally been launched to replace DDR3 SDRAM.

What's new in DDR4?

From a physical standpoint, DDR4 is the same width as DDR3, but is slightly taller by about .9mm. The main physical difference between DDR3 and DDR4 is that DDR4 uses 288 pins compared to the 240 pins on DDR3 and the key is in a different location.

In addition, the pins on DDR4 are not in a straight line but slightly curved with the middle sticking out further than the pins on the end.

Though there are ton of changes, the four major improvements of DDR4 SDRAM can be summed up in lower operating voltage, increased power saving enhancements, increased frequency, and improved chip density.

Read more...

 

[andrew129260]

very nice info thanks!

 

[linnemeyerhere]

Likewise very good to know !

 

[matts6887]

good info! thanks!: I guess that means if i ever want to upgrade to ddr4 ram once its widely available; then i will have to get a up to date motherboard in which i will have to start saving $.

 

[whs]

Looks like there is no need to hasten into DDR4. Wait until all the ads will portrait DDR4 as the best thing since slliced bread, LOL. It is ideally suited for a fast rip-off.

 

[senseless1707]

Great info, food for thought on the next step in hardware!

 

[Layback Bear]

The article keep stating that DDR-4 ram will run cooler which makes sense. It uses less voltage.
How many of you folks are having ram overheating problems?

A few years back I ran ram coolers, because it was the cool thing to do.
Waste of money because with proper case cooling the ram does not run hot even at 1.65 V.

Being able to run 16 gig sticks might be very useful for skinny little tablets and the like. I really don't know why one would need all that ram on toys.

When considering the price one has to figure in a new motherboard and cpu.
I don't have a year on my last build. I think I will wait for the rush to be over for the DDR-4. Then think about it.

 

[Brink]

Usually overheating only becomes an issue if you overclock the RAM, but proper cooling helps to prevent it as long as you don't go to crazy with overclocking.

 

[DreadStarX]

I'm going to rock DDR4, just so I can have options later on. I'd rather just have to upgrade my Mobo, and not my RAM or CPU, etc..

Plus, the board I'm looking at running, is DDR4. I'll see how things play out over the next few months.

 

[smarteyeball]

How many of you folks are having ram overheating problems?

Never.

Even back in the 775 and 1366 days, I used to overvolt, crank my non heatsink RAM and never had an overheating issue.

Even my current DDR3 2666mhz ram @ 1.65v, with one module running without a heatsink due to cooler height causes no issue.

Less power is nice, but the only grabbing feature would be running at 3200mhz, or even the 3400mhz modules apparently on the way.

 

[DreadStarX]

How many of you folks are having ram overheating problems?

Never.

Even back in the 775 and 1366 days, I used to overvolt, crank my non heatsink RAM and never had an overheating issue.

Even my current DDR3 2666mhz ram @ 1.65v, with one module running without a heatsink due to cooler height causes no issue.

Less power is nice, but the only grabbing feature would be running at 3200mhz, or even the 3400mhz modules apparently on the way.

You'd love my new system then. Working on a custom water cooling for my rig. CPU, RAM, and GFX Cards will be cooled. But nice stats with your RAM, I don't OC atm due to the inability to purchase new hardware on the fly. Bills blow