One of the most important details is the RAM generation itself. RAMs of the DDR type, which are the most common at present, range from the first generation DDR to DDR4, in addition to the presence of LPDDR3 RAMs. This might confuse some users about the differences between these generations, so in this article, we will shed light on the basic differences between DDR3, LPDDR3, and DDR4 RAMs as they are the most common RAMs at present compared to previous generations.
What is DDR Technology?
As we mentioned in previous topics, DDR technology stands for “Double Data Rate,” where RAM modules prior to this technology only transferred data on the positive side of the RAM edges or “Rising Edges.” This is known as SDR or “Single Data Rate.” On the contrary, DDR technology transfers data on both sides of the RAM edges, both the negative and positive sides (upper and lower edges). This allows DDR RAM to transfer double the amount of data that SDR RAM can transfer, as long as both RAM modules have the same transfer rate or frequency, with less power consumption than DDR RAM.
Subsequently, different generations of DDR RAM were introduced, differing in two main aspects: the maximum frequency or speed of the RAM and the power consumption, which is reduced from one generation to the next. Additionally, the design and shape of the RAM differ with each generation to distinguish each generation from the others. The versions started with the first version, simply named DDR, and successive versions led to the fourth generation DDR4, with the fifth generation DDR5 expected to arrive this year.
So, what are the differences between DDR3, LPDDR3, and DDR4 RAMs?
First: DDR3 RAMs
As mentioned in the introduction, this is the third generation of DDR-supporting SDRAM, distinguished by a notch that separates one-third of the RAM’s size from the other two-thirds. DDR3 RAM supports an 8-bit data transfer rate within the RAM. Thanks to DDR technology, DDR3 RAM is available at speeds ranging from 800MHz to 2133MHz. Therefore, DDR3 RAM can transfer data ranging from 6400 to 17066 megabytes per second at maximum speed.
In terms of power, DDR3 RAM requires energy ranging from 1.35 to 1.5 volts, which is lower than the second generation’s rate that required about 1.8 volts. There are two versions of DDR3 RAM: DIMM for desktop computers with around 240 pins, and SODIMM for laptops with 204 pins.
Second: LPDDR3 RAMs
LPDDR3 RAMs are also from the DDR3 generation, but they are designed to consume less power. The acronym “LP” stands for “Low-Power,” primarily targeted at mobile devices, specifically laptops and smartphones that do not rely on a continuous power source. They are also known as MDDR or “Mobile DDR.”
LPDDR3 RAMs started to become popular in 2013 when they appeared in devices like the iPhone 5S, iPhone 6, and Samsung Galaxy 4, as well as in Apple’s MacBook Air in the same year. LPDDR3 RAMs are available in capacities ranging from 1 gigabyte to a maximum of 32 gigabytes.
LPDDR3 RAMs require about 1.2 volts, support a frequency of 800MHz, a data transfer rate of 1600MT/s, up to 2133 megabytes per second, allowing them to transfer approximately 12800 megabytes per second. There are LP versions of DDR3 RAMs as well, including LPDDR and LPDDR2, and LPDDR4 for other generations of laptops.
Third: DDR4 RAMs
DDR4 RAMs are the fourth generation of DDR technology. Like DDR3, there are two versions of DDR4 RAM: a DIMM version for desktop computers with around 288 pins, and a SODIMM version for laptops with 260 pins. In terms of power consumption, DDR4 RAMs require 1.2 volts, which is lower than all previous generations.
Can you use one generation of RAM in place of another?
No, for desktop or laptop computers, the motherboard primarily controls the RAM generation. Therefore, if you change DDR3 RAM, you must replace it with another DDR3 RAM, even if it has a different frequency, as long as it does not exceed the supported speed by the processor and motherboard.
Although DDR4 RAM is the latest, motherboards that support DDR4 RAM do not support any of the previous generations. This is due to the difference in data transfer rates, as well as the difference in the shape and design of the RAM, which would make it incompatible with the RAM slot.
How to determine the generation of RAM in your devices?
For desktop computers, you can refer to this guide to find out all the details about your computer, or obtain the model of the motherboard and search for its specifications, including the supported RAM and its speed and generation. For mobile phones, you can search using the name and model number of the phone on any search engine to get all the information about your phone, including RAM specifications.
