How does this translate to real-world performance? As Anandtech found in some comprehensive benchmarks comparing DDR3 and DDR4, neither was a clear performance leader. The difference between DDR3-2133 and DDR4-2133 was negligible in a number of applications, ranging from Handbrake video conversion to half a dozen different games. DDR3 was slightly faster about half the time, and typically only a few percentage points separated the two memory types.

DDR4 is the fourth generation of DDR RAM to be introduced on the market. It has a larger capacity than its predecessors, the DDR, DDR2, and DDR3. DDR3, DDR4, and DDR5 are power efficient, with each cutting down the power uptake of its predecessor by about 50%. This means that with each subsequent version, your machine uses less energy to power it. Although they are rare, you can get motherboards that can accommodate DDR3 and DDR2 simultaneously. This would be a perfect way of boosting the memory of your computer without incurring huge costs.DDR3 memory chips come in different specs depending on their speed. DDR3-800 indicates that it has an 800 million per second bandwidth at 6400 MBps. This is the lowest speed DDR3, and the highest in the DRR3-12800, with 1600 million per second bandwidth at 12800 MBps. What is DDR4? One other thing that DDR3 and DDR4 have in common is the heat distribution capacity. Proper management and distribution of electrical heat bring down the risk of your computer overheating or overworking its fan. Advantages of DDR3 Like the DDR3, DDR4 is offered with a range of specs. The DDR4-2400 is the smallest, while the DDR4-4400 has the highest speed and bandwidth. However, this chip has the same latency as DDR3 and DDR4. Also, it is not compatible with most RAM chips, though computer manufacturers are starting to develop components that can accommodate DDR5. With the improvements on the DDR4 comes an increase in its price. However, this is made up for by the high performance and versatility that the changes have introduced, much to the joy of heavy computer users. This makes it one of the most sought after memory chips in the market today.

We understand that you are not necessarily a tech guru, but you still need to understand the right RAM chip for your device, the options available on the market, and how they affect the efficiency of your device. Let's answer some common relevant questions for your deeper understanding in this section. Is 8GB DDR4 Better Than 16GB DDR3? Due to these differences in the hardware and appearance of these chips, they are not compatible. You cannot fit a DDR4 chip in a slot made for a DDR3 chip. The two have different key notches, the number of pins, and the size of pins. Data Transfer Rate Both have a data capacity range, so it is possible to get a DDR3 with a higher capacity than the base DDR4 model –but in general, DDR4 has a higher capacity than DDR3. The range for DDR4 is 2GB-128GB. DDR3 has a capacity range of 512MB-32GB. Similarities Between DDR3 and DDR4The 288-pin interface makes this chip highly efficient. The pins are arranged in a way that makes it easy for you to fix the chip on your machine. Also, you cannot mistakenly fix it on an incompatible slot as they are shaped differently not to fit on any other slot other than a DDR4 slot. Power Consumption DDR4 is a good choice if you require large data storage capacity. With a high capacity of 128GB, you will eliminate the need for upgrading your memory size shortly. This is one of the reasons why the chip is gaining popularity with modern computer makers. It can accommodate the large files used in popular communication, gaming, and entertainment applications.

Having seen the distinctive characteristics of the DDR3 and DDR4, let's make a direct comparison. Differences Between DDR3 and DDR4 Upgrading to this RAM chip from previous generations will dramatically increase memory speed and provide power-saving enhancements. While a DDR3 module uses 1.5V, DDR2 and DDR use 1.8V and 2.5V respectively, so upgrading to DDR3 will significantly lower your power consumption. DDR4 is measurably faster than DDR3. It ranges from 1060-2133MHz while the slower DDR3 ranges from 800-1060MHz. This is a significant difference, making DDR4 famous with heavy users as their bulky files are processed efficiently and at faster speeds. For instance, DDR4-3200, the latest release for industrial users, has a higher transfer rate, at 70% faster data transfer than the latest DDR3-1866. Can I Use DDR4 Instead of DDR3? The DDR3 uses about 30% less power and is two-times faster than its predecessor, the DDR2. The DDR2 has a RAM speed of 3200 megabytes per second (MBps) while DDR3 can achieve 6400 MBps. Essentially, if you have a computer with a DDR3, it will process files twice as fast as a DDR2 equipped machine.Estimated delivery times are provided to us by the respective delivery companies. We pass this information onto you, the customer. If you are not a heavy user, and you do not frequently need extra-large data storage capacity, a DDR3 will serve you well. It is excellent value for the money. Despite being significantly cheaper, it delivers latency almost equal to DDR4. There are DDR3 RAM chips with varying capacities on the market. You can choose DDR3-800 if you don't work with large files. And if you need more space but aren't ready to upgrade your motherboard, you can upgrade to a higher capacity DDR3 chip such as DDR3-1600. There are potentially other differences as well. It's possible to get larger DDR3 memory modules, but many won't work in standard desktop motherboards. The Core i7-4770K officially lists 32GB as the maximum supported RAM, while i7-6700K doubles that to 64GB. Core i7-8700K meanwhile doubles again to 128GB, helped in large part by the availability of higher capacity DIMMs. The hardware of these chips also differs. The DDR3 has 240 pins, while the DDR4 has 288 pins. The pins on the DDR4 are arranged in a way that they tend to converge at the middle, and they are also elongated at the middle. This is unlike DDR3, which has uniformly distributed pins that are similar in size. Compatibility