DDR SDRAM can be considered one of the driving factors behind the increase of computing speed. The memory essentially doubled the speed potential of the older SDR SDRAM by use of a process known as “double pumping”. DDR has become enough of an industry standard that it has no true competitor, save its own later iterations. The memory market of today has seen a growth from DDR SDRAM to DDR2 and DDR3. The main difference between the types of memory is one of underlying speed, with different models allowing for speedier computation. Most computer users will wrongly assume that the newer iterations of DDR are always better, but the truth of the matter is far more interesting.
DDR vs. DDR2
One might think that DDR2 is innately superior to DDR, but this is a common misconception. The real performance issues are largely a matter of clock rate performance. DDR2 that operates at the same data bus clock rate as DDR SDRAM will actually experience inferior performance, as latency will be driven up. For this reason, DDR2 is most effective when its clock runs at double the speed of DDR SDRAM, allowing the DDR2 to cut the latency in half.
In layman’s terms, this means that not all DDR2 SDRAM is actually a better choice than DDR. It takes the right kind of product functioning at the right kind of speed to make a real difference. Well-made, well-configured DDR2 will always be superior to its DDR counterpart, but it is important to pay attention to the models available and the underlying speed issues.
It might be simpler to look at data transfer rates to learn the difference between DDR and DDR2. The rather higher-end PC-3200 module of DDR is able to transfer data at a rate of 3200MB per second, while the lower-end PC2-3200 module of DDR2 can accomplish the same task. One can see the difference, though, in the latency numbers. PC-3200 simply runs with lower latency than PC2-3200, often making it a better choice. At the same time, though, difference become more apparent as DDR2 becomes more sophisticated. PC2-8500 actually tops out with a transfer rate of over 8,533MB per second, with a latency time of even less than the PC2-3200. In terms of speed, then, it is the higher-quality DDR2 SDRAM that really takes the performance edge, while lower-performing DDR2 simply has no way to compete with the far more effective DDR SDRAM.
If you are looking to build a computer, it is always wise to consider y the impact of SDRAM. You should make sure that you take the time to remember the differences between the different types of DDR memory and that the newer memory types are not always going to be the best. Memory is one of the few areas of computer building in which it is generally better to go after the higher-end products, with pieces like the PC2-8500 or even the newer PC3-10600 providing better access speed than their forebears do. If you need to upgrade from your old PC-800 or merely want to take a look at the future of computing, learning a bit about the DDR memory is a good place to start.