what is the difference between DDR3 RAM and DDR2 RAM?
Hello and Good Afternoon Everyone,
Recently, I purchased an Acer Aspire 17.3" laptop with a fairly impressive hardware makeup. With respect to the hardware makeup, I did notice the 6GB of RAM to be referred to as DDR3 RAM which brings me to the point of my question. What is the difference between DDR3 RAM and DDR2 RAM? From a previously closed post, I think I understand that DDR2 RAM reads and writes data 2 times at each cycle of activity. I am still unclear with respect to exactly what that means though. Perhaps the DDR3 RAM is a newer generation of RAM as compared to DDR2 RAM, thus, making it faster because of having greater databandwidth. I assume DDR3 RAM uses a larger bus on the board for data transport too as compared to DDR2 RAM. Of course, all of these personal conclusions are based on speculation or guess work at best. With that in mind, if someone could reflect upon this question and share some insights to it, I will greatly appreciate it.
In the meantime, I will look forward to reviewing everyones feedback.
Thank you
George
Recently, I purchased an Acer Aspire 17.3" laptop with a fairly impressive hardware makeup. With respect to the hardware makeup, I did notice the 6GB of RAM to be referred to as DDR3 RAM which brings me to the point of my question. What is the difference between DDR3 RAM and DDR2 RAM? From a previously closed post, I think I understand that DDR2 RAM reads and writes data 2 times at each cycle of activity. I am still unclear with respect to exactly what that means though. Perhaps the DDR3 RAM is a newer generation of RAM as compared to DDR2 RAM, thus, making it faster because of having greater databandwidth. I assume DDR3 RAM uses a larger bus on the board for data transport too as compared to DDR2 RAM. Of course, all of these personal conclusions are based on speculation or guess work at best. With that in mind, if someone could reflect upon this question and share some insights to it, I will greatly appreciate it.
In the meantime, I will look forward to reviewing everyones feedback.
Thank you
George
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
SOLUTION
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
SOLUTION
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
SOLUTION
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
ASKER
Thanks so much for giving a technical breakdown of the differences between DDR3 and DDR2 RAM. All points brought up did make sense and certainly explains why DDR3 RAM is more appealing on the current market especially when one looks at current systems rather they be desktops or laptops. While I certainly appreciate the informative feedback given in addtion to the correction made on some of my assumptions, I especially thank Gary Case for giving brief comments about DDR4 RAM. As I have noticed from all of Gary's past feedback given to many of my questions, he never fails to provide a simple breakdown to tough and complicated topics by tying one thing into another. For example, I thought it was a good touch when he brought up the point that DDR RAM has already been used on video cards and has been for some time. Each and everytime this approach to feedback is taken, I get a wider view or perspective of the answers given. In other words, it allows an escape from what I commonly refer to as "tunnel vision". Whether it be a technical topic such as the one posted or a common, day to day personal matter, I believe it is always a good idea to see the whole picture of things. While I certainly can not speak for every user of EE, I must say this is one lesson this forum has and continues to teach me.
Have a great night everyone. As always, thank you so much for broadening my thinking on this and other matters. Your influence is always noticed and appreciated.
Thank you
George