If you’re building a new PC or upgrading RAM in a relatively recent system, you’ll probably be dealing with the current standard of DDR4 SDRAM. DDR4 features faster data transfer rates, larger capacities, and lower voltages than the previous generation.

DDR4 stands for “Double Data Rate 4,” and is the fourth generation of DDR technology, which replaced SDR (Single Data Rate) SDRAM. SDRAM has improved over time, offering benefits like lower power consumption, faster transfer rates, and more stable data transmission.ĭDR4 SDRAM is the current standard for modern-day computers. “Synchronous” DRAM is synchronized with the frequency of the processor. They’re not interchangeable, and you can’t replace (for example) 8GB of DDR3 with 16GB of DDR4.Ĭomputers use a type of RAM called SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory). DDR4 shouldn’t be confused with DDR3, the previous generation of SDRAM. Motherboards in modern computers support DDR4 RAM. RAM that’s incompatible with your system either won’t fit, or won’t function properly.

RAM comes in sticks, or memory modules, that snap into the memory slots on the motherboard. The wrong type of modules simply won’t work, while RAM with the wrong specs for your PC can underperform. Before you start thinking about RAM capacity and frequency, you should ensure RAM is compatible with your motherboard and processor.

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